Isla Bennett
There are many ways to boost nail health and make nails grow as fast as possible while painted. Firstly, it is important to understand how nails grow. The hard part of the nail is called the nail plate, which is made of a protein called keratin. The nail bed, the tissue underneath the nail, is where nail growth begins. If the nail bed is healthy, nails can grow longer and stronger. To maintain healthy nail beds, it is recommended to keep nails clean and dry, trim them regularly, and moisturize them. In addition, taking a biotin supplement can strengthen nails and make them less prone to breakage. While painted nails can be aesthetically pleasing, it is important to use non-toxic nail polishes and avoid harsh removal methods, as these can weaken nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | A well-balanced diet with foods high in vitamin B7 |
| Supplements | Biotin |
| Nail Care | Keep nails dry and clean, trim straight across and file into a soft curve, moisturize with lotion, use nail hardeners, avoid harsh household cleaners |
| Nail Polish | Use non-toxic nail polishes, apply a base coat, avoid applying too much polish in the first coat, apply a clear top coat |
| Cuticles | Soak nails in warm water, push back cuticles, moisturize cuticles with cuticle oil |
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What You'll Learn
Take a biotin supplement
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that supports your body's metabolism by helping to convert food into energy. It also helps to keep your skin, nails, and hair healthy. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming biotin through supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can help strengthen nails. Some scientists say that a dose of 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily can improve nail strength in just a few weeks. However, it's important to note that most people get adequate biotin through a healthy diet, and there is no proven link between biotin supplements and improved nail growth.
Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, including eggs, salmon, carrots, sweet potatoes, and nuts. Adult daily multivitamins and prenatal vitamins typically contain 100% of the recommended daily value of biotin.
If you're considering taking a biotin supplement, it's important to speak to your healthcare provider first. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage and any potential side effects. Additionally, maintaining healthy nails involves keeping them dry and clean, using sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim them, and moisturizing your hands and nails regularly.
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Moisturise hands and nails
Moisturising your hands and nails is an important step in achieving healthy nails. When the skin surrounding the nail bed or nail matrix is dry, it can damage the nails as they grow. Therefore, it is essential to keep your hands and nails moisturised, especially during the winter months.
You can use a lotion or a highly moisturising eczema-friendly cream if you have eczema. Make sure to rub it into your fingernails, especially at the base where the cuticles are located. This will help prevent your nails from drying out and becoming brittle, which can lead to breakage.
It is also a good idea to wear gloves when washing dishes, clothes, and surfaces. This will help protect your nails from prolonged exposure to water and cleaning products, which can weaken them. Always dry your nails thoroughly after swimming or showering, as water can make your nails soft and brittle.
In addition to moisturising, maintaining a well-balanced diet is crucial for healthy nail growth. Include lean sources of protein, an adequate amount of carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of healthy fats in your diet. Nails, like the rest of the body, need a varied and nutritious diet for optimal growth and strength.
While moisturising and a healthy diet are essential, it is also worth noting that there is no scientifically proven method to make nails grow faster. However, by taking good care of your body and nails, you can help them grow strong and healthy over time.
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Use non-toxic nail polishes
Non-toxic nail polishes are free of harmful chemicals that can be dangerous to your health. These polishes are often labelled as "3-free", "5-free", "7-free", "10-free", or even "15-free", indicating the number of toxic ingredients they are formulated without. While there may be no such thing as a completely 100% non-toxic nail polish, these polishes are better alternatives to traditional nail lacquers.
The most common toxic ingredients that are left out of non-toxic nail polishes are formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling and flammable chemical used to preserve organisms, and it is highly irritating and carcinogenic. Toluene is a common solvent that can harm the central nervous system, causing dizziness, headaches, anxiety, and reproductive harm. DBP is used to create long-wear formulas and is found in various products, including glue, paint, and nail polish. It can adversely affect reproduction, development, and the environment.
