How Do I Get My Short Brittle Nails to Grow?

Make your short and brittle fingernails grow by changing your beauty regimen.

Brittle and short nails often are the result of overexposure to water. Harsh chemicals found in nail polishes, hardeners and removers also cause nails to crack and split. Regardless of the culprit that causes your nails to become brittle and stop growing, a simple daily routine will bring your nails back to a healthy state. To get your nails to grow, you must also take the time to pay attention to the health of your nails.

Things You'll Need

• Nail file
• Manicure scissors
• Moisturizing lotion
• Nail clippers
• Supplements
• Nail polish

Instructions

1. Wash your hands frequently. Bacteria and fungi often trap themselves under nails. For proper care, you need to clean under your nails daily and dry your hands and feet thoroughly after they become wet.

2. File thick areas on your nails. Use sharp manicure scissors to cut straight across your nails, and file them down after taking a shower while they are still soft. Filed nails will not catch on clothing and subsequently crack and break.

3. Add a moisturizer to your nails. Rub lotion over your nails, especially after removing nail polish. Moisturizers will also prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle.

4. Avoid picking or biting your nails. This allows bacteria to enter, damages your nail beds and can even cause an infection. Always clip your hangnails to prevent ripping away at the live tissue, which can cause your nails to become brittle and grow slower than normal.

5. Consider taking supplements to keep your nails healthy. According to the National Institutes of Health, taking Biotin may help with brittle fingernails. DailyGlow.com adds that Vitamin C and Vitamin A can help your nails grow faster and stronger.

6. Use nail polish to retain moisture. Nail polishes and hardeners will aid in keeping your nails strong and prevent them from becoming brittle. Avoid products that contain toluene, formaldehyde and sulfonamide because they will irritate the skin around your nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when washing dishes to reduce exposure to water and protect your nails.

• See a doctor if your nails continue to stay brittle and short after changing your routine.

References

• Chet Day: Vitamins and Minerals for Fingernail Health
• AZ Teen Magazine: How to Stop Fingernail Splitting and Brittle Nails
• Daily Glow: How to Make Fingernails Grow Faster