How to Promote Faster Nail Growth

Do you dream of having natural, healthy nails but aren't sure how to speed up their growth? Nails typically grow at a fixed rate of about 1mm per month. Don't worry! You can still encourage faster nail growth by regularly caring for your nails and making lifestyle changes to strengthen them.

Use a nail file regularly to shape your nails. Once a week, you should file each nail in one direction using a fine-grit file. Also, file your nails whenever they break, peel, or get scratched. Shaping your nails into an oval helps make them stronger.

• Avoid sharp-pointed nails as they are more likely to break.

Moisturize your nails daily. Apply a rich oil-based moisturizing cream to your nails and cuticles every day. Regular moisturizing will prevent your nails from cracking, peeling, and becoming brittle – which are all common causes of breakage and slow growth.

Stop biting your nails. Resist the urge to nibble your nails, even when they're brittle. If you leave your nails alone, they’ll have a better chance of growing faster. Here are some tips to stop biting your nails:

• Trim broken nails with nail clippers instead of biting them.
• Apply a bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails.
• Try replacing the habit of nail-biting with a healthier one, like playing with a stress ball.
• Avoid triggers that make you want to bite your nails, such as boredom or stress.

Use clear nail polish. Buy a simple clear polish or colored nail polish, apply a layer on your nails, and reapply if needed. Nail polish creates a protective layer, helping your nails stay strong and preventing breakage.

Boost nail health with biotin supplements. Take biotin supplements (available at most pharmacies and health food stores) daily. Regular biotin intake can help your nails become stronger and less prone to cracking and breakage.

• There is currently no established safe upper limit for daily biotin supplementation. However, it's recommended to avoid high doses unless under a doctor’s supervision.

Eat foods rich in Vitamin B7. Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is essential for strong nails. Incorporating foods high in Vitamin B7 into your diet can enhance the effectiveness of biotin supplements and help improve nail health. Include these foods in your diet:

• Barley
• Corn
• Egg yolks
• Milk
• Soybeans
• Avocados
• Broccoli
• Cheese
• Fish, chicken, and pork

Avoid excessive water exposure. Limit your nails’ contact with water to essential activities like showering or washing hands. Wear gloves when doing dishes, cleaning, or when your hands come into contact with other liquids. Keeping your nails dry will help retain moisture and reduce the risk of breakage.

Avoid harsh cleaners and chemicals. Limit exposure to cleaning products and household chemicals. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to clean old polish off. Chemicals and strong cleaning agents can dry out your nails, so it’s important to protect your hands from such substances throughout the day.

• Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing cleaning tasks.

Move to a warmer climate. People living in places with mild winters and hot summers tend to have faster-growing nails. Consider traveling to or vacationing in warmer areas to stimulate nail growth.

• Protect your hands in cold weather to prevent nails from becoming brittle and promote faster growth.
• Get plenty of sunlight, even in winter, as sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D, which can aid in faster nail growth.

• Consult a general practitioner or dermatologist if your nails are consistently thin, weak, or brittle. A doctor may recommend treatments to help strengthen your nails over time.

• Note that diet, applying garlic to your nails, or using selenium supplements will not speed up nail growth.