We’ve all been there—you chip or break a nail and immediately ask yourself how to make your nails grow faster.
For some reason, breaking a nail always seems to happen at the most inopportune time, so I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s wondered how to fix a manicure ASAP. Luckily for us all, there are solutions. Even if you haven’t dealt with a broken nail before, but you’re just hoping to grow your nails to be longer and stronger, we’ve got you covered. From keeping a healthy diet to using cuticle oil, a nail strengthening serum, or lotion regularly, helping your nails grow faster isn’t as hard as it may seem (there are also plenty of natural home remedies you can try).
Keep in mind, though, that everyone’s nails grow at different rates. “Nails, like hair, can be a reflection of our internal health, so the number one thing is to pay attention to your overall health,” says Stephanie Stone, an Essie celebrity manicurist based in Los Angeles. We tapped her and two dermatologists to weigh in on the eight best tips on how to make your nails grow faster.
Try minoxidil
Wondering where you’ve heard of minoxidil before? Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine, which treats hair loss. “Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles,” says Ravi R Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of House of Dermatology in Alpharetta, Georgia. It can actually have a similar effect on nails (after all, they’re both made of keratin). “Since the nail bed lies just beneath your nail and is rich in blood vessels, better circulation can mean healthier, quicker-growing nails,” he explains.
Using 5% topical minoxidil twice daily can help promote nail growth, says Carmen Castilla MD, board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group. It usually comes in foam or liquid form and “can be gently massaged into the nail area,” adds Dr Patel. Accessibility won’t be an issue with topical minoxidil: It’s available over the counter without a prescription.
Another minoxidil option is going the oral route (2.5mg by mouth daily), though this one does require a prescription from your doctor. We’d probably stick to the topical option, since oral minoxidil “comes with potential side effects such as leg swelling, palpitations, and unwanted hair growth,” warns Castilla.
Get your collagen
Collagen peptides are all the rage right now in wellness routines, and for good reason. The skin, nail, and hair health benefits this supplement can provide are dermatologist-approved: “Collagen is rich in amino acids like proline and glycine that support keratin production, the key protein in nails,” says Patel. “Studies have shown that taking 2.5 grams of collagen peptides daily can improve nail growth and reduce breakage and brittleness.” You can buy collagen peptides in powder form and stir a scoop into your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie.
Skip the manicure
As much as we love our trips to the salon and fun nail art, remember to give your fingertips regular breaks from manis, nail polish, and nail polish remover, especially if you have gel nails or acrylic nails. “Frequent exposure to gel polish, acrylics, and harsh acetone removers can thin your natural nails over time, making them weaker and more prone to damage,” says Dr. Patel. While it may not directly cause your nails to grow more quickly, giving them a little time to recover will give them the chance to grow out without chipping or breakage.
Check for nutritional deficiencies
To the doctor’s office we go: Make sure to schedule regular checkups with your physician, such as a board-certified internal medicine doctor, “because internal factors such as low iron or abnormal thyroid hormone levels can impact nail growth,” says Dr Castilla. Specific vitamins like biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are essential for nail growth, adds Dr Patel, and deficiencies can not only lead to slow-growing nails but also brittle or ridged ones. Your doctor will order a quick blood test and advise which supplements to add to your daily routine to restore balance and increase nail strength.
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