Healthy nails and cuticles are necessary for nail growth. Nails are made from layers of a type of protein called keratin and can be fragile. Eating a healthy diet and following proper nail care are easy ways to keep nails strong and growing, but some homemade and natural oils can also be used to increase moisture and nail strength. These methods are cheaper and more natural than using store bought oils and products designed to increase nail growth.
Diet and Supplements
Since nails are made of protein, eating a diet rich in protein will help nails to grow healthy and more quickly. Red meat, chicken, eggs and turkey are all sources of red meat. Other proteins and minerals help nail growth as well such as folic acid that can be found in leafy vegetables and sunflower seeds. Vitamin C, found in strawberries, oranges, melons and red peppers, and vitamin B12, found in liver, ham and tuna help nails to grow as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, a daily biotin supplement containing 2.5 milligrams of biotin may make nails thicker and stronger. Biotin can also be found in whole grains.
Homemade Oils
Oils designed to strengthen nails and improve growth can be made at home with natural and easily accessible ingredients. Simply soaking nails in olive oil, bath oil or lemon juice for five minutes can moisturize nails and prevent them from becoming brittle. This can be done daily to strengthen nails. Homemade cuticle oil can be made by combining 2 tbsp. of olive oil and 10 drops each of lemon juice, myrrh and frankincense. Another recipe for cuticle oil combines 2 tbsp. of apricot oil and 2 drops each of myrrh, frankincense and wheat germ oil. These cuticle oils can be rubbed on the nails every other day.
Nail Care
Proper nail care contributes to healthy nail growth. Keeping nails clean, including the area underneath the nail, prevents infections that keep nails from growing. Hangnails and ingrown nails keep nails from growing properly, and keeping them trimmed and cutting them straight across those problems. Nails can become damaged from exposure to cleaning products or hard surfaces. Wearing gloves for some chores and projects, such as washing dishes, can keep nails strong and growing properly.
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