All of us want our nails to grow long real fast to try the French manicure, among other nail art ideas. But what we forget is that, nails not only need to grow faster, they also need to be stronger. Only then will they add beauty to your hands. Also, in case you didn’t know, healthy nail growth is a reflection of the condition of your general health. Now that you know how important long and strong nails are, you need these home remedies for nail growth.

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Our nails and our hair are made of the same protein: Keratin. Also, our fingernails grow much faster than our toenails. Each month, our fingernails grow almost one-tenth of an inch. This is, however, an average approximation, since in some people nails grow even slower.

Factors contributing to slow nail growth

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There are innumerable factors that can result in slow nail growth, the most common being,

• Process of aging
• Health issues
• Medications
• Nutritional insufficiency
• Hormonal abnormalities in the body

Alternatively, we see faster nail growth during,

• Puberty in children
• Pregnancy in women

Symptoms of poor nail growth

Poor nail growth usually goes along with,

• Brittle nails
• Splitting in nails
• Breakage

A healthy and proper diet can help keep nails strong. To fasten the pace of nail growth, you can give these natural ingredients a try!

Home remedies for nail growth

Here are the most inexpensive, yet effective home remedies that will help you get longer and stronger nails, in no time!

1. Olive oil

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To improve the growth of nails, you need to keep them as moisturized as you can. So when it comes to keeping the nail well-conditioned, what better care than olive oil? Olive oil is absorbed by our nails, quickly, which in turn, fastens the process of nourishing the nails. Also, since the oil is a rich source of vitamin E, it enhances the circulation of blood to our nails, which promotes the repair of damaged and brittle nails, subsequently causing nail growth and strength.

Remedies

• Every night before you hit the sack, heat some olive oil in the microwave. Once it is lukewarm, apply it to your nails and nail cuticles. You need to massage the oil gently for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep this overnight. You can wear cotton gloves to make sure you do not leave oil stains on the bed sheet. This remedy should be carried out once every day.
• Alternatively, you can soak your nails in a small cup of lukewarm olive oil. Immerse them for half an hour daily in order to get the most effective results.

2. Coconut oil

Coconut oil does a fantastic job of ensuring quicker nail growth. It strengthens our nail cuticle, which, as you now know, plays a vital role in nail growth. Also, nail cuticle infections are cured by coconut oil because of its anti-fungal properties.

Remedies

• Use lukewarm coconut oil to massage your nails at night before going off to sleep. Massage for at least five minutes. Also, wear a pair of gloves to make sure you don’t mess your bed sheet.
• Alternatively, you can prepare a nail soak for yourself. For this, you need to mix a quarter cup of extra-virgin coconut oil with a quarter cup of natural honey. In this blend, add 4 drops of essential rosemary oil. This mix must be heated in a microwave. Once the solution is lukewarm, massage it into your nails and cuticles. This remedy must be followed twice a week.

3. Orange juice

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Orange juice helps boost nail growth. The vitamin C in it, encourages production of collagen, which keeps the nails healthy. Plus, the folic acid in orange juice is crucial for proper nail growth.

Remedies

• For about 10 minutes, each day, soak your nails in a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Now rinse them, pat dry and rub in some moisturizing cream.
• This treatment must be carried out every day to get the desired results.

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4. Lemons

Lemons are another rich source of vitamin C. It treats yellow nails, and give them a nice shine.

Remedies

• Mix two teaspoons of lemon juice and 6 teaspoons of olive oil. Heat it for 10 seconds in the microwave.
• Immerse your nails in this solution for 15 minutes.
• Wash it with lukewarm water and pat dry.

5. Horsetail

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Ancient Greek and Roman herbalists, used horsetail herb for nail growth, because it is a great source of calcium and silica.

Remedies

• To two cups of water add three-fourth of a teaspoon of dried horsetail stems.
• Bring it to boil.
• Now, strain the tea and cool it.
• Once cool, soak your nails in the solution.
• After 20 minutes, wash it with water and pat dry.
• Repeat this five times a week.
• You may also drink horsetail herb tea once every day to improve the overall health of your nails.

6. Biotin

Biotin is also called vitamin H. It improves the keratin in your nails, encouraging nail growth.

Remedies

• You can get your biotin from eggs, whole grains, salmon, tomatoes, almonds, cucumber, milk, soybeans, oats, walnuts and cauliflower.
• You may even take biotin supplements, but do consult your doc before doing the same.

7. Stinging nettle

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Stinging nettle prevents weak, brittle nails. It contains huge amount of silica and other important minerals that promote nail formation and growth.

Remedies

• In a cup of boiling water, add 2 tablespoons of dried nettle leaves.
• Cover the bowl and let the herb sit for 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea, and add honey.
• You should drink this tea once a day for best results.

8. Flaxseed oil

The high content of omega-3 fatty acids makes flaxseed oil a great nail growth booster. Flaxseed oils also has magnesium, zinc, protein, B vitamins and lecithin. These nutrients help enhance growth of nails, and also prevents splitting, drying and breakage of nails.

Remedies

• On your nails, rub in some flaxseed oil.
• Massage for five minutes.
• Wear gloves to retain the moisture.
• This remedy must be done twice a day for best results.

9. Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are rich in biotin, which aid nail growth. Tomato juice makes our nails thicker and shinier. Also, tomatoes have vitamins A and C, which give you better nails and skin.

Remedies

• In a bowl, add half a cup of tomato juice.
• Add to this, 4 teaspoons of olive oil.
• Immerse your nails in the solution.
• After ten minutes, wash your nails and dry them properly.

10. Protein

We have already told you that nails, like hair, are made of keratin, which is a protein. So, if you add more proteins to your daily diet, you can naturally enhance your nail growth. On the other hand, if there is a lack of protein in your diet, you are bound to have weak nails and also have spots on your nails.

Remedies

• Add lean poultry, eggs, fish, pork and beef to your diet to improve your protein intake.
• For the vegetarians, the best options are nuts, seeds, green veggies and legumes. Spinach is also a rich source of protein.
• Indulge in tasty protein shakes to your daily diet.
• You can also take protein supplements, but do consult your doctor beforehand about the supplement type and dosage.

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Additional tips for faster nail growth

Here are some extra tips that you can follow in addition to the home remedies, for quicker results.

• DO NOT expose your nails to any coarse chemicals, like abrasive cleansers or soaps.
• Whenever washing utensils or clothes, wear gloves in order to protect your nails.
• Prevent fungal infections that might invade your nails by keeping them dry and clean. Also, pay extra attention to the cleanliness of your nail cuticles.
• If and when you have a nail infection, you MUST treat it immediately.
• Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for stronger and longer nails. You need to increase the amount of green tea you consume a day to enhance the quality of your nails.
• Trim your nails on a regular basis to help them grow faster. Frequent manicures can allow you to stimulate the faster growth of your nails.
• Applying petroleum jelly on your nails before hitting the bed at night, can help you keep them moisturized through the night.
• If your nail polishes contain formaldehyde or toluene or sulfonamide, you must not use them.
• Every morning, expose your nails to the early sunlight to increase the vitamin D in the nails so that they grow faster.
• Hand exercises should be followed religiously, to improve the circulation of blood and nutrients to the nails to encourage their growth.
• You can take multi-vitamin supplements for nail growth, but before doing that consult your doctor about the supplement type and dosage that suits your body best.

That is all we have on home remedies for nail growth. Did you find this guide helpful? Which of these remedies will you be trying out to enhance the growth of your nails? Do you have any home remedies that you would like to share with us? I know, so many questions! Well, that’s because we love hearing from you! The comments section is all yours!

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