Confessions of a Former Nail-Biter: How I Kickstarted My Nail Growth

From hiding my nails in my pockets to flaunting them, my nail growth journey has been quite a rollercoaster ride! Let’s begin with this: there’s no proven way to speed up nail growth. But, the good news is that many remedies can strengthen the nails and keep them from breaking, giving them a better possibility of staying healthy and looking good. While nail polishes and salon treatments promise quick fixes, the real strength and beauty of your nails come from within. If you’re tired of weak nails, you’re in the right place. In this blogpost, we’ll explore how to strengthen your nails naturally, without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive salon treatments.

Nail health is a reflection of your overall well-being, so we’ll delve into the dietary and lifestyle factors that play a crucial role. You’ll also discover a range of home remedies, tips, and tricks that can help you achieve the strong, gorgeous nails you’ve always wanted. Let’s get started on the journey to naturally healthier nails!

The Role of Diet in Nail Growth

Your nails are like a mirror reflecting your overall health. To strengthen them naturally, start from the inside out. Nutrients play a vital role in nail growth, and incorporating the following elements into your diet can make a significant difference:

Nutrients for Nail Growth:

• Protein: Nails are primarily composed of a protein called keratin. Ensuring an adequate intake of protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes can promote stronger nails.
• Biotin: Also known as vitamin H, biotin is essential for nail growth. Include foods like nuts, seeds, and dairy products in your diet to boost your biotin intake.
• Iron: Iron deficiency can often lead to weak and brittle nails. Incorporate iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and lean red meat into your meals.

Foods to Incorporate in Your Diet:

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals that support nail growth.
• Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain antioxidants that protect your nails from damage.
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds provide biotin, healthy fats, and zinc, all beneficial for nail strength.
• Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and promote nail health.

The Importance of Hydration:

Staying well-hydrated is vital for overall health and nail strength. Water helps transport nutrients to your nails and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your nails and body hydrated.

Nail-Friendly Supplements

In addition to a nutrient-rich diet, supplements can give your nails an extra boost. Here are some supplements known for their nail-strengthening benefits:

Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a go-to supplement for nail growth. It promotes keratin production, leading to healthier and more resilient nails.

Vitamin E: This powerful antioxidant helps protect your nails from damage caused by free radicals. It’s available in supplement form and can also be found in foods like almonds and sunflower seeds.

Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails. If you have a known iron deficiency, consider taking an iron supplement under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s reduce inflammation and promote nail growth. You can find them in fish oil supplements or by increasing your intake of fatty fish like salmon and trout.

Before adding supplements to your routine, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and suitable for you.

Healthy Nail Care Practices

Proper nail care is essential for maintaining strong and beautiful nails. Follow these practices to prevent damage and promote natural nail strength:

Proper Nail Trimming: Trim your nails regularly with clean, sharp clippers. File them in one direction to avoid splitting.

Protecting Your Nails: Wear gloves when doing household chores or gardening to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals and excessive moisture.

Avoiding Harmful Habits: Refrain from biting your nails, and avoid using them as tools for tasks like opening soda cans or removing stickers. These habits can weaken and damage your nails.

Natural Nail Strengthening Remedies

Growing your nails quickly involves a combination of proper nail care, a balanced diet, and simple home remedies. While it’s important to note that nails grow at a relatively slow and consistent rate, typically about 2-3 millimeters per month, you can encourage healthy nail growth with these easy home remedies: If you’re looking for natural ways to strengthen your nails, consider these home remedies:

Nourish with Vitamin E:

• Vitamin E is known to promote nail growth by improving blood circulation to the nail bed and providing essential nutrients.
• Apply vitamin E oil or cream to your nails and cuticles daily. Gently massage it in to stimulate blood flow and moisturize the nail bed.

Olive Oil Soak:

• Soak your nails in warm, extra virgin olive oil for 15-20 minutes, several times a week. This helps keep your nails hydrated and promotes growth.
• Soaking your nails in warm water with a pinch of salt and a few drops of olive oil can help moisturize and strengthen them.

Coconut Oil Moisturizing: Apply coconut oil to your nails and cuticles regularly to keep them hydrated and healthy.

• Lemon Juice Therapy: Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can also strengthen your nails. It contains vitamin C, which aids collagen production, essential for healthy nails.
• Mix lemon juice with olive oil and soak your nails in the solution for a few minutes daily.
• Mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water and soak your nails for 10-15 minutes. Rinse and moisturize afterward.

Horsetail Herb Infusion:

• Horsetail herb is rich in silica, a mineral that promotes nail and hair growth.
• Brew horsetail herb tea, let it cool, and soak your nails in it for 20 minutes once a week.

Use Garlic:

• Garlic contains selenium, which is beneficial for nail health.
• Crush a garlic clove and mix it with a few drops of olive oil. Apply this mixture to your nails and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.

Tea Tree Oil for Nail Fungus: If you’re dealing with nail fungus, tea tree oil has antifungal properties. Apply diluted tea tree oil to the affected nails regularly.

