A nail is the most visible part of your fingers and toes and hence, nail problems can be easily encountered. This, thus, becomes a double weapon—on one side, it can be immediately treated, while on another side, it may ruins your appearance and is often associated to negativities, such as malnutrition and lack of hygiene. Therefore, there is an ultimate importance of having strong, healthy nails which do not crack, split, ripped, and shines perfectly.

How to grow nails fast and strong naturally

It is often not easy to keep the nail perfect. Many people experience variety of nail problems, including minor splits and hang nails, and unpleasant ridges. Since nails are not a living tissue—which means they are not growing and are able to fix themselves—they are more prone to damages. Despite this, it is not impossible to work for strong nails that grow fast naturally. In fact, no medications and specific, costly treatments are necessarily required for performing this. With regular care of the nails, even some natural treatments and careful precautions can improve as well as maintain the beauty of your nails. Strong nails will also prevent split and broken nails, so that they will grow faster.

What to do?

Moisturizing regularly

Hydration is crucial for nails. This will keep them from being over-dried and thus, cracked, split, or brittle. Hydration is in fact, not only essential for the nail plates, but also the cuticle and skin around the nail. Sufficient moisture will prevent dried cuticles that may result in hang nails. To do this, apply sufficient amount of thick or greasy hand cream to both the nails and its cuticle.

Performing proper hygiene

There is a close relation between a good hygiene and healthy nails. Proper hygiene will keep potential fungus and bacteria away, preventing nail discoloration and other effects. Thus, it is important to wear breathable footwear, change the socks regularly, dry the feet properly, and avoid walking barefoot on damp public places, such as swimming pools and locker rooms. In addition, wearing well-fitting shoes is important in order to avoid broken nail plates that will inhibit its growth.

Maintaining healthy diet

Healthy diet also plays an important role in providing nutrition required for strong, fast-growing nails. Vitamin C, folic acid, and biotin are some of the most beneficial nutrition for nail growth. Consume foods containing these substances for maintaining nail health. Fruits, white fish, lean meat, and greens need to be added to your daily diet list.

What not to do?

Knowing what to do for improving nail health is essential. In addition, knowing well what not to do is not less important. Some precautions below are essential for fast-growing, strong nails:

Never skip base coat with nail-polish application

Base coat is essential since it provides an additional layer between the nail plate and polish. This will preserve its strength and prevent it from cracking and breaking.

Do not use your nails to scrape glue or peel any labels

This might seem insignificant, but using your growing nails as an instrument for scraping and peeling labels might cause it to chip. This may inhibit its growth and weaken the plate. Otherwise, use scissors, a cutter, or any other instruments to replace your nails.

Stop biting the nails

Biting the nail is one of the most common bad habit many people are doing when they are nervous. This is definitely not advisable, since it may transfer any bacteria residing in the nails to your body. Related to the nail health, biting the nail might weaken the nail plate, causing it to rip and brittle. This habit will make it difficult for you to grow nail faster, as it is going to chip and rip every time you are biting it. Biting nails will also affect your fingertip, causing it to become over-dry and more prone to infection. In addition, nail biting may also cause bleeding to the cuticle.

Stop picking at chipped polish, ripped nails, and hang nails

Picking at an already-damaged nail plate is strictly not recommended. This may cause ripped nail to be detached from its bed, inhibiting its natural growth, so that it will be hard for you to grow strong nails faster.

Use home remedies

Some ingredients you can find easily are also beneficial for your nail growth. These are affordable and side-effects free, and may be able to help your grow strong nail faster.

Olive oil

Olive oil will moisture the keratin-based nail plate sufficiently. It is also loaded with vitamin E, which is essential for proper blood circulation. This will enhance nail growth and strengthen the nail surface. Apply some olive oil to your hand and nails, massage it for 5 to 10 minutes, and leave it overnight. If you have got overly-dry cuticles and nail plates, you can wear gloves and socks while sleeping to preserve the olive oil effects overnight.

Lemons

Lemon juice is also an essential source of vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant. This will give beneficial effects to the nails, including restoring its natural shine. To use, cut a lemon into halves and rub it onto the nails and cuticle. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly can help restore nail moisture after nail polish application. Apply sufficient amount of petroleum jelly to the nails and cuticles after removing the polish using acetone-free nail polish remover. It is best to apply petroleum jelly every night before sleeping to get the maximized benefits of the substance. Petroleum jelly can also be used to alleviate itching caused by initial fungal infestation on toenails.