Want stronger, longer nails? You might be surprised, but water could be your best friend in achieving that. In this guide, I’ll explore how water can boost nail health and growth. From the science behind it to easy steps you can follow, we’ve got you covered.
Can Water Help to Grow Your Nails?
Yes, water can play a role in promoting healthy nail growth, but not necessarily in the direct manner that some might think. Drinking water won’t directly cause your nails to grow faster, but staying hydrated is crucial for the overall health of your nails.
When you’re well-hydrated, your nails are less likely to become dry and brittle, which can lead to breakages and slow growth. So, in essence, instead, hydration helps maintain nail strength and reduces breakage, making nails appear longer over time. However, excessive soaking of nails in water can weaken them, so balance is essential. In essence, while water aids in nail health, it doesn’t directly speed up nail growth.
Common Misconceptions about Water and Nail Growth
There are a few misconceptions about water and nail growth that are worth addressing:
1. Soaking nails speeds up growth
One of the most prevalent myths is that regularly soaking your nails in water will accelerate their growth. While soaking can soften the cuticles and temporarily increase blood flow to the nail beds, it doesn’t directly stimulate faster nail growth.
2. Water is a nail moisturizer
Contrary to popular belief, soaking nails in water doesn’t moisturize them. In fact, prolonged water exposure can strip nails of their natural oils, leading them to become more brittle and dry. That’s why it’s essential to moisturize nails with a cream or oil after they’ve been in water for an extended period.
3. Hydration equals rapid growth
While drinking water and staying hydrated is essential for overall health, including the health of your nails, it won’t make your nails grow faster. Adequate hydration prevents them from becoming brittle, which can reduce breakage and make them appear longer over time, but it doesn’t change the actual growth rate.
4. Nails need breathing time
Another misconception is that nails need to “breathe”, and soaking them in water provides this benefit. In reality, nails don’t breathe. Nails receive their nutrients and oxygen from the bloodstream, not the external environment.
5. Water strengthens nails
Some believe that regular water exposure makes nails stronger. While hydration from drinking water can prevent nails from becoming too dry and brittle, direct and prolonged contact with water can weaken nails, making them softer and more prone to tearing.
Steps to Use Water for Nail Growth
Using water for nail growth involves a few specific steps to ensure you maximize the potential benefits without causing harm. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation
- Start with clean nails, free from any polish or products.
- Gather necessary items: a bowl or basin, lukewarm water, a towel, moisturizer, and optionally, natural ingredients like olive oil, lemon slices, or salt.
2. Warm water soak
- Fill the bowl or basin with lukewarm water. Avoid very hot water as it can strip the nails of natural oils.
- If desired, add a few drops of olive oil or a slice of lemon to the water. Olive oil can provide additional moisture, while lemon may help whiten the nails.
- Soak your nails in the water for about 10-15 minutes. This softens the cuticles and helps increase blood circulation to the nail beds.
3. Gentle massage
- After soaking, while your fingers are still damp and cuticles soft, gently massage each nail bed in a circular motion for a minute or two. This can help stimulate blood flow, which supports nail growth.
4. Dry and moisturize
- Pat your hands and nails dry with a towel. Ensure there’s no excessive moisture, as this can lead to fungal growth.
- Immediately apply a good-quality nail moisturizer or cuticle oil. This step is crucial as water can strip natural oils from the nails, and moisturizing helps to restore this protective layer.
5. Daily hydration
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Internal hydration is just as vital for nail health as external care.
6. Repeat regularly
For optimal results, incorporate the water soaking routine into your nail care regimen about once a week.
Complementary Practices for Nail Growth Asides Water
Of course, ensuring nail growth and health is not just a matter of one single practice. It involves a holistic approach where various complementary practices come into play, ensuring that your nails not only grow but also maintain their strength and health.
1. Improve on your diet
I know it might sound like a cliché, but what you eat truly does reflect on your nails. Think of them as a mirror to your nutritional health. Foods high in biotin, vitamin E, iron, and zinc are like superfoods for your nails. Maybe consider adding some eggs, almonds, or salmon to your meals? And if you’re someone who often feels cold or notices ridges on your nails, it might be a good idea to check your iron intake.
2. Moisturize like you mean it
Just like you wouldn’t skip moisturizing your face, don’t skip your hands and nails. I can’t stress enough how essential this is. Grab a good hand cream or cuticle oil. Make it a habit, perhaps after washing your hands or before going to bed. Trust me, your nails will thank you for this!
3. Your nails aren’t tools
Remember that time you tried to open that can or scratch off a label with your nails? Yup, let’s not do that. Also, if you’re washing dishes or cleaning around the house, maybe consider slipping on some gloves? It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference.
4. Trimming and shaping
Next time you’re shaping your nails, try filing in one direction. It might take a minute longer, but it’s so much gentler on your nails. And hey, keep a check on the length. Super long might look chic, but it’s also super prone to breaking.
5. Those little habits
If you’re someone who loves painting their nails often, maybe go easy on the acetone-based removers. And if nail-biting is a thing (no judgment!), there are some great bitter-tasting nail paints that can help you kick the habit.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. While we often look for complex solutions to our beauty needs, sometimes the answer is as simple as water. Prioritizing hydration, both internally and externally, can play a pivotal role in nurturing and growing healthier nails. By incorporating these easy steps into your routine, you’ll be on your way to flaunting those strong, beautiful nails in no time.
