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!
In This Article
1. Reasons Why Your Fingernails Aren’t Growing
2. Best Vitamins For Nail Growth
3. How To Grow Your Nails Faster And Stronger
4. Foods That Make Your Nails Stronger
5. Infographic: 8 Interesting Facts About Fingernails
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Key Takeaways
8. Illustration: How To Make Your Nails Grow Faster And Stronger Naturally At Home?
Reasons Why Your Fingernails Aren’t Growing
There may be many reasons your fingernails have stopped growing. Do you do any of these?
- 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.
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.
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
Nail growth and health can be influenced by several factors, including nutrition. Ensuring you’re getting enough of the right vitamins can help promote strong, healthy nails. Here are some of the best vitamins for nail growth:
- 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.
How To Grow Your Nails Faster And Stronger
Growing your nails faster and stronger involves a combination of proper care, good nutrition, and healthy habits. Here are the best ways to encourage nail growth and strength:
- Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is often suggested as a natural remedy for improving nail health. While it doesn’t directly speed up nail growth, it can help strengthen nails and improve their appearance, leading to healthier growth over time. Here’s how lemon juice can benefit nails and how to use it:
Benefits of Lemon Juice for Nails:
- Rich in Vitamin C: Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production. Collagen is important for the strength and structure of nails, helping them grow healthier.
- Nail Whitening: Lemon juice can help remove stains from the nails, especially if you have yellowing from nail polish or other factors.
- Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties: Lemon juice may help fight off infections around the nail bed, keeping the nails and cuticles healthy.
- Strengthening: The acidity in lemon juice can help harden soft, brittle nails over time.
How to Use Lemon Juice for Nail Growth:
- Lemon Juice Soak:
- What You Need: Fresh lemon juice and a small bowl of water.
- How to Use:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a bowl of warm water.
- Soak your nails for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with clean water and moisturize with hand cream or cuticle oil afterward to prevent dryness.
- Frequency: Do this 2-3 times a week for best results.
- Lemon and Olive Oil Treatment:
- What You Need: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- How to Use:
- Mix the lemon juice and olive oil together.
- Warm the mixture slightly (make sure it’s not too hot).
- Massage it into your nails and cuticles for a few minutes.
- Leave it on overnight by wearing gloves, or rinse it off after 20-30 minutes.
- Frequency: This can be done every night or a few times a week for stronger nails.
- Direct Lemon Juice Application:
- What You Need: A fresh lemon or lemon juice.
- How to Use:
- Rub a lemon slice or cotton ball dipped in lemon juice directly on your nails.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Apply a moisturizer or cuticle oil afterward to avoid drying out your nails.
- Frequency: 1-2 times a week.
Important Tips:
- Moisturize After Using Lemon: Lemon juice is acidic and can dry out your nails and skin, so always follow up with a moisturizer or oil to keep your nails hydrated.
- Avoid If You Have Cuts or Irritations: If you have any cuts or hangnails around your nails, lemon juice can sting and cause irritation.
- Be Consistent: Regular use will help improve the health of your nails, but lemon juice is not an overnight fix. Consistency over time is key.
While lemon juice won’t make your nails grow faster directly, using it as part of a nail care routine can help strengthen your nails and promote a healthier environment for growth.
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. 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.
4. 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.
- 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.
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.
Multiple factors such as biting your nails or excessive use of gel and acrylics can affect your nail strength and growth. This is when consuming vital vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and H can strengthen your nails from the inside. Additionally, you can use natural ingredients such as lemon juice, coconut, or olive oil once a day or take nail supplements or nail growth products to boost blood circulation and the nail growth cycle. Since nail growth home remedies may not be enough, eating a diet rich in beans, eggs, and oats, maintaining proper nail hygiene, and using correct nail care products can help your nails grow faster. This is the ultimate shiny nail secret! Now you have it!
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.
2. Does toothpaste help nail growth?
No. Toothpaste does not have the properties that could aid nail growth.
3. 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
4. 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.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid biting your nails if you want them to grow faster. Nail biting can lead to bacterial infection that slows down the nail growth rate.
- Cut down your use of gel and acrylic nails.
- Plan your diet with foods that contain biotin, folic acid, and vitamin A.
- Massage your nails with warm coconut oil daily before bedtime to improve blood circulation.
Illustration: How To Make Your Nails Grow Faster And Stronger Naturally At Home?
Here is the illustration on how to make your nails grow faster and stronger naturally at home. Let me know if you’d like any changes or additional tips!
Personal Experience
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
