Sophia Delgado
There is no scientifically proven method to make nails grow faster. However, there are several ways to strengthen nails and promote healthy growth. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins A, E, and D, protein, iron, and healthy fats is crucial to keeping nails healthy and strong. Biotin supplements, drinking enough water, and moisturising your hands and nails are also recommended. Nail grooming, such as keeping nails clean, dry, and filed into a rounded shape, can help reduce breakage. Additionally, limiting the use of nail polish and nail polish remover, and wearing gloves when washing dishes or clothes can help prevent water or chemical damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Well-balanced, full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and healthy fats |
| Vitamins | A, E, D, and B (biotin) |
| Minerals | Iron |
| Water | Drink enough water throughout the day |
| Nail Polish | Avoid constant use, use nontoxic nail polish, and limit the use of nail polish remover |
| Sun Protection | Apply sunscreen to your hands before exposure to UV light |
| Moisturizing | Moisturize hands and nails, especially during winter |
| Grooming | Keep nails clean, dry, and filed into a rounded or squared shape, trim nails straight across, and round the tips into a soft curve |
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Diet and nutrition
Protein
Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so ensuring adequate protein intake is essential for nail growth and strength. Animal sources of protein include red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. For those following a plant-based diet, quinoa, nuts, hemp seed protein, beans, and legumes are excellent protein choices.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of amino acids, which are crucial for nail growth. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, sweet potatoes, avocados, organ meats, dairy products, yeast, and cauliflower.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps keep your nails shiny and prevents dryness. Orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A.
Healthy Fats
Incorporating healthy fats into your diet can help supply your body with magnesium, which is essential for nail health. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon provide healthy fats that support nail growth and strength.
Zinc
Zinc is required for healthy nail growth and repair. Include zinc-rich foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas in your diet to support nail health and prevent white spots that may appear due to zinc deficiency.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, including nail health. Dehydration can lead to dry, brittle nails. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and include hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens in your diet.
While focusing on nutrient-rich whole foods is recommended, taking supplements like biotin can also help support nail health when needed. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Nail slugging
How to do it
First, apply a cuticle oil, such as CND's Solar Oil, to your nail beds and rub it in. You can also use avocado oil, jojoba oil, or any oil with vitamin E. Then, apply a thicker moisturiser or ointment, such as Vaseline, Aquaphor, or any other petroleum jelly-based product. You can also use hand cream, but some experts recommend against this as it doesn't absorb into the skin as well as petroleum jelly.
How often to do it
Why it works
Cuticles are crucial for overall nail health as they serve as a natural protective barrier, keeping dirt and bacteria from getting into the nail bed. When cuticles are dry, they are prone to splitting and cracking, which can lead to infections. By applying a thick layer of oil and moisturiser, nail slugging helps to protect and heal the cuticle, keeping it soft and supple, and ultimately leading to stronger, healthier nails.
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Nail polishes
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and certain grooming techniques can help nails grow strong and long over time.
Some popular non-toxic nail polish brands include Acquarella and Suncoat, which offer water-based formulations that are toxin-free. Chanel also offers a Protective and Smoothing Nail Treatment that can be used as a nail strengthener and a base coat, nourishing the nail and alleviating dryness.
If you are looking for a clear coat, Duri offers an intensive growth treatment with hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium, promoting flexibility, reducing brittleness, and creating a protective coat to seal in moisture. For a glossy finish, there are nail polishes with celery seed extract, rosemary leaf extract, and sage leaf extract that dry quickly and help strengthen nails.
If you are a nail biter, there are nail polishes with bitter-tasting formulas, such as the Barielle No Bite Pro Growth and Mavala Stop Deterrent Nail Polish Treatment, which can help break the habit and allow your nails to grow.
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Gels and builder gels
Builder gels are a type of hard gel that adds a rigid layer over the nail, making it chip-proof. They are more durable and long-lasting than gel nail polishes and traditional nail polishes. They are also more flexible than hard gels, so they are less likely to crack. The application process for builder gels involves cleaning, shaping, and buffing the nails, as well as brushing the polish in a particular horizontal motion. The biggest advantage of using builder gels is that they maintain the health of the natural nails, allowing them to grow and build strength over time.
Compared to acrylics, builder gels offer a more natural-looking finish and do not require excess nail filing before application or during removal, which reduces potential damage to the natural nails. Builder gels can be removed by simply soaking them off with acetone. However, it is important to note that builder gels require UV lighting for curing, which is not needed for dip powder alternatives.
While gels and builder gels can provide immediate cosmetic improvements, it is important to address the root causes of nail issues, such as nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, or chronic conditions. Strategies to strengthen nails include taking biotin supplements, maintaining a healthy diet, and using nail lotions and oils.
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Supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or B8, is a popular supplement for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Several studies suggest that biotin supplements may increase nail thickness and growth. However, excessive intake can interfere with laboratory tests of cardiac and thyroid function, so caution is advised. Biotin-rich foods include egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower.
Collagen supplements have also been shown to improve nail health. Testers reported stronger nails, faster growth, and less breakage after taking collagen-boosting capsules or gummies. Additionally, some testers noticed improvements in their skin and hair.
Zinc is another important mineral for nail health, and supplements containing zinc have been found to strengthen nails and promote faster growth. Animal proteins are a great source of zinc, but it can also be found in certain plant foods.
Vitamin B12 is key for the development of red blood cells and maintaining the normal pigmentation of nails. A deficiency can cause blue or brownish nails with dark streaks. Folate (vitamin B9) also contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells, and a deficiency can cause pigment changes and brittle nails.
Other supplements that may support nail health include vitamin D3, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
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Frequently asked questions
Eating a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats can help support nail growth. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so ensuring you are getting enough protein is crucial. Biotin supplements are also highly recommended to help boost nail strength.
Constant use of nail polish can weaken the nail, so it is important to let your nails breathe. It is recommended to leave your nails polish-free for a week after wearing nail polish for a week. When removing nail polish, use an acetone-free polish remover as acetone is extremely drying and can harm your nails.
Regular nail grooming can help boost nail strength and encourage growth. Keep your nails dry and clean, trim your nails straight across, and moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, especially at the base of your cuticles. Avoid using your nails as tools, as this can lead to breakage and chipping.
Some people have found success with builder gel, which can help to add strength to your nails and protect them from breaking. There are also some nail polishes that have little to no toxic chemicals, which can be less harmful to your nails.
