1. Boost Your Biotin Intake
Biotin is an essential b vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy. In supplement form, it can help boost the strength of hair and nails. Biotin is naturally found in foods such as cooked eggs, nuts and nut butters, cauliflowers, bananas and mushrooms, and can be bought as a supplement to take on the daily.
2. Proper Grooming is Key
Make it a priority to regularly groom your nails. This will help fortify your nails, encouraging growth and reducing breakage. Focus on keeping your nails dry and clean to prevent bacteria growing beneath them; regularly trim them to an appropriate length; moisturize your hands and nails, rubbing it into your fingernails and cuticles; and avoid biting, picking or cutting your nails too short.
3. Dampen, Then File
Although you want your nails to grow, it’s still important to file them to keep them free of snags and splits. Dampen your nails before filing to soften and make the nails pliable. Always file in one direction with smooth strokes and use a softer file to ensure your filing isn’t too harsh.
4. Steer Clear of Fake Nails
Gels, dips and acrylics may give you the length you’re looking for, but you’re risking the chances of natural nail growth in the long run. For one, fake nails are full of nail-harming ingredients, plus the process and wear can be damaging to your nail beds. If you do get fake nails, it’s imperative that you don’t peel them off as this will cause even more damage as you can take off part of the nail plate with the polish.
5. Consider Folic Acid
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, repairs and multiplies the cells that make up your nails. It speeds up growth and promotes overall nail health. It has also been shown to boost strength and prevent peeling. A folic acid deficiency can cause discolouration and contribute to weak and brittle nails, so make sure to eat lots of foods with folic acid like beans and whole grains or start taking a folic acid supplement.
Trying to grow your nails can be a serious struggle, but if you focus on making them strong and preventing brittleness and breakage, you’re one step closer to the nails you’ve always wanted.