Some non-toxic nail polishes go beyond being "3-free" and exclude additional harmful ingredients. For example, some polishes are "5-free", leaving out camphor and formaldehyde resin on top of the "3-free" formula. Camphor can be toxic to the nervous system and cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and skin irritation. "7-free" polishes also exclude ethyl tosylamide and xylene, which can have similar adverse effects on the nervous system.
When choosing a non-toxic nail polish, it is important to read the labels carefully. Terms like "clean", "non-toxic", or "free of harmful ingredients" are not regulated, so it is essential to look for specific ingredients that are excluded. Some reputable brands that offer non-toxic nail polishes include Ella+Milla, Pacifica, Sundays, Essie, Ten Over Ten, and CND. These brands provide a range of colours and finishes while prioritising nail health.
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Push back your cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles can make your nails appear longer and allow nail products to bond more easily with your nails' surface. However, it is important to note that cuticles act as a protective layer around the nail bed, preventing bacteria from entering as nails grow out. Therefore, it is highly discouraged to touch them at all.
If you choose to push back your cuticles, it is important to do so with care to avoid painful tearing or damaging your nails. Firstly, remove any existing nail polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover and a cotton ball. Soak your nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften the cuticles, making them easier to push back. You can also add jojoba or coconut oil to the water for extra moisture. After soaking, apply a drop of cuticle-removing gel to your cuticles and let it sit for 15-30 seconds or follow the product instructions. Then, gently push back the overgrown skin around the nail with a cuticle stick, cuticle pusher, or bamboo stick at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to push back gently, as pushing too vigorously can be painful and cause damage.
To keep your cuticles healthy, it is important to moisturize them regularly. You can use any skin moisturizer, ointments, or creams. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is also recommended as an inexpensive way to care for the cuticles. Additionally, you can use nail-specific oils and moisturizers, such as avocado oil or cuticle oil, to promote healthy cuticles and nail growth.
While it is possible to cut your cuticles, it is not recommended as it can leave you vulnerable to dangerous and painful infections. Cutting your cuticles can also cause them to harden and become more likely to fracture or split. Instead, stick to gently pushing back your cuticles no more than once a week to maintain healthy nails and cuticles.
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Apply a base coat
Applying a base coat is an important step in achieving a long-lasting manicure. It acts as a protective layer that shields your nails from the strong chemicals in nail polish, which can cause drying and discolouration. A base coat also increases the durability of your manicure by improving the adhesion of the nail polish, preventing chipping and peeling.
To apply a base coat effectively, start by preparing your nails. Push back your cuticles, which are the small pieces of skin at the bottom of each nail, using a cuticle pusher after soaking your nails in warm water for a minute or two. This will ensure a neat and tidy nail polish application.
Next, apply a thin layer of the base coat with three strokes: one down the middle of your nail and two on either side. Be careful not to overload the brush with too much product. Don't forget to paint the free edge or tip of your nail, sealing in the product and further preventing chipping.
If you're using a regular nail polish basecoat, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. In contrast, a gel polish basecoat only requires 30-60 seconds to dry, and you'll need an LED or UV lamp to cure it. It's important not to over-cure your nails under the lamp, as this will reduce the adhesive strength and flexibility of the base coat, making it harder to remove later.
By taking the time to apply a base coat properly, you're not only protecting your nails but also ensuring that your manicure will last longer and look better.
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Frequently asked questions
Painted nails will not grow any faster than unpainted nails. However, you can take a biotin supplement to strengthen your nails and help prevent breakage.
Biotin is a type of B vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy. It can be found naturally in many foods and taken as a supplement. A dose of 2.5 milligrams of biotin per day can improve nail strength in a few weeks.
Keeping your nails painted with a protective layer of nail polish can help prevent breakage and give your nails a chance to grow. You can also try to keep your nails moisturized with lotion or cuticle oil.
No specific nail polish, such as gel or powder, can improve nail health. In fact, some products that require harsh methods for removal may have adverse effects on nail health. It is recommended to use nail polishes with little to no toxic chemicals.
