Isla Bennett
Healthy nails serve as protective layers for the fingertips and are indicators of overall health and well-being. While there is no proven way to make nails grow faster, certain remedies can strengthen nails and prevent them from breaking, thereby giving them the best chance of healthy growth. Maintaining healthy nails requires supporting the nail bed, matrix, and surrounding skin. This involves keeping the skin moisturized, especially during winter, and ensuring that it is dry after swimming or showering. Additionally, wearing gloves while washing dishes or clothes can protect nails from water and cleaning products, and keeping nails filed into a rounded or squared shape can prevent snagging and breaking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Onychomadesis is a condition defined by the cessation of activity in the nail matrix. |
| Prevention | Keep nails filed into a slightly rounded or squared shape to prevent them from snagging and breaking. |
| Treatment | Doctors aim to prevent detaching and encourage normal growth by first identifying and addressing the underlying cause. |
| Diet | A well-balanced diet will make the skin and nails strong. |
| Moisturization | Moisturize hands and nails during dry winter months and apply lotion after washing hands. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails short with regular trims
Keeping your nails short and well-maintained is an important part of your hygiene routine. Regular trimming can prevent bacteria growth, which can lead to infections, and also stop your nails from snagging and breaking.
The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower when your nails are softer and easier to cut. Start by cleaning your nails and then use nail clippers to cut each nail straight across with multiple cuts. Be sure to use the correct tool for the job—either nail clippers or manicure scissors. Avoid using any other sharp cutting tools, such as knives, razor blades, or regular scissors, as these may slip and injure the skin surrounding the nail.
Once you have cut your nails, take a nail file and use long swipes to smooth out and shape the nail. File your nails in the same direction, as filing back and forth can weaken them. You can then round the nails at the corners with a nail file or emery board, helping to keep them strong and prevent them from catching on things.
After trimming, remember to moisturize your nails to keep them flexible, especially when the air is dry. You should also clean your clippers after each use.
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Avoid picking at or pushing back cuticles
Pushing back cuticles is a common practice for those who want their nails to appear longer. However, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing this. Firstly, cuticles are an important protective barrier that prevents germs and bacteria from entering your nail bed. By pushing them back, you are exposing your nail bed to potential infection. This is especially true if you cut your cuticles, which can also make them harder and more prone to splitting.
Cuticles can be gently pushed back with a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher, but this should be done with caution. Overgrown cuticles are more prone to cracking, so keeping them maintained is important. However, this should be done with care, as pushing them back too vigorously or incorrectly can damage the nail bed. Many people are unaware that they have a habit of picking or pushing at their cuticles, and a dermatologist may be able to help break this habit, allowing healthy nails to grow out.
It is also important to note that cutting or pushing back cuticles may only be a cosmetic solution, as nails with healthy cuticles can still be prone to issues. For example, over-soaking your nails can cause them and your cuticles to become dehydrated, and nail polish without a base coat can turn your nails yellow. Using harsh nail care products, such as nail polish remover or drying agents, can also negatively impact your nail health.
Instead of cutting or pushing back your cuticles, it is recommended to use cuticle care products to keep them healthy and moisturized. This can include cuticle oils, which can help drive nutrients deeper into your skin and nail bed, creating stronger and healthier nails. Moisturizing products can also improve circulation and promote new nail growth, which can help prevent nails from growing past the fingertips.
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Avoid gel manicures
While gel manicures can be beautiful and long-lasting, they can have negative effects on your nails and skin. Gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, and repeated use can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging on the hands.
Gel manicures are cured under ultraviolet radiation, which can be harmful to the skin. To protect your hands from UV radiation, you can apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before your manicure. You can also wear dark, opaque gloves with the fingertips cut off while your nails dry.
Gel nail polish can be challenging to remove and can cause damage to the nails if not done properly. It is recommended to have your gel nail polish removed by a professional manicurist. To remove gel nail polish, soak your fingertips in acetone or use cotton balls soaked in acetone and wrapped in aluminum foil. Do not pick at the polish or use other nails or tools to remove it, as this can cause mechanical damage to your nails.
