How To Grow Nails Faster And Stronger

How annoying is it when you adore long and thick nails but don’t know how to grow nails faster? Your nails break at the slightest pressure, and you are overwhelmed by all the answers, solutions, and remedies offered online.

However, it would help first to find out why your nails are not growing. Even though we want to flaunt gorgeously long and strong fingernails, one or two nails always break or chip! Well, do not let that break your spirit!

Find out why your nails are not growing faster and what you can do to remedy the situation. Keep scrolling!

Keep In Mind

• Drying Process: Drying Process Use a fan or blow dryer on the cool setting to speed up the drying process. This will also help prevent smudging.
• Neon Colors: Drying Process Use a white base for neon colors as it helps the color pop.
• Nail Care: Drying Process Keep your nails hydrated with cuticle oil and make sure to thoroughly clean and dry your nails before applying any nail polish or nail art to ensure a smooth application.
• DIY: Drying Process Create your own nail stickers by painting a design onto a plastic bag and letting it dry completely. Once dry, peel the design off the plastic bag and apply it on your nails.

Reasons Why Your Fingernails Aren’t Growing

There may be many reasons your fingernails have stopped growing. Do you do any of these?

1. Bite Your Nails

If you’re guilty of biting your nails on a regular basis, it’s time to stop, pronto! I mean it! This habit leads to multiple bacterial infections and nail diseases that slow down the growth of the skin and nails in that area. Try keeping your nails polished so that you make a conscious effort not to bite them.

In her insightful YouTube video, Shé Wilson generously shares tips for achieving long and healthy natural nails, emphasizing the significance of overall nail health. Tashé emphasizes her commitment to maintaining natural nails, stating, “I don’t go to nail salon, because your natural nail health is not prioritized as there are a lot of chemicals used that can make your nail weak and brittle (i).”

2. Skip The Base Coat

When you apply nail polish, make sure to not skip the base coat. This acts as a protective layer between your actual nail polish and the top layer of the nail and ensures nail protection.

3. Chip Off Your Nail Polish

Avoid doing this at all costs! When you chip off nail polish, you’re most likely peeling off the topmost layer of your nail. This will only make your nails weak and brittle.

Quick Tip

Avoid nail polishes with chemicals like formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene (also called the toxic trio). They may cause allergic reactions and damage your nail further.

4. Excessively Use Gel And Acrylics

If you go to the nail salon to get gel or acrylic nails or get nail extensions too often, you’re not giving your natural nails the time to grow in strength. Gels and acrylics are great once in a while, but don’t make this a regular habit since they’ll affect the natural growth process. If you nip the chance of letting your nails grow in the bud, what chance will you have?!

Best Vitamins For Nail Growth

Here’s a list of nail growth vitamins that can boost the growth of your nails. If you have a vitamin deficiency, nail health and growth will be affected. Let’s take a look at them:

1. Vitamin H (Biotin)

Biotin —also known as vitamin B7 and vitamin H, is a very popular ingredient in hair and beauty supplements because it helps in the growth of nails, hair, and skin. Biotin can be consumed either through foods or in the form of supplements. Either way, you would be required to consume around 30-40 micrograms per day to ensure healthy nails. Biotin can be found in foods like bananas, avocado, and salmon.

2. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is essential for cell growth. This means that it can help in the growth of nails as well. Folic acid can be obtained from foods like leafy greens, eggs, beets, and citrus fruits. In order to ensure and promote good nail health and nail growth, one must consume 400-500 mcg of folic acid.

3. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is vital for strengthening the tissues, bones, teeth, and nails. It is also a popular antioxidant. This ensures that the damage causing toxins are expelled from inside the body. If you prefer vegan options, vitamin A can be found in foods like grapefruit, spinach, yams, and apples. It can also be found in non-vegan and meat options like eggs, liver, and milk.

4. Vitamin C

Remember when your mom told you to eat oranges to avoid catching colds? That was for a very good reason. Oranges, or any citrus fruits for that matter, are rich in Vitamin C, which is great for combating nail fungus and bacteria. It is also a strong antioxidant. It is very important to consume foods that contain Vitamin C or take supplements, as the body does not produce this Vitamin. It can be found in blueberries, citrus fruits (oranges, limes, and lemons), tomatoes, leafy greens, and strawberries.

Trivia

Fingernails can grow faster in the summer than in the winter because nails receive more vitamin D from the sun during summer than in winter.

How To Grow Your Nails Faster And Stronger

Here are a few tips on how to grow nails faster at home and sport strong and healthy nails in no time:

1. Lemon Juice

The Vitamin C in lemons facilitates the healthy growth of nails. Lemons also help in removing yellow nail stains since they act as a bleaching agent.

Method 1

How To Do It?

In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the solution for about 20 seconds in the microwave and soak your nails in it for 10 minutes.

How Often?

Do this every day.

Method 2

How To Do It?

An alternative method would be to rub a slice of lemon on your nails for about five minutes before washing them off with warm water.

How Often

Every day.

Tip – Don’t use lemons if you have any cuts or hangnails as it may sting.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains nutrients that provide moisture and nourishment for the nails and the skin around the nails. This, in turn, ensures healthy and strong nail growth. Coconut oil is also great for treating fungal infections in the nails.

How To Do It?

Warm up some extra virgin coconut oil in a bowl and massage it into your nails and fingers. Massage in circular motions. This will help in the circulation of blood, which will promote nail growth.

How Often?

Every night before going to bed.

3. Orange Juice

The Vitamin C in the orange juice can help in the production of collagen that keep your nails strong and healthy.

How To Do It?

