It can be annoying when you’re trying to grow out your nails, but they remain trim. Trying endless lotions and remedies with zero impact? Are your nails chipping and breaking each time you crave supermodel-like hands? Don’t give up so easily, though. After all, there are several natural remedies you can try. But first, let’s get to the root of the problem before considering the solution.
Reasons Why Fingernails Have Stopped Growing
1. You Bite Your Nails!
If you are a chronic and perpetual nail biter, it can damage your nails. It can also trigger bacterial infections, slowing down the growth of nails and skins in the area. Keeping your nails polished is one way out. Try remedies like apps for warding off nail-biting or even coating nails with chili powder to prevent this issue.
2. You Slip the Base Coat!
Another no-no, when it comes to nail care, is skipping the base coat while applying nail polish. Remember that the base coat acts as a layer that serves as a barrier between the nail polish and the nail layer.
3. You Chip off Nail Polish
Another significant issue is chipping off nail polish. You may end up peeling the topmost nail layer, making the nails weak and brittle.
4. You Use Plenty of Gel or Acrylic Nails
If you go to a salon to get gel or acrylic nails, natural nails will be compromised in terms of growth and strength. While gels and acrylics may sound like an excellent idea for a new party dress or a surprise evening out, don’t make this a regular habit, for it impacts natural nail growth. If you cut down on letting your nails grow well, don’t expect them to be well-maintained.
Vital Vitamins for Growing Your Nails
Read through this list of essential vitamins for boosting nail hair and strength, and you will be amazed at the outcome.
1. Vitamin H/Biotin
Biotin/Vitamin H helps in the growth of hair, skin, and nails. It can be consumed either through foods or supplements. You would need to have a minimum of 30 or 40 MCG per day to ensure nails remain healthy. Biotin is found in fruits like bananas and avocados, besides seafood like salmon.
2. Vitamin B9/Folic Acid
Folic acid (also referred to as vitamin B) is critical for cell growth. This means it aids in the growth of the nails, as well. Folic acid is obtained from foods like eggs, beets, leafy green veggies, and citrus fruits. To promote healthy nail growth, you need at least 4-5 hundred MCG of folic acid.
[Read: Natural Remedies for Removing White Fingernail Spots]
3. Vitamin A/Retinol
Vitamin A is essential for strengthening the nails. Because it is an antioxidant(1), it undoes the damage caused by toxins expelled from within the body. If vegan options are preferred, vitamin A can be found in spinach, apples, yams, and grapefruits. They can also be present in meat and non-vegan options like milk, egg, and liver.
4. Vitamin C/Ascorbic+ Citric Acid
Lemons and oranges are the potent storehouse of vitamin C(2), containing ascorbic and citric acids. Such citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, essential for combating bacteria. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. It is necessary to take your dose of vitamin C supplements, for the body does not produce this micronutrient. Vitamin C can be found in tomatoes, berries, and leafy greens, as well.
[ Read: Vitamins for Strong Nails ]
Top Natural Remedies for Nail Growth and Strength
Learn all about the how to make your nails grow faster and strength right here. These remedies will help you to sport healthy, strong nails in next to no time.
1. Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
Vitamin C in lemons facilitates healthy nail growth. Such citrus fruits also remove yellowed nail stains. This is because lemons act as a powerful bleach.
Method
In a bowl, mix one tablespoon of lime/lemon juice and olive oil up to three tablespoons. Heat this mixture for approximately 20 seconds in a microwave or 10 seconds on a stove. Soak your nails in the solution once it cools, for ten minutes. Do this every day.
An alternative method is rubbing a slice of lemon on the nails for 5 minutes before washing this off with warm water.
Caution: Don’t use lemons if you have cuts or hangnails as this can sting.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for White Spots on Nails]
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in nutrients that offer nourishment and moisture for the skin around the nails, as well as the nails. Get strong, healthy nails and treat fungal infections using coconut oil.
Method
Warm-up extra virgin coconut oil in a saucepan and massage it with fingers and nails. Pressing should be in circular motions, which helps in better blood circulation and promotes nail growth.
Use this remedy each night before turning in to sleep.
[Read: Coconut Oil for Toenail Fungus]
3. Orange Juice
Vitamin C, ascorbic acid in orange juice, helps in collagen production to keep nails healthy and long.
Method
Squeeze the juice from these oranges into the bowl and soak the nails for 10 minutes. Then, wash the nails, and don’t forget to moisturize effectively. Carry out this beauty routine once in a day.
4. Olive Oil
For keeping your nails healthy and polished, it is critical to stay well-nourished and moisturized. Olive oil contains Vitamin E that improves nail growth and blood circulation.
Method
Heat the olive oil and massage it within the nails and the cuticles, in particular, for 5 minutes. Wear gloves and let the solution seep into your nails. Another way is to keep nails in warm olive oil for 15-20 minutes. You can carry out this procedure once a day.
[Read: Olive Oil Benefits for Nails ]
Foods That Strengthen Nails
Besides topical treatments, eating right is the key to shiny, healthy nails.
1. Eggs
Protein-rich eggs are crucial for development. They make nails stronger. Eggs are rich in micronutrients like Vitamin D, B12, and Biotin. Biotin strengthens the nails, making them less brittle.
[Read: Daily Eggs Intake]
2. Beans
Beans are rich in biotin, which spurs nail growth. It was discovered that if biotin-rich foods were consumed, nails became thicker by a whole 25%. Try to incorporate beans into your diet for this reason, if you seek sleek, long nails.
3. Oats
Yes, we know oats are slow-digesting. However, they make up for it with a host of minerals like zinc and copper, which help in maintaining the bones and nails. Oats can easily be incorporated into the diet. Switch your bowl of cornflakes for oats and some fresh fruit.
4. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. They contain minerals like manganese and copper, encouraging the production of connective tissues in cartilages and bones. They can also be sprinkled on bread, salad, dishes, or any other item.
[Read: Benefits of Sunflower Seeds]
5. Salmon
This one is for seafood lovers. Salmon contains nutrients that make nails and bones healthy. It also contains vitamin D crucial for growing bones.
So, that sums it up. Nails can grow faster and stronger by eating right and trying these natural remedies. It’s time to bid acrylic nails or harsh chemical products goodbye. Through this holistic and natural routine, you can strengthen not just your nails, but ensure they grow faster. Now, it’s easy to get those beautifully long, sleek, and polished nails you have always longed for.