To care for your nails after a gel manicure, it is recommended to take a break from nail polish for one to two weeks or longer. During this time, apply a moisturizing product, such as petroleum jelly, to your nails and cuticles several times a day to rehydrate and minimize brittleness.
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Ensure adequate nutrition
Ensuring adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Nails require various essential nutrients to stay healthy and strong, and a lack of proper nutrition can lead to nail issues such as brittleness, discoloration, and slow growth.
One of the key nutrients for nail health is biotin, a B vitamin. Biotin helps improve the structure of keratin, a protein that nails are primarily composed of, making them stronger and less prone to splitting or breaking. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, sweet potatoes, avocados, organ meats such as liver, dairy products, yeast, and even cauliflower. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming biotin-rich foods or supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Iron is another crucial nutrient for nail health. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which helps deliver oxygen to your cells, including your nail cells. A deficiency in iron can lead to vertical ridges in your nails, and your nails may concave or become spoon-shaped (koilonychia). To boost your iron intake, include foods like red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, eggs, and fortified cereals in your diet. Pairing these with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli can enhance iron absorption.
In addition to biotin and iron, other nutrients that contribute to nail health include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep nails moisturized and prevent dryness and brittleness. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3s, while plant-based options include chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Vitamin E, found in foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, and avocados, is a powerful antioxidant that protects nails from damage and supports nail growth by improving blood circulation. Magnesium is involved in protein synthesis, which is required for nail growth, and a deficiency can lead to vertical ridges in the nails. Whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, quinoa, almonds, cashews, peanuts, edamame, and black beans are good sources of magnesium. Zinc plays a vital role in nail growth and repair, and a deficiency can cause white spots on nails and slow their growth. Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas are zinc-rich foods. Lastly, vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and structure to nails.
Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can help promote healthy and strong nails while preventing issues related to nutrient deficiencies.
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See a dermatologist for underlying conditions
Seeing a dermatologist for underlying conditions can help address any nail issues and prevent nails from growing past the fingertips. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in treating the skin, hair, and nails. They can help identify and treat any underlying conditions that may be causing nail problems.
If you notice any changes in the colour, texture, or shape of your nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. Changes in nail colour, such as yellowing or greenish-black discolouration, can indicate a fungal infection, bacterial infection, or underlying health issues like lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. A dermatologist can perform nail clippings, biopsies, or X-rays to distinguish between these conditions and provide appropriate treatment.
Deep grooves or pits in the nails can also indicate an underlying issue. If you notice deep grooves spanning the width of your nail, it means that something slowed or stopped your nail growth for a while. This could be due to various factors, including fever, injury, chemotherapy, or significant stress. A dermatologist can help identify the cause and provide treatment options to promote normal nail growth.
Additionally, nail lifting or onycholysis can be a concern. If your nail starts to lift and you notice white discolouration, it could be due to a fungal infection or psoriasis. A dermatologist should examine any nail lifting and provide treatment to clear any underlying infection. They can also offer tips to help the new nail grow out normally.
In some cases, thick and overgrown nails, known as Ram's horn nails, may require a dermatologist's intervention. This condition can be hereditary or associated with underlying diseases such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, or circulation problems. A dermatologist can help with cutting and treating these nails and address the underlying cause.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to understand that there is no proven method to accelerate nail growth. However, maintaining nail health can help prevent breakage and allow nails to grow to their maximum potential. This includes keeping the skin surrounding the nail bed moisturized and avoiding water or cleaning products from sitting on the nails for too long.
There are several indicators that your nails are not growing as expected. For example, deep grooves or gaps that run across the width of your nail may suggest that something interrupted your nail growth for a period. Additionally, pitted nails with dents that resemble ice picks could indicate an underlying disease.
If you notice any unusual changes in your nail growth, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or a medical professional. They can examine your nails, identify any underlying causes, and provide guidance on promoting healthy nail growth.