Baking Soda Scrub: Make a paste with baking soda and water, then gently scrub your nails with it. This can help remove stains and strengthen your nails.

These natural treatments can be incorporated into your nail care routine for added strength and resilience.

Most Effective Serum for Nail Growth:

Creating a homemade nail serum for growth is a simple and cost-effective way to promote healthy nail growth. This serum helped me tremendously. Check out the quick recipe here. Here’s a recipe for a DIY nail growth serum:

Ingredients:

1. Sweet Almond Oil: Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which helps nourish and moisturize the nails and cuticles. It also contains essential fatty acids that support healthy nail growth.
2. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is known for its similarity to the natural oils produced by the skin and nails. It can help moisturize and strengthen the nails.
3. Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E oil is a potent antioxidant that promotes healthy nail growth and prevents damage.
4. Castor Oil: Helps in hydrating the nail bed and the cuticles.
5. Tea Tree Oil (optional): It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help maintain nail health.
   • You can buy these ingredients from here.

How to prepare:

• 1 tablespoon Sweet Almond Oil
• 1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil
• 1 tablespoon Castor Oil
• A few drops of Vitamin E Oil (from a vitamin E capsule)
• 5-10 drops of Tea Tree Oil 
• Lavender Oil (optional, for fragrance and added benefits)

Mix the Oils:

• In a small glass bottle or dropper bottle, combine all the ingredients.
• If you’re using the lavender essential oil, add it to the mixture for a pleasant fragrance and added nail health benefits.

Shake Well:

• Close the bottle securely and shake it well to ensure that all the oils are thoroughly mixed.

How to Apply:

• Apply a small amount of the serum to your clean, dry nails and cuticles.
• Gently massage the serum into your nails and cuticles for a few minutes.
• Leave the serum on for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the oils to penetrate and nourish the nails.
• For best results, you can leave it on overnight by wearing cotton gloves to prevent staining your sheets.
• To see noticeable improvements in nail growth and health, use the serum daily or a few times a week.
• Store the serum in a cool, dark place to preserve the freshness and effectiveness of the oils. A small amber glass bottle is ideal for storage.

Using this DIY nail growth serum regularly can help moisturize, strengthen, and promote healthy nail growth. Remember that results may take some time to become evident, so be patient and consistent with your nail care routine.

The Power of Maintaining Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for nail health. Here are some hygiene tips to consider:

Cleanliness and Infection Prevention: Keep your nails clean to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. Use a soft nail brush to clean under your nails regularly.

Choosing Nail Care Products Wisely: Opt for nail polishes and treatments that are free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Look for products labeled “3-free” or “5-free.”

Lifestyle Choices for Stronger Nails

Your lifestyle choices can significantly impact the strength and health of your nails. Consider the following factors:

Stress Management: High-stress levels can lead to nail problems. Practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep each night. Sleep is essential for the body’s repair and regeneration processes, which include nail growth.

Regular Exercise: Exercise improves blood circulation, which can benefit nail health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

How to Repair Damaged Nails

If your nails are already damaged, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to help them recover:

Healing Nail Beds: Avoid applying nail polish for a while to let your nails breathe. Use a nourishing nail and cuticle oil to moisturize your nails daily.

Covering Up Damage: If your nails have visible damage or are discolored, you can use a nail buffer to smooth the surface. Apply a clear strengthening nail serum to protect them.

Giving Your Nails Time to Recover: Be patient. It can take several weeks or even months for damaged nails to fully recover. Continue with your healthy nail care routine, and you’ll see improvement over time.

Natural Nail Polish or breathable Options

If you love colorful nails, there are non-toxic nail polish brands available that offer a safer alternative to traditional polishes. Look for brands that are free from harmful chemicals and offer a wide range of colors. Alternatively, try your hand at DIY nail art using non-toxic, water-based nail polishes or breathable nail polishes.

FAQs About Nail Growth

Can I make my nails grow faster?

Nail growth rate is largely determined by genetics, but you can promote healthy growth by following a balanced diet, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding damaging habits.

How long does it take for nails to strengthen naturally?

The time it takes for nails to strengthen naturally varies from person to person. It can take several weeks to a few months to notice a significant improvement, depending on the extent of damage and your commitment to nail care.

Are there any natural remedies for nail fungus?

Yes, tea tree oil is a natural remedy for nail fungus. Apply diluted tea tree oil to the affected nails daily. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for severe cases of nail fungus.

Conclusion

Achieving stronger, healthier nails naturally is a journey that requires dedication and patience. By focusing on your diet, adopting healthy nail care practices, and using natural remedies, you can improve the strength and appearance of your nails without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. Remember that nail health is a reflection of your overall well-being, so taking steps to promote your general health will also benefit your nails. Start implementing these tips today, and you’ll be well on your way to naturally beautiful, strong nails that you can proudly flaunt!

Hope you enjoyed reading this, don’t forget to read more such tips here.