Buzz
Fingernails and toenails grow at a relatively slow rate – averaging just mm per month! If you're aiming for long, stunning nails, this might seem discouraging. While you can't drastically speed up the natural growth process, knowing how to prevent damage and maintain nail strength can help your nails reach their maximum length within a week.
Steps
Boost Nail Health
Consume calcium-rich foods. While there isn't substantial evidence that calcium directly strengthens nails, many people with calcium deficiencies or related health issues may notice abnormal nail growth. Regardless of its impact on nails, a calcium-rich diet is essential for overall health.
- Excellent sources of calcium include dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt), canned fish with bones (like sardines and salmon), calcium-fortified soy products, and leafy greens such as broccoli, kale, and turnip greens.
Increase protein in your diet. Nails are primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. A diet rich in protein can enhance nail health. Protein is also vital for the health of nearly all other tissues in the body, including hair, bones, muscles, and skin. Excellent sources of protein include:
- Lean proteins, such as fish and white poultry
- Eggs
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Beans, nuts, and seeds
Consider taking biotin supplements to strengthen your nails. While it's unclear whether biotin (also known as vitamin B-7) can speed up nail growth, it may help strengthen nails if they are weak or brittle. Consult your doctor to see if biotin supplements are right for you.
- Biotin can be taken as a supplement, but it is also found in various foods, such as beef liver and organ meats, egg yolks, salmon, brewer's yeast, avocados, sweet potatoes, and many nuts and seeds.
Warning: Always consult your doctor before taking biotin or any other supplements. Biotin supplements can interact with certain medications, so inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
Test for vitamin deficiencies. A lack of certain vitamins can lead to weak, brittle, or deformed nails. If your nails remain weak despite your efforts, visit your doctor for a vitamin level test. If a deficiency is detected, supplements can help your nails grow faster, longer, and stronger.
- For example, iron deficiency can cause brittle or misshapen nails. If diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplements can improve nail strength and overall health.
Protect Your Nails from Damage
Avoid nail biting. This may seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Your nails won’t grow long and strong if you bite them. If you have this habit, try these tips to break it and let your nails grow:
- Use bitter-tasting nail polish. You can find anti-nail-biting polish at most pharmacies or online.
- Distract yourself with another habit or activity. For example, when you feel the urge to bite your nails, try squeezing a stress ball or chewing sugar-free gum.
- Avoid triggers as much as possible. If boredom or stress makes you bite your nails, engage in a relaxing or enjoyable activity for a few minutes instead.
Keep your nails dry to prevent weakening. Nails become soft and weak when wet. While growing them out, try to keep them as dry as possible to reduce the risk of tearing.
- For example, dry your nails thoroughly after bathing or swimming.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes, scrubbing, or doing other water-intensive tasks.
Moisturize your cuticles. While keeping nails dry is important, they can also become brittle and crack if too dry. Hydrate the skin around your nails by moisturizing your hands and cuticles daily.
- Moisturizers with petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline and Aquaphor, are among the most effective hand creams.
- You can also protect and hydrate delicate cuticles with plant-based oils like apricot oil, cocoa butter, or sweet almond oil.
- Pay extra attention to moisturizing during winter or after using harsh, drying products like nail polish remover.
File nails according to their natural shape. Proper filing can prevent snags, breaks, and tears. Use a file to shape nails into a rounded or square form.
- To avoid jagged edges, file smoothly in one direction. Start by moving the file from one side of the nail toward the center, then from the center to the other side.
- Glass or crystal files are gentler on nails compared to metal or emery boards.
Space out manicures. Overusing any product—even nail strengtheners—can dry out or weaken your nails. Additionally, frequent salon visits increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections that can harm your nails. While growing them out, let your nails breathe and stay natural.
- Nail polish remover is particularly drying. If you need to remove polish, opt for acetone-free formulas with moisturizing ingredients.
Warning: Whether at home or at a salon, avoid cutting or pushing back your cuticles. The cuticle acts as a protective barrier, keeping your nails strong and healthy.
Manage medical conditions that may affect your nails. Certain conditions, such as diabetes or psoriasis, can damage and weaken nails. If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these, stay in close contact with your doctor to ensure proper management. Treating underlying conditions can help prevent nail damage.
- Take prescribed medications and attend regular check-ups as recommended by your doctor.
- If you have a condition affecting blood circulation, such as diabetes, hand massage therapy may improve blood flow and enhance nail health.
