How To Grow Toenails Faster? 5 Proven Methods To Stimulate Nail Growth!

Slow-growing, discolored toenails can be a frustrating problem for many people. Whether it’s due to genetics, age, or an underlying health condition, sluggish nail growth can make you feel self-conscious and limit your shoe choices.

The good news is that there are several proven methods you can try to stimulate faster, healthier toenail growth. In this article, we’ll explore five research-backed strategies to get those nails growing in no time.

1. Optimize Your Nail Nutrition

One of the most important factors in nail growth is proper nutrition. Your nails are composed primarily of keratin, a protein that requires specific vitamins and minerals to be synthesized effectively.

To encourage faster nail growth, make sure you’re getting enough of these key nutrients in your diet:

• Biotin (vitamin B7) – Essential for keratin production and nail cell growth. Foods high in biotin include eggs, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.
• Iron – Helps deliver oxygen to nail cells for healthy growth. Good sources include red meat, poultry, beans, and fortified cereals.
• Zinc – Supports the health and division of nail matrix cells. Oysters, red meat, poultry, and seafood are high in zinc.
• Protein – The building blocks of keratin. Aim for 20-30 grams of high-quality protein per meal from foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

You can also consider taking a nail-specific supplement that contains a blend of these key nutrients. Just be sure to check with your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying conditions.

2. Massage Your Nail Beds

Gently massaging your nails and cuticles can help stimulate blood flow and nutrient delivery to the nail matrix, where new nail cells are produced.

Try this simple nail massage technique a few times per week:

1. Apply a few drops of nourishing cuticle oil or nail cream to your fingertips.
2. Gently massage the oil or cream into your cuticles and the skin surrounding your toenails, using circular motions.
3. Finish by lightly tapping or stroking the top of your toenails to encourage growth.

The warmth and increased circulation from the massage can help speed up the nail growth process. Just be sure not to irritate or damage the delicate nail bed skin.

3. Use A Nail Brush Or Vibrating Buffer

Physically stimulating the nail matrix can also help encourage faster growth. Try using a soft-bristle nail brush or vibrating nail buffer a few times per week to gently exfoliate and massage the nail bed.

The gentle abrasion helps remove dead skin cells and debris that can clog the matrix, while the vibrations may help boost circulation and nutrient delivery. Just be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the nails.

4. Soak In An Oil Or Milk Bath

Soaking your feet in a warm oil or milk bath can help soften and hydrate your nails and cuticles, making them more pliable and resilient. This, in turn, can support faster nail growth.

Try this simple at-home treatment a few times per week:

1. Fill a large bowl or foot bath with warm water.
2. Add a few tablespoons of nourishing oil, like coconut or olive oil, or a cup of whole milk.
3. Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes, gently massaging the nails and cuticles.
4. Pat your feet dry and apply a thick, hydrating nail cream or cuticle oil.

The heat, moisture, and natural oils or lactic acid in the milk can help condition your nails and cuticles for faster growth.

5. Protect Your Nails

Protect Your Nails Harsh chemicals, frequent nail polish use and physical trauma can all wreak havoc on your nails, inhibiting growth. To protect your toenails:

• Wear gloves when doing household chores or yard work
• Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers
• Take regular breaks from nail polish, gels, and acrylics
• Trim and file nails gently – don’t cut them too short
• Wear shoes that fit properly and avoid tight socks

You should also be extra careful with your feet if you have a medical condition like diabetes or poor circulation, as these can increase your risk of nail problems.

Takeaways

It’s important to note that growing out thick, slow-growing toenails takes time and consistency. Nail cells only grow about 1-2 millimeters per month, so it can take several months to see significant length changes.

Stick with your nail care routine, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. In some cases, underlying health conditions may be contributing to your nail growth issues. If you’ve tried these strategies for several months without improvement, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out any underlying causes.

With the right combination of nail-boosting techniques, you can get those toenails growing faster and looking their best in no time. Try out these 5 proven methods and let me know how they work for you!