Fingernails are very important in making our fingers look good and make it easier to grasp objects and to play instruments. To understand how to grow nails fast, you need to know how nails grow naturally. On average, the human fingernail increases in length by 3.5 millimetres every month. While various factors may determine how fast and long your nails can grow, good health, nutrition, and care are very important. The stronger your nails are, the longer they can grow. String nails are less susceptible to breakages and peeling off.

Composition of Nail

The nail is composed of two major parts: nail plate and nail bed. The nail plate is the hard protruding part of the nail that is made of the protein keratin. This part does not contain any living tissue, hence the reason why you can comfortably cut it without feeling pain. The nail bed plays a major role in the overall health of the nail plate. Unlike the nail plate, the nail bed contains living tissue and can be very painful in the event of an injury. Growth begins in the nail matrix, which is a component of the nail bed.

Factors Affecting the Growth of Fingernails

Several factors determine how fast and strong your nails can grow, including:

1. Age

Nails grow faster in childhood and slowest in an infant. The rate of growth is relatively slower in adulthood. This is because the childhood age of between 10 and 14 years is marked with rapid proliferation of body cells and tissues. A lot of protein is available, and some of it is deposited as keratin for the formation of nails.

2. Hormonal Imbalance

The major regulators of nail growth are female hormones. These hormones increase during pregnancy and about the time of menstruation. Therefore, the nails of pregnant women tend to grow faster. There is also a marked increase in the growth of nails during the period of menstruation. However, this period is relatively shorter, so you cannot easily spot the difference.

3. Your General Health

The American Academy of Dermatology posits that the color of the nails may be an indicator of an underlying disease condition. Yellow nails are associated with diabetes, while thick yellow nails with a slow growth rate are indicative of an underlying lung condition. Inadequate blood circulation around the nail bed or anaemic conditions may hamper the growth rate of your nails.

4. Nail Care

Nail care greatly increases the strength and growth rate of your nails. It eliminates any debris beneath the nail plate, which may encourage the growth of bacteria. For you to grow stronger and longer nails, you need to maintain a routine of good nail care.

How to Grow Nails Fast

1. Using Biotin Supplements

Biotin is essentially called vitamin B7. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body in the metabolism of proteins and fats. It is obtained from foods such as seeds, nuts, eggs, and red meat. Studies have proven the biotin can be used to improve the strength of nails. On estimate, the effects of biotin in the management of brittle nails yield results in a few weeks when taken in daily dosages of 2.5 milligrams.

2. Moisturizing Your Nails on a Daily Basis

Moisturizing of nails falls under the entire process of good grooming. Use lotion to moisturize the base of the nail plate. For this purpose, a heavier oil-based moisturizer is most effective. Moisturised nails do not crack easily. They also grow steadily and relatively faster.

3. Maintain Your Nails Regularly

You can trim and shape your nails to make them grow evenly. Use a fine file to shape your nails in a uniform direction. Keep the base of your nails dry and clean to prevent the growth of bacteria. Additionally, do not bite your nails. They will not grow if you constantly nibble on them.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Chemicals and harsh polishes make nails very brittle. A brittle nail is weak and can break or peel off easily. Nail polish made of toluene or formaldehyde has little effect on the strength of your nails. You can choose toxin free formulations of nail polish, which are usually water–based.

5. Limit Exposing Your Nails to Water

While getting in contact with water is an everyday activity, you should only expose your nails to water when it is absolutely necessary. Use gloves when washing dishes and clothes. Limiting exposure to water makes your nails moisturised for a longer period thus eliminating the susceptibility to cracks and breaks.

Final Thoughts

Realistically, you cannot tremendously increase the length of your nails overnight. However, constant practice of good nail grooming, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining the base of your nails are the surest ways of how to make nails grow fast. Watch the following video for more information about nail care.