Tap to Read ➤

Fingernail Growth

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule
Fingernails are an important indication of a person's health. Their growth rate is dependent on several factors, which we will take a look at in this write-up.
Fingernails are the mirror of your health. Healthy, long, pink fingernails are often an indication of a person's well-being. On the other hand, brittle, fragile, spotted fingernails reflect poor health of a person. Long, healthy nails are every woman's fantasy, however, most of us are unhappy with the rate at which our fingernails grow.
Although it is true that the growth rate differs for every person, it is equally true that you can accelerate your fingernail growth with the help of certain vitamins, and making certain changes in your lifestyle.

Fingernail Growth Problems

Most problems can be attributed to poor nutrition. Brittle, frequently chipping nails and spotty fingernails indicate inadequate nutrition. Similarly, negligence towards nail care and incorrect usage of nails also results in poor growth.
Common fingernail problems include fungal infections, bacterial infections, white spots, ridges, brittle nails, etc. Unhygienic cleaning habits and deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals are the major causes of these problems.

Vitamins for Nail Growth

Vitamin A promotes healthy nail growth by supporting the mucus lining of the body, as well as the membranes. Vitamin A also helps oxygenate the skin, and prevent infection of any kind. Vitamin B2 assists the overall health of the fingernails, thereby resulting in their growth.
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is responsible for producing a substance called collagen, which cements the cells together. It strengthens the nail bed and improves the overall health of fingernails. Besides these vitamins, there are minerals such as zinc, calcium, iron, etc., which are required for healthy growth of fingernails.

How to Grow Your Fingernails Faster?

Slow growing fingernails cause frustration, mostly when you are eager for long fingernails. Although acrylic nails are an option to flaunt long nails, they don't necessarily suit everyone. Also, the chemicals used in acrylic nails do more damage than good to the nails. However, caring more can help you achieve the fingernails you desire.
Here are some tips on how to grow your fingernails faster.
  • Moisturize your nails on a daily basis. Most women apply moisturizer to their hands and body, but forget to do so when it comes to nail care. Although you can opt for a nail moisturizer, a normal one works just as well.
  • Incorporate green tea in your diet, and also soak your nails once a week in green tea. Adding a drop of green tea essential oil also helps.
  • Do not use your nails to pry the things open or bite them off. Remember, nails are very delicate, so do not use them as tools.
  • Take vitamin supplements if you wish to grow fingernails in a very short duration.
  • Depending upon the shape you desire to give your nails, file your nails in one direction only. Moving a nail filer to and fro will result in tearing of nails.
  • Wear protective gloves while performing activities like gardening, washing dishes, etc.
  • Lastly, drink lots of water and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy and rapid fingernail growth is observed in healthy individuals. Always remember, nails are an important part of the body and should be given as much attention as you give to the rest of your body. Nails are delicate and vulnerable to infections, hence protect your nails by maintaining proper hygiene.