It can be frustrating to see that your natural nails have become brittle, fragile or dry, whether you realise it during a break between your gel manicures or when you break a nail trying to get something done around the house. While it is natural for our nails to change colour slightly and maybe lose some of its previous strength and texture as we age, it is possible to improve the health of our nails using simple products and natural methods.
Whether it is finding the best nail shapes to prevent breakage or incorporating a dietary change, restoring the health of your nails does not have to be complicated. So, if you’re wondering how to make your nails grow faster and stronger, we’ve got you covered.
To understand more about nail health and growth, we spoke to Madelaine, a skilled nail technician with over 10 years of industry experience and the founder of The Hampshire Manicurist Nail Salon.
Much like how hair grows out of your head from a follicle, nails grow out of your finger from something called a nail matrix and the half-moon peeking out from your cuticle is part of it. This is where new nail cells are produced and to an extent, it determines the condition of your nail, Madelaine explains.
How long does it take for nails to grow?
On an average, fingernails grow up to 3.47 millimeters (mm) per month, or about a tenth of a millimetre per day. If you lose a fingernail completely, it can take up to six months for it grow back. You might have noticed that any damage caused by trauma on the nails which often appear black, grey or yellow also grow out in a couple of weeks. The nails on your dominant hand and longer fingers grow faster than the rest. You also might have noticed that fingernails grow faster during the day and during the summer.
However, if you are finding that the growth rate of your fingernails is falling short of the average by a lot, that might be an indicator of poor nail health. So, if you are thinking how to make your nails grow faster naturally, there are several easy dietary improvements, self-care steps and simple products that can help you.
Expert advice on how to make your nails grow faster
1. Use cuticle oil
Keeping in mind that the nail matrix, located between your cuticle and your top knuckle, is where new nail cells originate, using cuticle oil on a regular basis to nourish your nails will help.
Nail expert Madelaine says, “There's actually a secret hack to get your nail matrix to produce new healthy cells faster and promote longer stronger nails! Typically, people sweep the cuticle oil round their cuticle, up the side walls and around underneath the free edge, and this is a brilliant first step, but it's missing the crucial second step!”
“While rubbing the oil in, do one nail at a time and with the opposite hand use as much force as you can to rub where the nail matrix sits and keep going for a minute on each finger. This works because the massage increases blood flow and ensures that every cell in your body is fed by oxygen, promoting healthier and stronger nails,” she says.
She recommends going for nourishing oils such as Jojoba, Almond, or Vitamin E oil, to be applied at least once or twice a day for the best results. Whether you are looking to nourish your nails after removing acrylics at home or trying to improve the health and growth of your nails, make sure to leave it on as long as possible before washing your hands, so it has time to work and the best time would be just before you go to sleep.
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The OPI Pro Spa Nail And Cuticle Oil To Go is enriched with grape seed, sesame, kukui, sunflower & cupuaçu oils to nourish and moisturise your nails. With glowing reviews, 9 out of 10 women have shared that their cuticles felt softer and healthier within just one week of regular use. Reviewers have also shared that the brush applicator is very handy to use and that it smells lovely. The formula is lightweight and fast absorbing and it comes packed in a leak-proof tube.
Pros
- Enriched with grape seed, sesame, kukui, sunflower & cupuaçu oils
- Visible results within just one week of regular use
- Brush applicator is very handy to use
- Soothing fragrance
- Lightweight and fast absorbing
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the tube packaging makes it a little tricky to squeeze the right amount of oil out.
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The Essie On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil is a mess-free product that nourishes and hydrates your nails. It comes as an easy to use, convenient roll-on and the formula is 97% natural and vegan. It is a quick absorbing, conditioning oil that will restore the health back to your nails.
Pros
- It nourishes and hydrates your nails
- It is an easy to use, quick absorbing and convenient roll-on
- Formula is 97% natural and vegan
Cons
- Some reviewers have shared that the product leaks a bit onto the cap
2. Moisturise your nails
While moisturising your body or applying hand cream, make sure to rub a generous amount onto your nails to prevent them from becoming dry which can lead to brittle nails prone to breakage. Dry nails also result in slow nail growth. So, investing in a good hand cream to use regularly and even carry with you if needed is a good idea to keep your nails hydrated and moisturised.
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The Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream is a brilliant formula that is enriched with Glycerine to lock in moisture and Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties. I have been using this hand cream for several years now and I am very happy with how fast absorbing and non-greasy it is, ensuring comfortable wear. It is developed with dermatologists and makes your hands and fingers feel soft and smooth.
