Dreaming of long nails like Kylie Jenner and Cardi B.? Then you’re going to love our material, because we asked experts to tell you what affects the growth of your nails and how to speed it up.
Growing nails is pretty much the same as growing hair: a very slow and sometimes even annoying process. And while strands grow half a centimeter to a centimeter a month, nails grow only a couple of millimeters in the same time, according to Oma Agbay, a dermatologist. And that, as you can imagine, is, well, very slow. So what do you do in that case? Try to grow healthy (!) nails, which will not need constant filing to the root.
Eat well.
“A poor diet can really slow down nail growth,” says Dr. Agbai. As you understand it, proper nutrition affects the whole body, not just your nails. “A balanced diet includes protein and lots of fruits and vegetables,” she continues, “if you eat a variety of foods: meat, fish, eggs, nuts, legumes and colorful fruits and vegetables, your nails will be healthy and long.
Think collagen.
According to Dr. Agbai, nail growth and quality are linked to collagen supplements. A recent study showed that taking collagen capsules daily orally for 24 weeks would help speed up nail growth and reduce breakage. “This supports the theory that protein is critical for healthy nail growth,” explains the dermatologist. But as with all supplements, it’s best to consult an endocrinologist first.
Have your iron levels checked
Another important indicator that affects nail growth and health is iron levels. If you often experience split and brittle nail plate, you should definitely go to the doctor and get an iron test. Trust me, your body will be glad you did.
Apply strengthening coatings
This is especially true for those who suffer from brittle nails. In addition to vitamins and nutrition, applying a strengthening coat is worth adding to the routine. The main ingredient in such products is usually pantothenic acid, which actually makes nails stronger.
Exercise.
Dr. Agbai says that stunted nail growth is also related to lack of physical activity. The “I’ll break a nail” excuse doesn’t apply; on the contrary, you’ll speed up your nail plate’s growth. Who knew, right?
First of all, pay attention to the quality of materials used. For example, do not use acid base and color coatings with harmful components (look for coatings labeled 3-FREE, 5-FREE, and so on).
When wearing gel polish, be sure to take care of proper removal. It is highly undesirable to remove gel nail polish yourself at home, as improper removal can seriously damage the nail plate and the natural nail matrix, which will lead to stunted nail growth.
In case you have fragile and brittle nails, it is advisable to use a rubber base when covering gel nail polish and to level the nail plate before the color coating. Smoothing helps build up the proper architecture of the nail and makes it less brittle, as well as protects it even in case of bumps.
Also, don’t forget to take care of your nails at home on a regular basis: clean and wash the dishes better in gloves, use hand cream and cuticle oil daily, as dry nails become more brittle.
You can make your own special baths for your nails at home
Oil Bath
The most affordable method of moisturizing and care is a bath of olive oil. Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to two tablespoons of oil. This treatment can be done daily, it whitens and strengthens the nails.
A Salt Bath with Oils
This bath is more suitable for brittle than flaky nails. A tablespoon of salt per liter of warm water (you can add sea salt and various oils). Immerse the nails in a warm bath for 10 minutes. Then rinse, apply cuticle oil. Such procedures will need 7-10.
And, of course, the cause of brittle nails can be avitaminosis. Very often, the brittle and dry nails indicates a lack of vitamins in the body, which is reflected in the condition of hair and skin. The most important vitamin, which accelerates the growth of the nails and strengthens them, is vitamin E. Vitamin A will help to prevent the nail plate from splitting, which in turn also promotes growth. For absorption of vitamins A and E, don’t forget vitamin C as well.