When Prabal Gurung said, “Nails are the period at the end of the sentence. They complete the look,” we couldn’t agree more. But how do you flaunt your claws when they’re chipped, clipped and picked apart? Fret not, fellow picker. We’re diving into the secrets of how to grow nails faster, so you can rock trendy manicures and head-turning nail art without hesitation. Whether you’re recovering from damage or simply aiming for long natural nails, we’ve got the tips and tricks to help you achieve your nail goals.
But before we get to our nail growth tips, let’s understand the root causes behind the most common nail issues.
How do nails grow weak and brittle?
Over-exposure to water:
Caused by dishwashing without gloves or repeated handwashing, for example, constant long-term exposure to water can lead to dryness and eventual weakening of the nails. Give your fingers and nails some TLC with a moisturising lotion, oil or some good old gloves to combat this.
Too many chemicals:
Harsh chemicals from detergents and nail polish removers strip nails of their natural oils, making them brittle and prone to breakage. Look for gentler substitutes such as fragrance-free detergents and nail polish with vitamin E.
External Trauma:
That box you pried open with your nails might have caused trauma you didn’t expect. This happens everytime you pick, prod or chew your nails, leading to chips and cracks. Being more gentle with items and using tools to avoid exerting pressure on your nails are easy ways to avoid this.
Health Conditions:
Underlying health conditions like hyperthyroidism or iron deficiency could very well be contributing to your overall health concerns, including poor nail growth. Consult a doctor to treat the issue at the root.
Tips on how to grow nails faster
Now that we have established the issues, how do we fight back and achieve nail perfection? Here are eight nail growth tips that will help you understand how to grow nails faster while encouraging good health:
1. Moisturise, hydrate, repeat:
Dry hands mean dry nail beds. Keep a travel size moisturiser handy to utilise whenever your hands feel like they could use some moisture. If you need a severe dose, apply a thick layer of lotion on your hands, put on gloves and let it soak in for a few minutes to lock in the moisture.
2. Care for your cuticles:
How to grow nails that are healthy and nourished? Cuticle care is key. After a manicure, apply some vitamin-rich cuticle oil along the ridges to hydrate them (you can also use olive oil or jojoba oil as a replacement).
3. Look for the right nail products:
Do not subject your nails to harsh acetones and coats on coats of nail polish. Instead, go for an acetone-free nail polish remover and nail polishes that contain vitamins and fatty acids that are much gentler on the nails. If you need more fortification, opt for a nail hardener that prevents the nail plate from splitting or cracking. Once the nail has healed, switch to a nail strengthener.
4. Keratin treatments:
If you’re wondering how to grow nails faster, remember that the same thing that makes our hair also makes our nails. Keratin nail treatments build protein and aid in one’s journey to long natural nails.
5. Health supplements:
Supplements such as biotin and folic acid work wonders on your nails. They contribute to the creation of new cells. You’ll see your nails growing faster in no time.
6. The rainbow diet:
Bring colour to your plate everyday with a medley of foods, including leafy vegetables, nuts, eggs, fruits, whole grain, fish, and other healthy options. Healthy nails need healthy diets.
7. Curb poor habits:
Stop picking at them! And don’t saw back and forth when you file them. Just swipe gently in one direction to avoid chipping your nails.
8. Cheat codes:
Consider nail extensions if you’re looking for instant length. But every so often, ensure to give your natural nails a break and come back to the tips above that tell you how to make nails stronger to prevent damage.
DIY Hacks
If you’re more of a DIY-er and are wondering how to grow nails faster at home, we have you covered!
Try a mix of 2 tablespoons of honey with a few drops of lemon juice, give it a good mix and apply on your hands. (DON’T FORGET TO PATCH TEST IT ON YOUR ARM FIRST!) Wait for 15-20 minutes to wash it off. Both the lemon and honey are great ingredients to fight off bacterial and fungal growth.
And if you’re looking for an even simpler route of boosting nail growth at home faster, you cannot go wrong with shea butter or petroleum jelly. Just a quick application helps with moisture and hydration in instants. By ensuring the hydration and health of your nails, you open the door to enviable nail growth.
Conclusion
Always remember that nail growth takes time and care. Incorporate these steps into your daily routine, and you’ll be well on your way to stronger, healthier nails. Whether you prefer natural remedies or fortified products, finding what works for you is key. So, here’s to learning how to grow nails that are healthy, happy and beautiful!