Pros
- Enriched with Glycerine and Vitamin E
- Formula is fast absorbing and non-greasy
Cons
- Some reviews found the texture to be too thin, and would have preferred a thicker consistency
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The AVEENO® Daily Moisturising Hand Cream is enriched with Prebiotic Colloidal Oatmeal which is clinically proven to be a fast-absorbing formula that provides hydration for up to 24 hours. It protects and nourishes your hands and fingers by preserving the skin’s natural microbiome. It is unscented and suitable for sensitive skin as well.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Provides hydration for up to 24 hours
- Preserving the skin’s natural microbiome
- Unscented and suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers shared that they would have liked a thicker consistency
3. Take a break between gel manicures and acrylics
If you’ve had a chance to peek at your nails in between manicures or if you’ve taken a break, you might notice that your nails tend to be extremely fragile or weak after removing a gel manicure.
Nail expert Madelaine says, “A good, structured gel manicure every 2-3 weeks will keep your nails protected and prevent breakage. However, if the dorsal layer (top layer) of your nail plate is damaged from previous manicures you may struggle with retention between manicures.”
Your nails require even more attention during this time, and it would be beneficial to apply cuticle oils, lotions, balms and creams twice or more in a day to keep your nails hydrated, prevent peeling and to repair the top layer that has been scraped and polished multiple times. This wear and tear is inevitable whether you do your own manicures at home or get it done at the salon.
“If you have nail plate damage, the best thing to do is keep your nails short, apply your aftercare (cuticle oils, balms etc.) daily and wait 3-4 months for your nail to be completely virgin again,” she adds.
4. Groom your nails regularly
Just as you would maintain your hair, it is important to keep your nails trimmed and filed regularly to prevent breakage and keep your nails strong. While trimming keeps your nails clean, filing helps to even out the edges and prevent snagging that could lead to tears and breaks. It is also important to clean under your nails regularly, as accumulated dirt could cause infections will affect nail growth. Avoid biting or picking at your nails as this can highly damage the nail bed and cuticle area.
5. Try nail hardeners or strengtheners
If your nails are feeling extremely brittle, weak or bendy after a manicure, you can consider trying nail hardeners – designed to create a protective layer on the nail plate that makes it harder to prevent damage and help your natural grow stronger. However, these must be used sparingly and only provide a short-term solution when your nails desperately need the support to grow. There are several good nail hardeners available on the market which are effective and easy to use.
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The Essie to the rescue nail polish is clinically tested and proven to reduce signs of UV light and gel damage to give you strong and healthy nails in just 5 days. It gives you a sheer, neutral and shiny finish that looks gorgeous as well. All you have to do it apply a thin coat to clean, bare nails and top it off with another coat for added strength. You can wear it as it is or as a base coat under another colour of your choice.
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Reduces signs of UV light and gel damage
- Gives you a sheer, neutral and shiny finish
- Can wear as it is or a base coat under another colour
Cons
- Slightly higher price point
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Sally Hansen Miracle Cure Nail Strengthener is a dermatologist tested formula that strengthens and reinforces nails. The formula is enhanced with micro-minerals that fill in the cracks to prevent peeling and promote the health of your nail plate. It provides rich moisturisation and added natural proteins and antioxidants help nourish your nails.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested formula
- Formula is enhanced with micro-minerals
- Prevents peeling and promotes the health of your nail plate
- Contains natural proteins and antioxidants
Cons
- Slightly higher price range
6. Try BIAB during your next nail appointment
If you are looking for a manicure that helps your natural nails grow longer and stronger, consider going for a BIAB set. BIAB, also known as builder gel, has thicker consistency than regular gel polish and it adds a protective later to prevent chipping and breakage. While it is not recommended as a long-term solution, it is a gel manicure option that will enhance nail growth.
7. Invest in a better nail polish remover
While we often don’t give much thought to what our nail polish remover contains and just pick up the cheapest one from the shelf, the toxic chemicals in it might be damaging your nail barrier and affecting growth. Try to stay clear of removers containing high concentrations of acetone as it is extremely harsh on fragile nails, causing excessive drying, peeling, flaking and breakage. So, if you are not removing gel formulas, try to go acetone-free as most branded ones these days are enriched with vitamins and fatty acids to keep your nailbeds nourished.
AmazonThe OPI Acetone-free Nail Polish Remover is an effective formula that is acetone-free and can swipe away even darker polishes without drying out the nail too much. It is enriched with moisturising aloe vera and is also very gentle on the cuticles, leaving them smooth and soft.
Pros
- Does not dry out the nails too much
- It is enriched with moisturising aloe vera
- It is gentle on the cuticles, leaving them smooth and soft
Cons
- Reviewers shared that it took more time to remove the polish completely compared to similar products.
