How to Make Your Nails Grow in a Week

Co-authored by Mia Rubie and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

Nails grow slowly—only about 3.5 millimetres (0.14 in) per month!^{[1]
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Research source} If you’re trying to get long, glamorous nails fast, this can be very frustrating. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to speed up the natural growth of your nails. However, preventing damage and keeping your nails at their strongest and healthiest can help them reach their maximum potential growth in a week.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Boosting Your Nail Health

1
Eat a diet rich in calcium. There’s not a lot of evidence that calcium can help strengthen your nails, but some people with calcium deficiencies and related conditions may see changes in the way their nails grow.^{[2]
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Research source} Whether or not it can keep your nails strong, eating a diet rich in calcium is vital to your overall health.
- Good sources of calcium include dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt), canned fish with bones (like sardines and salmon), calcium-enriched soy products, and green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and turnip greens.^{[3]
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2
Get plenty of protein in your diet. Your fingernails are made of keratin, a type of protein. Getting enough dietary protein may help promote the health of your nails.^{[4]
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Research source} It’s also essential for the health of almost every other tissue in your body, including your hair, bones, muscles, and skin. Good dietary sources of protein include:^{[5]
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- Lean meats, such as fish and white-meat poultry
- Eggs
- Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Beans, peas, nuts, and seeds
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3
Try taking a biotin supplement to promote stronger nails.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.} It’s not clear that biotin (otherwise known as vitamin B-7) can actually make your nails grow faster, but it may help make them stronger if they are weak or brittle.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Ask your doctor if biotin supplements may be helpful for you.
- You can take biotin as a dietary supplement, but you can also find it in a variety of food sources, such as beef liver and other organ meats, egg yolk, salmon, brewer’s yeast, avocados, sweet potatoes, and many nuts and seeds.^{[9]
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Warning: Always consult your doctor before taking biotin or any other supplement. Biotin supplements may interact with certain medications, so tell your doctor about any medicines you are currently taking.^{[8]
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4
Ask your doctor to test you for vitamin deficiencies. Certain vitamin deficiencies can make your nails weak, brittle, or misshapen. If you have trouble growing strong nails, make an appointment with your doctor and ask if they can test you for a deficiency. If you do have any deficiencies, taking a supplement may help your nails grow faster, longer, and stronger.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
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Go to source}
- For example, an iron deficiency can cause brittle or misshapen nails. If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, taking an iron supplement may help you grow stronger nails in addition to providing a variety of other benefits.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Protecting Your Nails from Damage

1
Avoid biting your nails. This seems obvious, but it’s also very important. Biting your nails is a sure way to keep them from growing long and strong. If you have a tendency to chomp your nails, there are a few things you can try to help curb the habit while also letting your nails grow:^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Add some bitter polish to your nails. You can buy bite-discouraging polishes in many pharmacies or online.
- Distract yourself with another habit or activity. For example, if you feel the urge to bite your nails, try playing with a stress ball or chewing a piece of sugar-free gum, instead.
- Avoid common biting triggers as much as you can. For example, you might have a tendency to bite your nails when you’re bored or stressed, so try doing something relaxing or enjoyable for a few minutes if you feel the urge to nibble.
2
Keep your nails dry to avoid weakening them. When your nails get wet, they become soft and weak. Keep your nails as dry as possible while you’re growing them out so that there’s less risk of tearing them while they’re wet.^{[12]
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- For example, after showering or going for a swim, make sure to pat your nails dry right away.
- Try wearing gloves if you need to wash the dishes, scrub a counter, or do any other cleaning that involves getting your hands wet.
3
Moisturize your cuticles. While it’s important to keep your nails from getting too wet, they can also become brittle and cracked if they get too dry. Keep the skin around your nails well-hydrated by moisturizing your hands and cuticles daily.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- Petroleum-based moisturizers, such as Vaseline and Aquaphor, are some of the most effective at keeping your hands hydrated.
- You can also protect and hydrate your delicate cuticles with plant-based cuticle oils, such as apricot oil, cocoa butter, or sweet almond oil.
- It’s especially important to moisturize in the winter or after using harsh or drying products, like nail polish remover.
4
File your nails into a natural shape. Filing your fingernails properly can help prevent snags, breaks, and tears. Use a file to shape your nails into a slightly rounded or squared-off shape.^{[14]
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- To prevent ragged edges, file your nails in a fluid motion, moving in one direction. Start by moving from one side of your nail to the center, and then from the center to the other side.^{[15]
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- Glass or crystal nail files are easier on your nails than metal or emery board files.^{[16]
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5
Take it easy on the manicures. Using too many products of any type on your nails—even strengthening topcoats—can dry out your nails or make them more brittle.^{[17]
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Research source} Additionally, visiting nail salons too much can put you at risk of picking up a nail-weakening bacterial or fungal infection.^{[18]
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Research source} While your nails are growing out, give them a chance to breathe and go bare for a bit.
- Nail polish removers are especially drying. If you must use a nail polish remover, look for a formula that’s acetone free and moisturizing.
Warning: Whether you’re at home or in the salon, avoid manicures that involve cutting or pushing back the cuticle. Your cuticles help protect your nails and keep them strong.^{[19]
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6
Manage any medical conditions that might affect your nails. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and psoriasis, can damage and weaken your nails. If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions, work closely with your doctor to make sure your condition is well-managed and under control. Treating the underlying condition can help prevent nail damage before it starts.^{[20]
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- Take any medications as prescribed and go to medical appointments as often as your doctor recommends.
- If you have a condition that affects your circulation, such as diabetes, getting gentle hand massages can help improve circulation and boost the health of your nails.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I make my nails grow in a week?

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.

Mia Rubie

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You may not see instant growth in as little as a week, but moisturizing your nails with cuticle oil will help keep them healthy. Also, if you ever wear gel nails, make sure you have them removed properly. Don't be super aggressive and over-file your nails or anything. Another thing that may work is taking biotin or collagen, but you should talk to a doctor before taking any supplements.