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Nails are composed of a fibrous protein called keratin, which also makes up the hair and skin. Nails grow rather slowly, usually up to 2–3 mm a month.
Fingernails are relatively faster to develop than toenails and, therefore, need to be filed more regularly, unless you want to keep them long for cosmetic appeal. However, maintaining long nails can be a difficult task as they accumulate dirt easily and are prone to cracking, splitting, or breakage.
Keeping your nails in good condition makes a great impression. Conversely, unclean, discolored, or chipped nails tend to reflect poorly on your hygiene and overall personality. Plus, this kind of negligence can further slow nail growth. (1)
This article will discuss the various causes of slow nail growth and how to address it through nail care, remedies, and lifestyle choices.
Home Remedies for Nail Growth
The following home remedies can promote healthy nail growth:
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil nourishes the nails to help them grow faster. It is credited with antimicrobial properties to ward off infections. Plus, due to its high-fat content, coconut oil hydrates the nails and forms a protective layer over them to seal in the moisture.
The topical stimulation provided by this remedy also improves blood circulation in the area, which will lead to a better supply of nutrients, resulting in faster and better nail development.
How to use:
- In a bowl, warm some extra virgin coconut oil.
- Massage the oil into your fingers and nails using circular motions.
2. Lemon
Lemon is replete with vitamin C, which promotes collagen synthesis and in turn aids in healthy nail growth. Lemon is also a bleaching agent, which can lighten or remove yellow stains from your nails.
How to use:
- Apply lemon juice to each nail with a cotton pad or directly rub a slice of lemon over your nails and then let them air-dry.
- Another remedy is to pour a few drops of lemon juice in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix them well. Heat this solution for 15 seconds until it becomes mildly warm, and then massage it into your nails. Wait for 30 minutes so that it is properly absorbed. Then, wash your nails and moisturize them after.
3. Orange juice
Orange juice is high in folic acid and vitamin C, both of which help strengthen and protect the nails and promote faster nail growth.
Vitamin C is known to increase collagen formation, which helps to make nails healthier and stronger. Folic acid also stimulates cell generation, consequently speeding up nail growth.
How to use:
- Squeeze the juice from an orange into a dish.
- Soak your nails in it for 10 minutes.
- Wash your nails and then apply a moisturizer.
4. Horsetail
Horsetail is a herb that is loaded with minerals, silica, and calcium, all of which help improve overall nail health. (2)
How to use:
- Boil 2 cups of water and then steep 3/4 teaspoon of dried horsetail stem in it for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and let it cool. Soak your nails for 20 minutes in this solution.
- Wash your nails and then apply a moisturizer.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil contains vitamin E, which helps improve blood circulation and hence promotes faster nail growth. Olive oil nourishes and hydrates the nails, keeping them healthy and attractive.
How to use:
- Warm some olive oil and massage it into your cuticles and over your nails for 5 minutes. Put on gloves and leave them on overnight.
- Alternatively, soak your nails for 15–20 minutes in warm olive oil.
Lifestyle Changes to Encourage Nail Growth
Implementing the following changes in your daily routine can go a long way in ensuring the health and growth of your nails.
1. Modify your diet
Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and adequate amounts of healthy carbohydrates and fats.
2. Observe nail hygiene
Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacterial or fungal growth. If you have long nails, make sure to properly clean underneath them, but don’t poke too deep as to cause damage.
The germs from contaminated or infected nails can easily spread to your face through touching and inside the body through eating.
3. Moisturize with petroleum jelly
Before going to bed, apply petroleum jelly to your nails and hands to keep them moisturized.
4. Exfoliate your nails
Like your skin, your nails also accumulate dead cells around the cuticles that need to be exfoliated from time to time. You can easily do so by gently massaging a baking soda paste or a brown sugar scrub all around your nails to loosen and remove the dead skin.
After exfoliating, wash your nails to remove any debris or product residue and then moisturize them.
5. Trim your nails regularly
Keep your nails short to prevent breakage or splitting. To get a smooth, natural arc, cut your nails once a week and then file the uneven regions.
6. Massage with cuticle oil
Giving your nails a good massage will help them grow long and strong by improving blood circulation to the nail bed.
7. Exercise
Staying active and working out increases blood circulation throughout the body, including the nail bed, resulting in faster nail growth.
8. Stay hydrated
It is essential to keep your body hydrated to promote good nail growth. Every day, drink at least 8 glasses of water.
Tips to Prevent Slow Nail Growth
Follow these tips to prevent slow nail growth:
- Avoid glue-on artificial nails and toxic polishes that contain toluene or formaldehyde as these can weaken your real nails and make them more prone to breaking.
- Keep yourself from biting your nails by covering each one with a Band-Aid or tape. You can even apply bitter-tasting nail polish to deter this habit.
- Use your own nail grooming tools to avoid the risk of infection. If you do borrow from someone else, make sure to sterilize the tools before using them. Exercise the same precaution when going for a manicure or pedicure by choosing a salon that adheres to proper hygiene standards. Ask if the tools are sterilized if you have any doubts. The safest strategy is to carry your own kit to the salon.
- Avoid gel nail polishes because they are hard to remove, usually requiring harsh techniques that can destroy the nail plate, such as soaking your nails in acetone or aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling of polish.
- Don’t wear nail polish for prolonged periods as it contains chemicals that get absorbed into the nail bed over time, causing staining, splitting, and peeling of the nails. It is recommended to take it off with the rest of your makeup every night. If you do develop nail discoloration, don’t apply nail polish for at least 3–4 weeks to give your nails time to recover their natural color.
- Use preventive nail lacquer, which forms a thick, long-lasting covering over your nail plate, protecting it from external trauma and chipping.
- Use nail oils to strengthen, nourish, and repair your nails and cuticles.
Factors That Affect Nail Growth
The growth of your nails can be influenced by several factors:
- Compulsive nail biting not only chips away the nail plate but may also introduce various bacterial infections that can spread to the underlying nail bed. This habit impedes nail growth and damages the skin in the area.
- Wearing fake nails or nail extensions that are improperly fitted or applied or using contaminated tools and adhesives can damage or infect the nail bed. Plus, extensive use of these artificial enhancements can reduce blood flow to the nails, making them brittle and dull over time and hindering their growth.
- Fungal nail infections are major causes of impeded nail growth. They are quite common among all age groups and usually make your nails thick, stained, and prone to breakage or cracking.
- Using substandard nail products can deteriorate nail health. Low-quality nail paints tend to dry out quickly and damage the nail plate.
- Hormones can affect nail development in healthy people. During pregnancy and just before menstruation, women’s nails grow at a quicker pace. During lactation, women may experience slower nail growth.
- Not applying a base coat before the nail paint can cause chemicals in the nail paint formulation to seep through the nail plate into the nail bed, damaging both structures.
Is It Safe to Wear Artificial Nails?
Artificial nails, when used properly, are not harmful to the health of your nails. However, they are loaded with harmful chemicals that can damage your nails when used extensively.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if the folds of skin around your nails are painful, swollen, or red, which could be a sign of infection.
Final Word
Beautiful, shiny, long nails are an asset, but not everyone is blessed with them. Fortunately, there are several nail care measures and easy remedies that can help your short, brittle nails grow stronger, longer, shinier, and healthier.
Nail growth in itself is a slow and gradual process, so don’t expect immediate results. Plus, you must adopt these measures as part of a wholesome nail care regimen that should be followed consistently. The goal is to keep your nails properly groomed, nourished, and protected from undue damage to facilitate healthy growth.
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