AmazonThe Nails.INC Rapid Nail Polish Remover Pot is a revolutionary product to make removing polish more effective and gentler on your nails. You can simply dip your finger in the pot and twist for quick, mess-free polish removal without cotton pads or getting your hands dirty. The formula is acetone-free and collagen-rich to make it gentle on your nails while also promoting nail strength, growth, and cell renewal.
Pros
- Easy, mess-free polish removal
- The formula is acetone-free and collagen-rich
- Promotes nail strength, growth, and cell renewal
Cons
- Some reviewers have shared that you might have to use cotton wool pads or ear buds with a liquid remover to get to those hard-to-reach corners
8. Boost biotin in your diet
Biotin is a type of Vitamin B that highly promotes nail growth and according to experts a daily dose of 2.5 milligrams of biotin is said to improve nail strength. Biotin naturally occurs in foods like eggs, sardines, nuts, whole grains, bananas, beans and mushrooms. So increasing the intake of these biotin-rich foods will help to make your nails stronger and grow faster.
If you are not noticing any improvements even after making these dietary changes, you can consider biotin supplements and there are several good ones easily available on the market.
AmazonIf you are considering starting supplements, the Healthspan Biotin 1,000μg supplements is a good option to go for. Healthspan has had over 25 years of experience working in this industry and these high strength vegan tablets contain 1000μg biotin to promote healthy hair, skin and nails from within. These one-a-day tablets are easy-to-swallow and sure to give your visible results. The formula has been developed with the help of trusted research partners and experts, and tested by in-house doctors and nutritionists.
Pros
- Helps to promote healthy hair, skin and nails
- Easy-to-swallow
- No aftertaste
- Developed with trusted research partners, experts, doctors and nutritionists
Cons
- Might take continued use for a good amount of time to see visible results
AmazonThe Solgar Biotin 5000 mcg Vegetable Capsules are unflavoured and vegan, and they promote healthy hair, skin and nails. It also helps to maintain your metabolism and vitality. One reviewer shared that she has noticed a visible difference where her dry hair looked more shiny and her usually brittle nails became more healthy and strong after starting these supplements.
Pros
- Helps promote healthy hair, skin and nails
- Helps to maintain your metabolism and vitality
- Makes brittle nails more healthy and strong
- Makes hair more shiny
Cons
- Some reviewers shared that it would take continued used for a long period to notice positive changes
9. Drink more milk
Calcium is everything when it comes to nail strength and milk is packed with calcium that adds to nail strength and hardness, vitamin V and protein that helps build keratin, all of which helps to make your nails strong, long and healthy.
10. Ensure a diet rich in vitamins for fingernail growth
Nutritional deficiencies such as low levels of iron and other vitamins that are essential for nail growth like biotin, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 can lead to slow nail-growth, brittle or weak nails. Also make sure to include lots of fruits, vegetables, and proteins in your diet that will promote nail growth.
FAQs
How long does it take for nails to grow?
Nail expert Madelaine says, “This depends on a number of things such as medical health, medications, hormones, genetics, nail health or trauma, aftercare and even which season it is. However, typically you should completely regenerate your entire nail within 3-4 months. This is how long it takes for a cell that's just grown out from behind your cuticle to move all the way up your nail to the free edge.”
Can Vaseline help grow nails?
“In theory, yes, but only if it's used as a lubricant to apply aftercare such as cuticle oil or balms in the method mentioned above in the article,” says Madelaine. Vaseline by itself does not contain any of the ingredients that are recommended in aftercare products to promote hydration, lock in moisture, and rejuvenate the skin.
How can I make my nails longer in 2 days?
There are several ways to make your nails grow longer in 2 days, using simple home-made solutions. You can soak your fingernails in an easy concoction made by mixing some olive oil and lemon juice and heating it up for about 10-15 seconds. Repeat this for 2 days and you will see visible growth.
You can also rub a slice of orange on your fingernails before repeating the above process to enhance growth. You can also apply coconut oil on your nails and cuticles and rub them in softly for about 5 minutes and let it stay on. You can also use warm olive oil for this. Repeating this about 3-4 times a day will help your nails grow longer in 2 days.
Meet the expert
Madelaine is a skilled nail technician with over 10 years of experience in the industry and she is also the founder of The Hampshire Manicurist nail salon. As a member of the Guild of Beauty Therapists, she has achieved a Level 2 in Beauty Therapy and is qualified as a Bio Sculpture manicurist since 2013. Her work is showcased on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok under the handle The Hampshire Manicurist.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.