Accelerating nail growth in just five days is not possible, but there are many ways to maximize it. Strengthening, protecting and taking care of them on a daily basis allows you to make them healthier and, consequently, even longer. Also, if you are in the habit of eating them, you can put some preventative strategies in place.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Strengthen and Protect Nails
Step 1. Apply hardener polish
As your nails grow, it may be helpful to use a hardener polish to strengthen and protect them. The function of these products is precisely to prevent them from being damaged or broken, forcing you to cut them even before they have reached the desired length.
- Remember that nails are only harder when they are protected by hardening nail polish. Once removed, they will return to their normal consistency. Reapply the product daily to keep them strong.
- Hardening enamels should only be used as a temporary solution. The best thing to do, in fact, is to develop a long-term plan that helps them become healthier and stronger naturally.
Step 2. Use gloves to protect them from the cold and chemicals
In addition to moisturizing them with a special cream, during the winter months you must remember to protect them from the cold every time you go outside. Also, if you happen to use chemicals, for example when cleaning the house or while painting, you should wear a pair of latex or work gloves, depending on what the situation calls for. Both precautions can help you keep them from breaking apart.
Step 3. Protect them from prolonged exposure to water
Soaking your nails in water for too long, for example when washing dishes or swimming in the pool, can risk weakening them, increasing the likelihood that they will flake off as they grow. As a direct consequence you would have the need to cut them more frequently.
To grow your nails, you need to protect them from the harmful effects of water by limiting the exposure time. For example, when washing dishes, remember to always wear rubber gloves
Step 4. Eat healthily
You are probably already getting more protein than your body needs; therefore, unless you are deficient in it, you do not need to increase your consumption to promote nail growth. Remember that too much protein can put you at risk of becoming obese, diabetic and accelerating the deterioration of the kidneys.
For stronger nails, it's best to eat a wide variety of healthful foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products
Step 5. Try taking a biotin supplement
Biotin is a vitamin that can help you have stronger nails that don't break easily. Taking it in supplement form helps you grow them more and faster. Likewise, eating foods that contain it contributes to nail growth.
You can purchase a biotin supplement at a drugstore, herbalist's shop, or supermarket. Generally, the dosage for an adult is 30 micrograms per day
Method 2 of 3: Taking Care of Hands and Nails
Step 1. Moisturize your hands and nails
Applying a moisturizer to your hands and nails should be a daily gesture, an integral part of your personal hygiene routine. Moisturizing your nails helps prevent them from drying out, thereby promoting faster growth and greater resistance. Remember to apply the cream on your hands and nails a couple of times a day and whenever you feel the need.
- Choose a rich and nourishing cream, preferably specially formulated to moisturize the skin of the hands.
- When you apply it, massage it thoroughly into your nails and cuticles as well.
- Remember to apply the cream especially after washing your hands, as the soap removes the natural oils that protect the nails making them more vulnerable and more prone to break.
Step 2. Trim uneven surfaces
If you notice that a nail has broken or has an uneven profile, it is best to shorten it with a pair of scissors to prevent the situation from getting worse. The torn part may get caught in a tissue or object, causing part of the nail to be lost. Remove the damaged area as quickly as possible to prevent it from becoming a problem.
If the damage is minimal, you can just file the nail instead of cutting it
Step 3. Take care of your cuticles
They are the most important part of the nail, as they have the task of protecting it from infections. When the cuticles are damaged (for example because they are cut or pushed to the side without having been first softened) the nail can also be damaged and therefore begin to grow more slowly.
- Softening the cuticles allows you to push them towards the sides of the nail more easily, reducing the risk of damaging them. Make a solution of warm water and some soap, then soak your fingertips to soften the cuticles. When they have become softer, you can push them towards the sides of the nail using a special stick in orange wood.
- Massage the cuticles to keep blood flow to that area. While not allowing your nails to grow faster, massaging them helps strengthen them and keep them healthy and resistant for longer over time.
- Don't cut your cuticles. It could cause them to bleed or, worse, cause a nail infection.
Step 4. Prefer a rounded look
Avoid filing your nails in a square shape, a rounded or pointed profile is much better. Square-shaped nails tend to get more easily entangled, for example in clothing, being more likely to tear and break quickly.
If you really can't help but file them into a square shape, at least try to round the edges to reduce the risk of them getting entangled in objects
Method 3 of 3: Avoid Nail Biting
Step 1. Give yourself a manicure
When you notice that your nails have an uneven surface, the temptation to bite them increases. For this reason, it is useful to get a manicure if you are trying to break this bad habit. Seeing that they are neat, clean and perfectly glazed, the more likely you will be able to resist. Even a simple clear nail polish may be able to make you give up.
- Try getting yourself a manicure at least once a week. You can also do it at home, simply by cutting, filing and applying a layer of polish on the nails.
- There are nail polishes on the market specially formulated to help those who want to stop biting their nails. Putting them in your mouth you will notice that they have a hideous bitter taste.
Step 2. Relieve Stress
When you are stressed, the temptation to bite your nails increases while the chances of being able to resist decrease. Relieving stress will help you reduce the need to eat them. Some possible strategies are:
- Exercise more, such as walking, cycling, running, dancing, or swimming.
- Practice yoga.
- Meditate.
- Use deep breathing techniques.
Step 3. Keep your hands busy
When your hands are inactive, your chances of biting your nails increase. By trying to keep them busy most of the time, you will have less chance of succeeding. Manual activities you can do include:
- Learn to play an instrument.
- Knit or crochet.
- Making jewelry.
- Cooked.
Step 4. Talk to a psychologist
If you can't stop biting your nails despite your best efforts, consider seeking help from a mental health expert, such as a psychologist. With its help you will be able to understand what is the reason that pushes you to bite your nails; at that point, it will be easier to find the right way to quit.
