Emma Miller
Nails are a mirror of the overall health and well-being of the body.
You’ve probably asked the omniscient Google more than once how to grow your nails. Meanwhile, there is no scientifically proven method to accelerate nail growth. But taking good care of your body by eating right and using the following nail strengthening tips can help you grow long nails, making them strong and long over time.
Nails are made up of many layers of a hard protein called keratin. Your nails are an important indicator of your overall health. Healthy nails should be smooth and hard, free of dents and grooves, and uniform in color.
If your nails are growing slower than usual and you want them to grow faster, there are several home remedies and care methods that can help.
How to grow nails at home
Take biotin
Biotin is an important type of vitamin B that allows the body to convert food into energy. It is also highly recommended as a supplement to strengthen hair and nails.
Several human studies show that taking a daily biotin supplement can help strengthen nails. Some scientists claim that a daily dose of 2.5 milligrams of biotin can improve nail strength in just a few weeks. Biotin can be found naturally in:
- brewer’s yeast
- boiled eggs
- sardine
- nuts and nut butter
- whole grains
- soybeans and other beans
- cauliflower
- banana
- mushroom
Use nail strengtheners
Soft nails make nails more prone to breakage, which increases the need for nail regrowth. To prevent nails from breaking, experts usually recommend nail strengtheners. These are substances that are applied to the nails like varnish and then removed with nail polish remover.
This is useful for strengthening nails and preventing brittleness in the short term. However, experts say that long-term use of nail strengtheners can sometimes cause nails to become weaker and more prone to breakage.
Avoid nail sticking and toxic nail polishes
Researchers from a reliable source have found that regular use of glued-on artificial nails can weaken real nails and make them more prone to breakage. The best option is to paint your nails with nail polishes that contain few or no toxic chemicals.
Look for water-based formulations that indicate they are toxin-free.
Practice good care
Regular nail care can also help strengthen nails by stimulating growth and reducing brittleness. Some ways to keep your nails in good condition include:
- keeping your nails dry and clean, which prevents bacteria from growing underneath
- using sharp nail scissors or nippers to cut your nails straight across and then round the tips of your nails into a soft curve
- moisturize hands and nails with lotion, making sure to rub it into the nails, especially at the base, where the cuticles are located
- do not bite your nails or cut them “to the root”
Poor health can lead to improper nail growth. Some common nail growth problems include:
- changes in color
- changes in thickness or shape
- separation of the nail from the surrounding skin
- bleeding
- swelling or pain around the nails
- slowly growing nails
Slow-growing nails come with age, but they can also be a sign of illness or nutritional deficiencies. They can even be caused by certain medications.
Hormones also play a role in stimulating nail growth. Young people grow nails faster than older people, and men and pregnant women grow nails faster than others. In healthy adults, the average nail growth is about 3.5 millimeters per month. A reliable source is the thickness of the cap of a ballpoint pen.
Your nails are a reflection of your overall health. It is important to maintain a healthy diet if you want strong, fast-growing, and healthy nails. This includes a well-balanced diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, enough carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats.
However, sometimes your nails need a little help to become healthier and stronger. This is where home remedies can help. Remember, you can’t make your nails grow faster like magic. But if you take care of them, they will become stronger and last longer, making them less prone to breakage.
