How to Make Your Nails Grow Faster and Stronger

Healthy nail growth isn't about a single supplement or nail oil. Instead, the health of your nails depends on a combination of internal and external factors. Internal factors include your diet. External factors include grooming practices and nail protection.

And while “faster” growth and “stronger” nail growth may sound like two different goals, they go hand in hand. Nails can’t grow fast if they keep breaking. So, most tips for nail growth emphasize building stronger, more resilient nails in the first place.

Below are some science-backed tips for how to make your nails grow faster and stronger.

1. Keep your nails dry

Nails absorb water every time they get wet, whether from hand-washing, bathing, household chores, or swimming. When nails absorb water, the nail plate (the hard, visible surface of your nail) swells and shrinks. Over time, the repetition of this cycle can weaken nails’ structure. This makes them more prone to peeling, splitting, and brittleness.

Keeping nails dry helps maintain their structure. It's not possible to completely avoid getting your nails wet. But you can try to limit repeated and/or unnecessary exposure to water throughout the day by:

• Fully drying your hands after washing

• Avoiding long soaks

• Wearing gloves while washing dishes and doing other household chores

2. Keep nails and cuticles moisturized

Even though nails shouldn't get wet too often, they need to stay hydrated. When nails get too dry, the nail plate becomes rigid and stiff. This makes them more likely to crack. Moisturizing your nails protects the nail plate by helping to keep it flexible.

Moisturizing also protects the cuticle (the thin layer of skin at the base of your nail). The cuticle plays a key role in healthy nail growth. Its main role is to shield the nail matrix, the tissue under the cuticle that makes new nail cells. When the cuticle is dry, cracked, or picked at, its protective seal gets damaged. This can expose the nail matrix to excess moisture or irritation that can slow nail growth.

To moisturize nails and cuticles, use a thick hand cream or a cuticle oil daily. Look for ingredients like: 

• Shea butter 

• Glycerin 

• Ceramides

• Lightweight oils (like jojoba) 

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3. Wear gloves while cleaning

Wearing gloves while cleaning or doing other chores can:

• Prevent exposure to too much water 

• Protect nails from harsh chemicals that can dry them out

• Shield nails from tiny nicks or tears that can weaken the nail edge and make breakage more likely

Pick gloves that can absorb sweat, like cotton-lined vinyl gloves. Or wear cotton gloves underneath heavier-duty ones. 

4. Use non-acetone nail polish remover

Acetone is a solvent that’s very effective at removing nail polish. For this reason it’s used in many nail polish removers. But acetone is also very drying. Frequent use can strip natural oils from the nail plate. This weakens nails and can lead to flaking or peeling.

Instead, use non-acetone alternatives, which are gentler and less likely to dehydrate nails. If you do need acetone (like for stubborn glitter or gel polish), use it sparingly. Then, follow up with cuticle oil to restore hydration.

5. File nails in one direction

Keeping the nail tip smooth with regular filing can reduce snags or breaks. Though filing may seem straightforward, the technique you use does matter. 

Filing back and forth in a sawing motion can create tiny tears along the nail edge. This can weaken nails and make them more prone to splitting or peeling. Instead, nail experts recommend filing in one direction using gentle, even strokes. A fine-grit file is best for smoothing the edge without causing damage. 

6. Eat nutrient-rich foods

Just like how the rest of your body relies on nutrients to function well, your nails need the right nutrients, too. 

For strong, healthy nails, focus on foods rich in:

• Protein (eggs, chicken, tofu, legumes)

• Biotin (salmon, nuts, seeds)

• Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach)

• Vitamin D (egg yolks, fatty fish, mushrooms)

• Iron (lean meat, spinach, lentils)

• Zinc (pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, oysters)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds)

A balanced diet doesn’t make nails grow overnight, but it can help improve their strength over time. 

7. Address nutrient deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain nutrients — like the ones listed above — can impact the nail matrix and lead to softer or more brittle nails. To be clear, a nutrient deficiency won’t always affect your nails. But, if you also notice symptoms like fatigue, bone aches, or other health changes, it's a good idea to check in with your primary care provider. They can help identify any potential nutrient gaps and make a plan to address it with diet or supplements.

8. Consider a biotin supplement

Biotin (vitamin B7) is one of the most popular vitamins for nail growth. Biotin helps your body make proteins, including keratin, the main structural protein in nails. And, in some cases, biotin may help. 

Research suggests that taking 2.5 mg daily can improve nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. But biotin works best for brittle nails, not nails that are already healthy. And it won't make healthy nails grow faster. Keep in mind that most people get enough biotin through their diet. 

What can cause brittle nails?

Brittle nails can develop when the nail plate or nail matrix is repeatedly stressed, dehydrated, or missing nutrients. This can happen for a many reasons, including:

• Frequent water exposure

• Harsh chemicals (like cleaners, acetone, or detergents)

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Thyroid imbalances

• Aging

• Dry environments or low humidity

• Trauma from over-filing, buffing, or picking at nails

• Certain medications, like retinoids, anti-seizure drugs, blood thinners, and chemotherapy 

Symptoms of brittle nails

It's normal for nails to split and break sometimes. But that’s not the same as having brittle nails. Common signs of brittle nails include: 

• Peeling or flaking, especially at the tips

• Nails that split easily

• Rough edges

• Regular breakage

• Difficulty growing nails past a certain point

• A soft, thin, or papery feel

Signs of healthy nails

Healthy nails tend to be:

• Smooth, without pits or deep ridges

• A uniform color

• Flexible, but not soft

• Strong enough to grow past the fingertip without breaking

• Uniform in thickness across the nail plate

Keeping the above traits in mind can help you spot early signs of brittleness. Then, you can take steps to strengthen your nails before more serious damage develops.

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Written by:

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC, is a functional nutritionist, licensed esthetician, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in evidence-based health, wellness, and skincare writing.

Edited by:

Meredith Hoffa

Meredith Hoffa is a senior health editor at GoodRx, where she leads journalists and clinicians covering various well-being topics, particularly in diet and nutrition.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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