Isla Bennett
There are many factors that influence how fast your fingernails grow, including age, gender, and season. While you can't magically make your nails grow faster, taking good care of them can help them grow stronger and longer. This involves maintaining good nail hygiene, such as moisturising your hands and nails, avoiding nail biting, and ensuring you have a well-balanced diet. Certain vitamins and supplements, such as biotin, can also support nail growth by improving nail smoothness and thickness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate | 3.47 mm per month |
| Factors affecting growth rate | Age, time of year, which hand/finger the nail is on, trauma, circulation, diet, and medical conditions |
| Ways to improve growth | Moisturizing hands and nails, avoiding nail biting and cutting nails too short, taking supplements (e.g. biotin), eating a well-balanced diet, gentle massage, good nail hygiene, and manicures |
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What You'll Learn
Take vitamins and supplements
While taking care of your nails is important for their health, certain vitamins and supplements can also help support their growth.
Biotin, a type of B vitamin, has been shown to increase nail thickness by about 25% in patients with brittle nails. It can also improve nail smoothness and reduce nail splitting, ultimately supporting faster growth. Biotin-rich foods include liver, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. However, biotin deficiency is rare, and consuming it through supplements may only be beneficial if you are deficient.
Other vitamins and minerals that can contribute to nail growth include vitamin B12, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, collagen, and zinc. A diet low in these nutrients can lead to short, dehydrated, and broken nails. For example, iron deficiencies are a common cause of brittle nails, and a deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in discoloured nails.
It is important to note that supplements are not regulated in the same way as drugs or medications, and their effectiveness may vary between individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on improving your diet first by consuming whole foods that provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. If you believe you may be deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral, consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
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Moisturise your hands and nails
Moisturising your hands and nails is an essential step in achieving faster-growing nails.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right products. Hand creams can be just as beneficial as face creams, offering quick-absorbing, non-greasy formulations. Dermatologists recommend using products that contain urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid to prevent nail cracking. For men, special hand creams are available that are richer and fragrance-free to cater to thicker, hairier, and oilier skin.
Applying a moisturising lotion to your hands and nails daily will help keep them hydrated. Make sure to rub it into your fingernails, especially the cuticles. Coconut oil is a great natural alternative, recommended by salon owners for its hydrating qualities. It can be applied once or twice a day for smooth and strong nails.
For an extra boost of moisture, try an overnight hand treatment. These are often thicker and more luxurious, providing intense hydration while you sleep. Olive & June's Hand Serum is a lightweight, non-greasy option that contains hyaluronic acid, cactus flower, and fruit extracts to moisturise and brighten the skin.
In addition to moisturising products, you can also use hand masks as part of your self-care routine. These masks are infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and shea butter to deeply nourish your hands and nails.
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Eat a well-balanced diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial for promoting steady nail growth. Nails are a reflection of your overall health, and nutrient deficiencies can affect fingernail growth and strength. Therefore, it is essential to ensure adequate vitamin, mineral, and nutrient intake to support nail growth, formation, and strength.
A well-balanced diet should include a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Specifically, focus on consuming foods rich in protein, water, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, people with iron deficiencies may experience brittle or dented nails, so including iron-rich foods in your diet may help strengthen your nails.
Additionally, vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, both of which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is another critical nutrient for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of amino acids that are vital for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower.
Zinc is another essential mineral for nail health, as it is required for the growth and division of cells. Animal proteins are a great source of zinc, but certain plant foods also contain this mineral. Vitamin C is also crucial for nail growth as it is necessary for collagen production, which provides strength and integrity to your nails. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwi, are excellent sources of vitamin C, but bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes also contain high amounts.
While a well-balanced diet is fundamental, specific supplements can also be beneficial. Biotin supplements, for example, have been shown to increase nail thickness and improve nail smoothness and strength. However, it is important to note that supplements should be used in addition to a nutritious diet rather than as a replacement.
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Get a manicure
Getting a manicure is an excellent way to take care of your nails and encourage healthy nail growth. Manicures are a great way to maintain the length and strength of your nails and prevent them from breakage. While manicures are often associated with polishing and painting nails, the process also involves nail care, which is essential for nail growth.
