7 Ways to Quickly Grow Strong and Long Nails
Growing long and healthy nails is the dream of many women. But sometimes, we make beauty mistakes that dry our nails out and make them grow slower. Luckily, there are several tips that will help speed up their growth and make your nails shinier and stronger. 5-Minute Crafts has gathered effective nail hacks together and is ready to share them with you.
The speed of nail growth might be affected by various factors including age, medication, hormones, and health conditions. If you have brittle nails, it’s better to determine the original cause with a specialist before trying home treatments.
1. File your nails correctly.
Step 1. Start by filing the tip of your nail to make it shorter. Hold the file strictly perpendicular to the nail.
Step 2. Move to file the sides of your nail.
Step 3. To finish filing, soften the corners of your nail to get the desired shape.
Note: Don’t file the edges of your nails too much.
- Otherwise, your nails become more prone to breakage.
- Make sure your nails are completely dry before you start to file them. Wet nails are softer and more fragile because of the water they absorbed.
- Use a soft file to not damage your nails and always file your nails in one direction. Don’t file your nails in a back-and-forth motion.
2. Don’t trim your cuticles.
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Cuticles protect nails and help them to keep the hydration in. They also act as a barrier that prevents bacteria from getting into your nails. That’s why it’s better to gently push the cuticles back with a pusher and to not trim or pick them with your hands.
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Apply cuticle oil 2 times a day to moisturize your cuticles and promote nail growth.
3. Ditch beauty products for nails that contain harsh chemicals.
- Opt for water-based nail polishes, as they’re more gentle on your nails. But it’s better to not use any nail polish at all while you’re trying to grow out your nails, so you don’t overdry them.
- Don’t use harsh nail polish removers so you don’t overdry and damage your nails. Avoid products that contain acetone. If you have no other option but to use it, don’t soak your nails in it, just rub your nails with a cotton pad soaked in it.
4. Add certain foods to your diet.
A well-balanced diet, packed with certain nutrients will help you accelerate the growth of your nails and make them stronger. Go for the products that contain:
5. Protect your nails.
Don’t expose your bare nails to harsh chemicals, including soaps and cleaning products, and don’t use your nails for rough work. This makes the nails less resistant to breakage and damages them. So always put on a pair of gloves before you’re going to do some housework and wear protective nail polish.
6. Don’t overdry your hands and nails.
If you have to use drying products, like hand sanitizers, on a regular basis, make sure you don’t overuse them and properly moisturize your hands, nails, and cuticles. Hydrating products contain ingredients that will help to seal in the moisture, making your nails stronger.
7. Try home remedies.
Natural home remedies that are full of essential vitamins may help you improve your nails’ condition, making them strong and moisturized, and giving them a natural shine. Opt for the remedies that contain oils, sea salt, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar, and use them regularly until you achieve the desired result.
Bonus: 3 effective remedies to make your nails stronger
Lemon and olive oil nail soak
What you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, heat the mixture up in a microwave for 20 seconds to make it warm but not too hot, and let your nails sit in it for about 10 minutes. Pat your hands with a paper towel and massage the rest of the oil into your nails. Repeat the procedure every day.
Lemon juice helps to speed up the nail growth and bleach your nails.
What you’ll need:
- Some extra virgin coconut oil
Warm up some coconut oil in a microwave to make it warm and gently massage it into your nails and cuticles before going to bed. To boost the effect, you can put on a pair of thin cotton gloves. Repeat every night.
Coconut oil helps to moisturize and nourish your nails and cuticles.
What you’ll need:
- A bowl filled with warm water
- A few pinches of sea salt
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
Dissolve sea salt and olive oil in a bowl with water, and soak your nails in it for 10 minutes.
Sea salt helps to seal moisture in your nails and makes them stronger.