Squeeze out the juice from an orange into a bowl. Soak your nails in it for 10 minutes and wash them. Don’t forget to moisturize them properly.

How Often?

Once a day.

4. Olive Oil

In order to ensure that your nails are healthy and growing strong, it’s important to keep them nourished and moisturized. Olive oil contains Vitamin E, which improves blood circulation and facilitates nail growth.

How To Do It?

Heat up some olive oil and massage it into your nails and nail cuticles for about five minutes. Wear gloves and let it sit overnight. Alternatively, you can soak your nails in warm olive oil for fifteen to twenty minutes.

How Often?

Once a day.

5. Eggshells

Eggshells are a fantastic natural remedy to strengthen your nails. Packed with calcium and minerals, they promote healthy nail growth and can make your nails structurally stronger. This easy DIY treatment is a cost-effective way to not only support the health and strength of your nails but also keeping them looking great

How To Do It?

Crush some eggshells into a fine powder. Mix the powder with clear nail polish or a base coat to create a strengthening treatment. Apply this mixture to your nails.

How Often?

Use it once or twice a week for the best results.

Tip – Ensure the eggshells are finely crushed to avoid any rough texture on your nails.

Alongside these DIY tips for strengthening your nails from the outside, check the next section for foods to consume for healthier nails.

Foods That Make Your Nails Stronger

Just topical treatments aren’t enough! Here are nail growth foods you should include in your diet if you want healthy and shiny nails.

1. Eggs

The protein found in eggs are crucial to development, making the bones in our body, nails, and hair much stronger. Eggs are rich in Vitamin D, B12, and Biotin. Biotin does wonders for strengthening the nails and making them less brittle.

2. Beans

Rich in biotin, beans are great for helping in the growth of nails. During a study, it was found that if biotin-rich foods were consumed, the nails’ thickness increased by about 25%. So, try and incorporate beans into your daily diet.

3. Oats

Minerals like copper and zinc are vital for the maintenance of bones and nails. These can be found in oats. It’s really easy to incorporate oats into your daily diet. Simply switch your bowl of cereal with a bowl of oatmeal with some fresh fruit! for turning nail maintenance into a habit!

4. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients. Containing minerals like copper and manganese, they encourage the production of connective tissues in the bones and cartilage. They can be sprinkled onto bread, salads, or on just about anything!

5. Salmon

This one’s for the ones who love their fair share of seafood. Salmon contains nutrients that are supposed to make the bones and nails strong. Salmon also contains Vitamin D, which is crucial for the growth of bones.

Apart from including these nutrient-rich foods into your diet, there are some healthy practices you can adopt to ensure your nails look their best. Keep reading to learn more!

Nail Care Practices

Consider the following essential nail care practices to ensure your fingernails remain healthy and strong:

• File your nails regularly to prevent splits and breaks. Always file in one direction to maintain their strength.
• Keep your nails dry and clean. This helps prevent bacteria from growing under the nails.
• Use gloves for household chores to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture.
• Applying a moisturizing lotion or cuticle oil to your fingernails and cuticles. This keeps them hydrated and reduces the risk of brittleness.
• Use an acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid drying out your nails.
• Drink plenty of water to improve overall nail health and prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle.
• Allow your nails to go polish-free for a few days regularly. This gives them a chance to breathe and reduces the risk of discoloration or damage from nail products.
• Avoid using your nails to open packages or scraping surfaces, as this can cause damage.

Infographic: 8 Interesting Facts About Fingernails

Fingernails may seem to be boring, dead cells just to be painted upon, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Fingernails are fascinating, often used as markers for toxins in the body and signs of stress.

Check out the infographic below to learn more such fun facts about fingernails that will not only help you understand their growth patterns but also give you something wacky to share with your friends.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vaseline good for nails?

Yes. Many people apply Vaseline’s petroleum gel to their nails and cuticles to prevent moisture loss and soothe cracked skin. Manicurists recommend Vaseline for strong nails, healthy nail beds, and soft skin on the hands.

Does toothpaste help nail growth?

No. Toothpaste does not have the properties that could aid nail growth.

Are my nails normal?

Your nails are normal if they are smooth, without pits or spots, have a uniform color, are thick, do not break easily, and are not ingrown. Also, the nail bed and nail cuticles should not appear swollen or bleeding.

How long do nails grow in a week?

On average, healthy fingernails could grow up to 0.6-0.7 mm per week, while toenails could take 2-3 times longer. If you wish to keep your nails healthy, a few nail care tips and tricks help. These include regular cuticle trimming, using safe nail polishes, and buffing the nails in one direction to avoid future chipping.

How does salt make your nails grow faster?

Salt cannot make your nails grow faster. However, salt scrubs can help exfoliate your hands and fingers to eliminate dead cells.

Illustration: How To Make Your Nails Grow Faster And Stronger Naturally At Home?

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to grow your natural nails in one week! Play the video below and get tips on how to nourish and strengthen your nails for long-lasting results.

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Gabrielle RichensSkin Therapist

   

Gabrielle Richens spent 20 years as a model with Elite Model Management. She is now a skin therapist, clean beauty blogger, and founder of The Rich Skin Club, an online anti-aging coaching service. She helps women understand the aging process and how to build routines that reverse the visible signs of premature aging.

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Shalini RoyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Shalini Roy has a Master's degree in English literature from Pondicherry University. She is an ambivert whose expressions have found their way in writing. She channels her passion for all things fashion and makeup to write engaging content related to beauty and lifestyle and has two years of experience.

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Vaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience in writing for various genres. She has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical vocalist to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing.

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