Your fingernails grow an average of 1.5 inches per year, according to The Daily Glow. Fingernails are comprised of a hard protein known as keratin that grows from the nail matrix located at the base of the nail. However, a lack of proper nutrition and/or failing to take good care of your nails can result in slower-than-normal growth. In order to understand how to best care for your fingernails, treat them as you would your skin: frequent moisturizing, drinking plenty of water and eating foods that nourish them.
Step 1
Wear plastic gloves that are lined with cotton when soaking your skin in water or chemicals. Excess exposure to water, such as when washing dishes, swimming or taking a long shower, causes your nails to expand. As your nails dry, they contract and are robbed of moisture.
Step 2
Consume foods that are high in protein on a daily basis. Fingernails are made up of protein, meaning that this building block is necessary to grow your nails. Choose lean sources of protein to avoid introducing high amounts of saturated fat into your diet. Some choices include skinless chicken, turkey, lean cuts of beef, eggs or egg whites, soybeans and peanut butter, according to The Daily Glow.
Step 3
Increase your intake of beta carotene and vitamin C-containing fruits and vegetables. Examples of such foods include those with orange skins, such as oranges, apricots, orange bell peppers and carrots. Both of these nutrients are associated with cell growth, according to The Daily Glow.
Step 4
Wear gloves in cold temperatures to protect your fingernails from the elements. Cold weather can slow blood flow to the fingernails, resulting in slower growth.
Step 5
Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Water helps to hydrate the skin, and your fingernails are a part of your skin. In order for them to stay healthy and strong, water is required.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic gloves lined with cotton
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