Caleb Foster
Long, beautiful nails are desired by many, but growing them can be a challenge. While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, certain ingredients and techniques can strengthen nails and encourage growth. For instance, biotin, a type of B vitamin, is highly recommended as a supplement to help boost nail strength. Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can help strengthen nails. Folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin C can also help support nail health. In addition to vitamins and minerals, keeping nails clean and dry is crucial for nail health, as damp nails are prone to splitting and bacteria growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Biotin, Collagen, Folic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin H, Keratin, Coconut oil, Garlic |
| Actions | Moisturize hands and nails with lotion, File nails into a rounded shape, Apply a base coat, Apply a strengthening top coat, Take supplements, Avoid nail biting, Avoid cutting nails too short, Avoid soaking nails in water for long periods |
| Products | Gels, Acrylics, Wraps |
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins and minerals like biotin, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin C
Consuming vitamins and minerals is a great way to promote nail growth and health. Here are some key vitamins and minerals to focus on:
Biotin
Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. It is often touted as a supplement for promoting nail growth and strengthening brittle nails. However, there is limited scientific research to support these claims. Nonetheless, people with brittle nails or low biotin levels may benefit from taking biotin supplements. Biotin can be found naturally in foods such as fish, meat, seeds, and some vegetables like sweet potatoes.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is another important vitamin for nail health. It helps strengthen nails, promoting growth and reducing breakage and peeling. Folic acid can be found in leafy greens, salmon, and oranges.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is often included in nail care products, particularly those aimed at hydrating and regenerating growth in thin and brittle nails. While vitamin A alone may not completely transform your nails, it is believed to be beneficial when combined with other natural and nail-friendly compounds. Vitamin A can be applied topically through nail serums, creams, and oils, or taken orally through supplements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is another important nutrient for nail health. It is often included in nail care products in combination with other vitamins and ingredients. Vitamin C can be beneficial for restoring nail health and promoting overall nail growth.
In addition to these specific vitamins and minerals, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential for promoting nail growth and overall nail health. A varied diet that includes a range of vitamins and minerals will help support the health and appearance of your nails.
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Moisturise hands and nails with lotion, massaging it into cuticles
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is essential for maintaining healthy nails. This is especially important during the cold winter months when the air is dry and can cause your skin to become parched. Dry cuticles can lead to hangnails, while dry nails can become brittle.
To prevent this, you should moisturise your hands and nails daily with a hand cream or balm. Look for products that contain urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid to help prevent cracking. You can also use petroleum jelly, vitamin E, or cuticle creams, which can be rubbed into your cuticles at night.
For a more intensive treatment, consider using a nail oil or ointment. Oils such as jojoba, argan, olive, avocado, or flaxseed can be applied to the nails and cuticles to provide extra moisture. You can also use coconut oil, which has many moisturising benefits and can be used on the rest of your body as well. If you want to use a product specifically designed for nails, try a high-quality jojoba-based nail oil or a wax or oil-based balm.
In addition to using the right products, it's important to protect your nails by wearing gloves when doing the dishes or other activities that involve getting your hands wet. Constant exposure to water can cause your nails to expand and contract, leading to weakened nails.
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File nails into a basic, round shape
Filing your nails is an easy way to shape them neatly and achieve a smooth, beautiful finish. It is important to use the right tools and techniques to get the best results.
To file nails into a basic, round shape, start by using a nail clipper to trim your nails straight across to your desired length. Then, use a nail file to shape the edges of your nails. Hold the file at a 45-degree angle to the nail bed and gently file the corners, gradually rounding them until the edges are smooth and even.
As you work on creating a rounded shape, alternate filing each side of the nail to ensure a smooth and symmetrical curve. For example, file 10 strokes on one side, then do the same on the other. As you get close to the desired shape, start refining it by filing the other half, either from the centre to the corner or vice versa, until both sides match.
Glass nail files are recommended as they are efficient, gentle on your nails, long-lasting, and washable. When filing, remember to file in one direction only, avoiding back-and-forth sawing motions. Take your time, stopping occasionally to check the nail from different angles and compare it to the surrounding nails and the same nail on the other hand.
Round nails are perfect for those with a wide nail bed or those who want to make their hands and fingers appear longer. This shape is also the easiest to create and looks the most natural, making it ideal for thin and weak nails.
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Use non-toxic nail polishes and apply base and top coats
Using non-toxic nail polishes is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Traditional nail polishes contain harmful toxins, such as toluene, that can damage your nervous system over time. These toxins become dangerous when they are airborne and inhaled. Nail polishes that promise long wear times often contain chemicals like formaldehyde, which is classified as a human carcinogen, and dibutyl phthalate.
To avoid these issues, opt for non-toxic nail polishes, such as Kapa Nui Nail Color, which has a 3-in-1 formula that hydrates, restructures, and remineralizes your nails. Their formula only contains three ingredients: water, acrylates copolymer, and mineral pigments. It is also virtually odourless. Their nail polish must be used with their Base & Top Coat Sealer, which makes nails long-wearing and chip-resistant.
Other non-toxic nail polishes to consider are those that are "three-free," meaning they are made without the ""big three" ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. Some formulations go beyond this and are "5-, 7-, 9-, or 10-free," meaning they eliminate other harmful ingredients like formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, and TPHP.
When choosing a non-toxic nail polish, consider longevity and the health of your nails. You can also look for polishes that are long-lasting and infused with formulas that strengthen your nails. Additionally, ensure that you use a base and top coat to protect your nails and extend the wear time of your manicure.
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Avoid glue-on artificial nails, which can weaken real nails
Artificial nails can be a great way to lengthen short nails and make your fingers look long and slender. However, glue-on artificial nails can have several drawbacks and side effects, which can weaken real nails. Firstly, to get acrylic nails, a type of artificial nail to stick, the surface of your natural nails must be filed until they feel rough. This process thins your natural nails, making them weaker and more susceptible to damage.
Additionally, the chemicals in the products used to apply and remove artificial nails can be harsh and irritate the skin around your nails. For example, acetone is often used to remove artificial nails, but it can weaken the nails and irritate the skin. The glue used in artificial nails can also cause issues, with some people experiencing congestion and sneezing after using nail glue.
Furthermore, small gaps that develop between the artificial nails and your real nails can collect water, dirt, and bacteria, leading to potential nail infections and staining. Frequent touch-ups and reapplications of artificial nails can also damage your natural nails over time, leaving them thin, brittle, and dry.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to reserve artificial nails for special occasions and give your nails time to repair themselves between applications. When getting artificial nails, opt for gel nails that soak off instead of those that must be filed off, as filing can further weaken your natural nails. Additionally, choose a salon that uses LED curing lights instead of UV curing lights, as LED emits lower levels of UV radiation, reducing potential harm to your nails and skin.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method to make nails grow faster. However, taking care of your body through proper nutrition and the following tips can help strengthen your nails and encourage growth over time.
Biotin (vitamin H) has been proven to promote nail growth and strength. It is recommended to consume between 30 and 40 micrograms per day through food or supplements. Biotin-rich foods include whole grains, mushrooms, bananas, salmon, and avocados.
Keep your nails clean, dry, and shaped. Moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, especially at the base of your cuticles. Avoid soaking your nails in water for extended periods, as this can make them brittle.
Some people have reported success with applying garlic to the top coat of their nail polish. Coconut oil and rubbing your nails with warm water can also help.
You can get a soak-off gel manicure at your local salon. Most manicurists will also offer to glue a plastic tip underneath your nails to give the appearance of extra length.
