23 Home Remedies to Have Longer Fingernails

Growing out your fingernails can be a difficult task, especially when you don’t know about the factors that can cause them to be so short in the first place. This article will discuss the various ways in which you can both prevent your nails from becoming short and ways to encourage your nails to grow longer if your nails are already short.

 

Causes of Short Fingernails

There are various problems that can cause the fingernails to look shorter than usual or that can cause them to grow more slowly than usual. Some of the most common factors that affect nail growth are listed below.

• Nail biting
• Nail damage
• Cuticle damage
• Fungal Infection
• Chemical usage
• The nail lifting from the nail bed

 

All of these factors and more will be discussed in this article. Other than preventative measures, other actions which can help nails grow faster will also be discussed.

 

Home Remedies for Fingernail Growth

1. Quit Biting Your Nails

Biting your nails is in no way good for your fingernails. There are many reasons why a person would bite their nails, from anxiety to simple boredom, but it is best to quit the habit no matter what your reasoning is. This will only cause your nails to become even shorter and it may also lead to general nail damage or hangnails, which will hurt more than it will help your goal to have long fingernails.

 

2. Avoid Using Your Fingernails

If you want your fingernails to be longer, then it is best to avoid using them. This means that it is best not to open packaging or soda cans with your fingernails. Also, avoid doing anything else that might lead to your fingernail breaking or chipping.

3. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Some cleaners are full of chemicals. If these chemicals come in contact with your fingernails, then it could damage them. It is best to use cleaning products that are plant-based. Many organic clears are coconut based, which may actually be good for you skin and nails. If you cannot find plant-based cleaners, then at least wear gloves while you use cleaning products.

 

4. File Your Nails Carefully

While it may seem like filing your nails will make your nails shorter (which it will, in the short-run), it can actually help to make your nails longer in the long-run, but only if you file your nails correctly. For example, it is best to file your nails so that they are rounded, rather than in a square shape. It is also best to file your nails in one direction.

 

5. Nail Polish

Wearing nail polish may be all the motivation you need to avoid picking at or biting your nails. Plus, by putting on more than one coat of nail polish (it can even be a clearcoat) you can make your nails stronger and less likely to break.

 

6. Nail Polish Remover

If you do choose to use nail polish, you may want to remove it at times. It is important to know that some nail polish removers are better for your nails than others. Don’t use nail polish removers that contain acetone, as this chemical can damage nails, making them brittle and more prone to breakage.

 

7. Cuticle Care

Taking care of your cuticles is one of the best ways to take care of your fingernails. Never cut your cuticles! This will only damage them. If you want to make your fingernails appear longer, you can instead slightly push up your cuticles. This will show more of the nail bed without damaging so much of the cuticle.

8. Moisturize

Using a moisturizer on and around your fingernails can encourage both healthy skin and nails. You can use any moisturizer you like for this home remedy, so long as it does not contain harsh chemicals. For best results, use a natural moisturizer at least twice a day. To learn how to make your own moisturizer from home, read this article.

 

9. Biotin

Biotin is one of the many B vitamins. This vitamin is well known for encouraging healthy skin, nails, and hair. In fact, it helps to make both hair and nails longer. There are two ways to use this home remedy. You can either take biotin supplements (as directed on the packaging) or you can eat foods that are naturally rich in biotin. Some foods which are rich in biotin include eggs, tree nuts, cheese, mushrooms, and spinach.

 

10. Garlic

Garlic is basically a cure-all, so it is not surprising that it can help make your fingernails longer. It works because garlic helps to fight off fungal infections, which can hinder nail growth. There are two basic ways to use this home remedy. You can either simply add more garlic to your diet (which can both prevent and cure fungal infections) or you can mix garlic juice in your nail polish to make your nails stronger, which can help to prevent them from breaking.

 

11. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can also help to fight fungal infections. To use this home remedy, you will need to dilute the oil first, as putting tea tree oil directly on your skin may have adverse results. You can either mix a drop or two of tree tea oil in your moisturizer or in your nail polish to use it to strengthen and lengthen your nails.

12. Quit Smoking

Along with having other negative health impacts, smoking can make your fingernails appear yellow and short. By quitting smoking, you will make it easier for the other home remedies on this list to work. Quitting smoking will also benefit your health in various other ways. To see articles in which quitting smoking is a key home remedy, click this link.

 

13. Clean Under Your Nails

Cleaning under your nails helps to eliminate the dirt and gunk that may hinder your nails from growing. Washing your hands is one way to clean your hands, but using a nail brush can be more effective. Whatever you do, make sure that you are not scraping away the dirt, as this can damage your nail bed.

 

14. Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the many minerals your body needs to be healthy. This mineral can also help to make your nails longer and stronger. For this home remedy, you can either take magnesium supplements (as directed) or you can eat foods that are rich in magnesium. These foods include seeds, dark leafy greens, eggs, and nuts.

 

15. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil is not only good for relaxation, it can also encourage your nails to be healthier and longer! To use this home remedy, mix three drops of lavender oil with two tablespoons of olive oil. Rub this mixture on and around your nails. Wait a few minutes before rinsing off the mixture with lukewarm water.

 

16. Eat Seafood

Fish and other types of seafood are rich in two essential components for healthy nails: zinc and omega-3. These two components will help to prevent nails from breaking and becoming short and ensure that they grow if your nails are already short. Try to eat seafood at least three times each week to see results.

17. Wear Gloves or Mittens

Cold weather can have a negative effect on your nails, so it is best to wear gloves or mittens when you are outside in the cold. These will help to keep your hands and fingers warmer, which can also help to make your nails more resilient against breakage.

 

18. Lean Meats and Vegetarian Protein

Having enough protein your diet is important if you want to have healthy and long nails. One way to make your diet a little healthier is to exchange red meats, like pork and beef, for lean meats, like poultry and fish.

If you are a vegetarian, then you can still get enough protein from other sources, like eggs, beans, tofu, mushrooms, and nuts. All of these foods are sure to contribute to a healthy diet.

 

19. Fruits and Vegetables

Eating fruits and vegetables is another great way to balance and improve your overall health, which will surely impact your nail health. Make sure to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day to have a balanced diet.

 

20. Lower Stress Levels

Many people who bite their nails bite their nails the most when they are feeling anxious or stressed. To avoid doing this, it is best to find some way to relax. Yoga, meditation, listening to music, and going for a walk are all great ways to relax. Try these out the next time you feel like biting your nails.

21. Keep Your Hands Busy

Another way to avoid biting your nails is to keep your hands busy whenever you can. Keeping something in your pocket, like a coin, stone, or fidget cube, is a great way to keep your hands busy so you are not tempted to bite your nails. Writing, typing, playing music or games, and working on arts and crafts can also help to keep your hands busy.

 

22. Chew Gum

If you cannot always keep your hands busy, then try to keep your mouth busy. Chewing on gum or mints may be able to help. If you are eating something, you are probably less likely to chew on your fingernails. Besides, this way you will not need to be constantly eating snacks to avoid biting your nails.

 

23. Calcium

Another great mineral that can help your body build strong nails is calcium. To take in enough calcium, you can either take calcium supplements (as directed) or eat foods which are rich in calcium. Milk and other dairy products are some of the best natural sources of calcium.

Which one of these home remedies are you most likely to try? Comment with your response below!

 

References

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Long-Nails

https://www.bustle.com/articles/172403-habits-that-make-nail-beds-shorter-what-to-do-to-keep-them-healthy-instead

https://www.healthline.com/health/biotin-rich-foods

https://experthometips.com/how-to-get-long-nails-healthy-natural-strong

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Your-Nails-in-5-Days