When getting a manicure, it is important to ensure that the right tools are used. For example, when cutting your nails, always use clean nail clippers or scissors to reduce inflammation and protect against bacteria and germs. Using a cuticle pusher can also be beneficial as it is designed to be gentle on the sensitive skin around your nails, preventing infections and irritation.
It is also important to allow your nails to breathe between manicures. Giving your nails a break from polish or artificial nails can help keep them strong and healthy. Additionally, make sure to moisturize your hands and nails regularly. Moisturizers, such as coconut oil or olive oil, can be applied to your nails and hands to prevent cracking and irritation and keep the skin smooth and soft.
If you are experiencing brittle nails, consider spacing out your manicures and focusing on nail care. This will give your nails time to recover and grow stronger. You can also try using nail strengtheners or hardeners to reinforce your nails and protect them from external stressors.
Overall, getting a manicure can be a great way to maintain nail health and encourage nail growth. By using the right tools, allowing your nails to breathe, moisturizing, and spacing out your manicures when needed, you can achieve strong and healthy nails that are less prone to breakage.
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Avoid nail biting
Nail biting is a common habit that can be challenging to break. However, it's important to avoid nail biting because it can damage your nails and the skin around them, leading to abnormal-looking nails and even infections. Here are some tips to help you stop biting your nails:
Identify triggers
First, try to identify what triggers your nail-biting habit. Are there specific situations, emotions, or sensory stimuli that make you more likely to bite your nails? For example, some people bite their nails when they're feeling anxious, stressed, or bored. Understanding your triggers can help you develop strategies to avoid or manage those triggers effectively.
Keep your hands busy
Find alternative ways to channel your energy or relieve stress. Some people find that carrying a fidget toy, such as a fidget spinner or a stress ball, helps distract their hands and mind from the urge to bite their nails. Others take up hobbies like knitting or chewing gum to keep their hands and mouth occupied.
Practice mindful habits
When you feel the urge to bite your nails, pause and become mindful of the present moment. Take a few deep breaths and focus on relaxing your body. You can also try redirecting your attention to something else, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or doing some light stretching. These mindful practices can help you break the nail-biting habit and provide a sense of calm.
Maintain nail health
Keep your nails trimmed and well-maintained. This may seem counterintuitive, but having short, neat nails can reduce the temptation to bite them. Invest in good-quality manicure tools, such as nail clippers, a nail file, and a cuticle cutter. Regularly apply moisturising lotion and cuticle oil to your nails and cuticles to improve their health and appearance. This will not only make your nails look better, but it can also reduce the urge to bite or pick at them.
Apply bitter nail polish
Consider using a bitter-tasting nail polish as a deterrent. These polishes are designed to have an unpleasant taste that will discourage you from putting your fingers in your mouth. You can also ask your dermatologist for recommendations or other treatments to help you stop biting your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to increase the overall health of your nails and speed up their growth. Firstly, maintaining good nail hygiene and moisturising your hands and nails can help prevent breakage and infection. Secondly, eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients can promote healthy nail growth. Thirdly, taking supplements like biotin can improve nail smoothness and thickness, reducing nail splitting. Finally, regular nail clipping and gentle massage can promote circulation and offset the effects of diabetes and other circulatory issues.
Several factors influence the rate of fingernail growth. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to increased usage and trauma. Nails also grow faster during the day and in the summer. Additionally, age plays a role, with younger people typically experiencing faster nail growth than older individuals. Hormones and gender can also impact nail growth rates, with men and pregnant women tending to have faster-growing nails.
Certain vitamins and supplements can support healthy nail growth. Biotin, a type of B vitamin, has been shown to increase nail thickness and smoothness while reducing nail splitting. However, there is limited evidence that biotin supplements directly increase nail growth speed. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.
To maintain healthy nails and prevent breakage, it is essential to focus on limiting damage. Avoid nail-biting and aggressive manicure techniques that can weaken nails. Instead, opt for gentle nail grooming and regular moisturization of the cuticles. Additionally, maintaining a well-balanced diet can strengthen nails and improve their overall health.
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