14 Ways to Make Your Nails Grow Faster, According to Derms

Protect Nails

Protecting your nails from chemicals will keep nails healthy and moisturized. "Nails can become brittle due to exposure to harsh chemicals like nail polish removers containing acetone," says dermatologist, Divya Shokeen, MD. "Limit the use of such products or opt for gentler alternatives." Opt for a non-acetone natural remover for a non-traditional option—you won't regret it.

Try a Keratin Supplement

Keratin is not just a hair treatment—it's actually the main protein that makes up your nails. So taking a keratin supplement could help build strength and resiliency, much in the same way it works on the hair. Taking it orally or applying it topically as an oil may bring you one step closer to long and healthy nails.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Apart from ingesting protein as a keratin supplement, you should also be incorporating food with protein into your diet. Not only is it important to eat the right amount of protein for your overall health and nutrition, but it can also affect your nails and the speed at which they grow. "A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to healthier nail growth. Foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens can provide essential nutrients for nail health," says Dr. Shokeen. "Consume foods rich in protein, biotin, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals to support overall nail health."

"Eat a well-balanced diet to ensure proper intake of vitamins including zinc, biotin, folate, as well as protein to maintain nail growth," echoes dermatologist, Marisa Garshick, MD. "As it pertains to specific supplements, it is best determined by your doctor if you need any additional supplements in addition to eating a well-balanced diet."

Use Cuticle Oil

Staying hydrated is an important part of any self-care routine—cuticles included. By using cuticle oil regularly, you'll avoid breakage and picking while simultaneously keeping your nails healthy and flexible, too. "Similar to the concept of using a moisturizing ointment on the nails, cuticle oil helps to hydrate the cuticle as well as the nail bed," explains Dr. Garshick. Dry nails will break and chip while well-moisturized ones will grow nice and long. "Keep in mind that it takes about 12 weeks for a nail to fully grow out from cuticle to tip. Healthy cuticles lead to healthy nails (as a healthy scalp leads to healthy hair)," comments nail artist, Syreeta Aaron.

Practice Good Grooming

When we hear the word "grooming" our minds first jump to men's facial hair and Tom Hardy; but, practicing good grooming is also key to having healthy nails. "Grooming nails on a regular basis may protect your nails from breakage," says Aaron. "When grooming your nails, you are removing dead skin and replenishing nutrients such as oil/moisture giving growth of your nails a better chance," she explains. Dr. Viscusi adds, "Frequent nail clipping can help stimulate circulation in the nail bed and help nails grow."

Keeping nails smooth and filed also reduces the risk of breakage. "Try to keep your nails trimmed so they don’t snag on things which may make them more susceptible to breakage," says Dr. Garshick. But be sure to use a gentle hand. "Avoid excessive buffing or filing, as it can thin out your nails. Opt for a gentle nail file and use it sparingly and avoid cuticle cutting when you can," advises Dr. Shokeen.

Apply a Nail Strengthener

For nails to grow long (without breaking), they need to be strong. "Nail strengtheners or hardeners can help protect and fortify your nails, reducing the chances of breakage," explains Dr. Shokeen.

Dr. Viscusi recommends applying a dermatologist-approved nail strengthener daily. Her pick? ISDIN SI-Nails ($35). "This innovative formula has been clinically proven to help strengthen nails by hardening and increasing thickness, density, and durability of the nail and cuticle in just 14 days. SI Nails also promotes keratin and silicon in the nails to help improve growth specifically," she tells us. Meanwhile, Aaron likes Famous Names' IBX Nail Treatment ($41). "There is a trio pack that includes repair, strengthener, and oil that completes for a great at-home manicure," she says.

Add a Growth Treatment

While sometimes found in combination with nail strengthening serums, nail growth treatments can also be purchased on their own. "There are various over-the-counter nail growth serums available that claim to promote faster nail growth," says Dr. Shokeen. "Minoxidil applied topically can actually stimulate nail growth but always consult with your doctor before doing so!"

Take Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin widely touted for its ability to grow hair and nails. It's water-soluble and helps aid in the body's processing of glucose, fats, and proteins. One reason it's often recommended for nail growth? Those with biotin deficiencies will often see brittle nails as a result. Anecdotally, many who take biotin supplements report seeing improvements in nail growth, and clinical trials have shown the supplements lead to an improvement in thickness.

"Some studies do show some benefit for brittle nails with individuals taking 2.5 mg of biotin showing improvement in nail firmness, hardness, and thickness," says Dr. Garshick, noting one study in particular. Though she continues to advise caution when supplementing with the vitamin. "In February 2017, the FDA released a statement warning that biotin may interfere with certain laboratory tests including thyroid and troponin levels (a marker used to detect heart attacks). So, it would be important to consider this if getting lab work done, in which case you should stop the supplements beforehand; and always remember to indicate all medications, including supplements, when visiting your doctor. Before beginning a supplement, such as biotin, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment. It is also important to remember that there are dietary sources of biotin as well."

Avoid Nail Enhancements

Acrylics may help you beat that nasty nail-biting habit but they can also do a number on your nails. "Avoiding nail enhancements prevents your nails from weakening, which also helps with less breakage and allows your nails to harden," explains Aaron.

"Frequent manicures, acrylic nails, gel polish, and improper removal methods can damage your nails, making them weak and prone to breakage," adds Dr. Shokeen.

Consider Collagen

Collagen helps support the body in several ways, including in the health of hair, nails, and skin. Research has found that collagen supplements (specifically those in powder form) can improve the hydration and elasticity of nails and skin.

Minimize Water Exposure

When nails absorb too much water or are exposed to harsh chemicals they can weaken and become dry, which leads to breakage and cracks that stunt growth. "For patients concerned about weak nails, it is best to avoid excessive exposure to water," notes Dr. Garshick. "An example is making sure to wear gloves when washing dishes to minimize exposure to harsh soaps and water that can dry the nails out."

However, this doesn't mean you should skimp on your water intake. "Drinking enough water helps maintain nail moisture and flexibility, promoting growth," adds Dr. Shokeen.

Reach for the Vaseline

"Use Vaseline Healing Jelly or a petroleum jelly based ointment nightly. This helps to trap moisture and in doing so, can help to strengthen the nail," explains Dr. Garschick. "It also helps to keep the surrounding skin around the nail, known as the periungual area, soft and smooth, minimizing trauma and inflammation, which can ultimately impact how the nail appears as well." Is there anything Vaseline can't do?

Reduce Trauma

The best way to achieve nail growth is to keep from hindering it in the first place. "Be gentle with your nails and try to minimize using your nails as tools to open things," says Dr. Garshick. "It may seem obvious but avoid biting your nails or trauma to the cuticles by picking, cutting, pushing, or trimming as this can impact nail growth, especially if the skin becomes inflamed. Biting your nails also leads to frequent injury of the nail which may cause nail growth to slow down."

Be Patient

We know, we know. This is often the most unwelcome advice to receive, but it needs mentioning. Only with patience and diligent consistency will you see results. There is no way to rush the process. "Remember, growing nails is a gradual process, and results may vary from person to person. It's essential to be patient and consistent with your nail care routine for the best outcomes," says Dr. Shokeen. "If you have specific concerns about your nails, it's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice."