Need Something to Make Nails Grow Fast

Updated on July 14, 2008
C.L. asks from Elcho, WI
27 answers

We have a family reunion coming up in three weeks. My nails look awful. They crack easily and peel. I have tried things in the past that helped, just don't remember what they were. I haven't had my nails long in over ten years. Want to look nice for the whole weekend we are there. I don't like the fake nails though.

What can I do next?

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C.G.

answers from Davenport on

I know someone has already suggested this, but prenatal vitamins work great. I take them everyday as my multi-vit. They have extra folic acid and vit B's which help with hair and nails. You might not notice the difference in 3 weeks though.

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J.L.

answers from Milwaukee on

Eat lots of jello! That always makes my nails grow fast. I just can't discipline myself enough to continually make it!

Good luck!

J.

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C.T.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would recommend Nail Envy by OPI. You can find it at some salons or at Ulta. It is a great product.

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A.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

In the short run you can take Silica (aka horsetail, which helps the body to absorb calcium) which is available in capsule form, and calcium.

However, your nails are cracked and brittle because your body needs Essential Fatty Acids: fish oil, flax oil, primrose oil, olive oil or other 'good' fats. Eating raw nuts and seeds, avocados, salads with olive oil-based dressing, etc. would provide you with both the calcium and the EFA's.

Still, supplements for both are widely available.

Bonus: EFA's help to relieve the symptoms of PMS as does good calcium absorbtion.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Rochester on

I'm a nail technician and I would recommend using a nail strengthener. Usually you can find a good one from Target or Wal-Mart. The main thing is keeping your nails polished, it can be a sheer pink or even clear if you don't want to keep touching them up. Also taking prenatal vitamins will help.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Cheri,
I agree with what Brenda said about your family wanting to see & be around you, not your nails. That said, I also understand wanting to look and feel your best.

I believe I can help you both short and long term with your nails. The previous posts are correct in that giving your body proper nutrition and supplementation will help long term with your nails as well as benefit you in many more ways. I help educate people on what is typically in vitamins/supplements and why many just get flushed out of the system without being used...very expensive pee!

I also can get you started using something to help get your nails in better shape for the reunion. They may not be 'perfect' by then, however on their way and better than where they are right now.

If you're open to hearing about how I can help, get in touch with me soon so you have close to the full 3 weeks to get started with the short term stuff. Whatever ends up happening, have a great family reunion!

J. Loesch
certified life & shopping coach
____@____.com
###-###-####

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B.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi Cheri-
I'm not sure I can help you get permanent healthy nails in 3 weeks-short term- I'd say use a salon
If you want long term nail health, nutrition is the answer.
I have to say my nails and hair are healthy like when I was pregnant- remember that??
You might be deficient in omega 3 fatty acids. 3 close pregnancies with not a sufficient time to replenish your stores (takes 3 years without supplementation betw. them).
I drink a nutritional shake and take vitamins- all pharmaceutical grade.

If you're looking for this type of long term- and some short term help, call or email me.
And- most of all- no one is going to notice your nails at a family reunion- they are only going to be enjoying your company!!

B. Jarmoluk
about me 47yo med. prof, wellness coach, and mom of nearly 7yo twin girls.
____@____.com
cell ###-###-####

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E.I.

answers from Duluth on

try a prenatal! my doctor told me that any woman of child bearing age should take one. and then my hairstylist told me they take them so their hair and nails look good!

you can find one in walmart so you dont have to get a prescription.
good luck with your reunion!

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A.Y.

answers from Minneapolis on

Try upping your calcium intake. Also, I have a friend that takes Biotin -- it was recommended by her dermatologist. You can find it at a health foods store.

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S.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

Cheri,

If your nails are cracking and peeling, it is a sign that your body is not getting adequate nourishment, which is a much bigger problem than having pretty nails for a family reunion.

You may want to consider calcium supplements, a multivitamin and a good look at what you are eating. Make sure you are getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins A-E, lots of calcium and protein.

Good luck,
S.

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L.B.

answers from Hickory on

A homeopath can find out why they crack and peel and will tell you what changes you need to make or add to keep them long and strong forever.

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M.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

OPI nail hardner works pretty well.. you have to put it on everyday, it will help them not break or peal.. Also you say you dont like the look of fake nails and I understand that, when I got married I got fake nails but I got fiberglass nails (got it done at a real nice salon not one of those drop in places you find at the mall) and they looked great.. I couldnt tell they were fake at all.. they arent as thick as they acrylic nails are..

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H.V.

answers from Minneapolis on

Get a manicure every week until the reunion and in between them use either Nail Envy as people here have already told you about, or there is another product called Nailtiques that works really well too. I owned a salon spa for 10 years until a medical issue forced my retirement, so this is what I recommended for my clients to use when they had problems. The manicures help get the nails to where you want them. Just my opinion, don't go to a nail salon, I am afraid they would try to put fake nails on you, sometimes going to more of a day spa with a nail tech there is a better idea.

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A.V.

answers from Iowa City on

Try Nail Envy by OPI you can get it at most nail beauty suppply places

A.

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M.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

WATER, Water, Water! Be sure you are drinking plenty of water. The advice about prenatal vitamins (Good one.)
Your nail and hair growth has so much to do with your diet.
If you are looking to take a certain vitamin, it should be Biotin. (Biotin is necessary for cell growth) Or just drink more milk and eat more eggs.
(No side effects on Biotin, btw)
Good Luck, and happy growing :)

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D.G.

answers from Fargo on

nothing is going to make your nails grow any faster than they naturally do...but i have found a wonderful thing to use on a daily basis so that your nails will grow out strong and healthy....

my mother used to buy this very expensive cream for her nails.... it worked wonders....but it was $30 an ounce (and this was back in the 1980's!!)....way beyond my budget!...it came in a lovely little white jar with gold writing on it....she bought some for me once as a gift because i also tend to have soft flaky nails....

i'd talked with my doctor about them and he said that nail strength is pretty much genetic....some problems can be caused by not getting your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals....but if you're well nourished, and your family members have funky nails, chances are good you will to....

i read the little brochure that came with the cream and it said the developer was a horse owner..... he noticed that all his grooms had beautiful log nails....after a bit of thought, he realized it was the 'hoof cream' they were rubbing into the horse's hooves....hooves are made of the same stuff as fingernails....so he took the essentials from hoof cream and refined it and made it into a lovely little scented cream for ladies to make their nails stronger....

so i got a bright idea and went looking for hoof cream....you can buy it at places like fleet farm and animal supply places....it's not in a lovely little jar with a fancy box etc...it's in a pump jar....doesn't smell bad and is a bit thicker than the fancy cream....but the last time i bought it, i think it was $6.95 for 16 ounces.....and you only need a tiny dab for each nail...i use it twice a day and my nails are great....it takes a while for it to work because it works on the nails where they are growing out....but it does moisturize your nails too so they look better while they are growing out....i can always tell when i get lazy and stop using it...a few months later my nails all get soft and break off.....

hope this helps with long term maintenance of your nails...

have a good time at the party and remember your relatives are interested in visiting with you...not your fingernails!!

D.

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C.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

Get pregnant! LOL :)

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L.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

good question, I have always wondered too. I will watch your responses.

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H.H.

answers from Wausau on

I have terrible nails too so I sympathize with you. I have found that when I use a progesterone cream from day 14 to day 28 of my cycle that my nails grow stronger. Also pregancy helped. I have just started to use the cream again.

H.

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W.A.

answers from Madison on

Hi,I was also having this problem. I used to have long healthy nails. My mom was telling me she couldn't believe how much her nails were growing. She was just taking calcium supplements w/vit D in them. I tried them, and I swear, within 4 days my nails had grown at least a half inch. I'm taking Caltrate 600 D Plus 2x per day. Try that, prenatals are good too, but the iron in them is quite strong and can be constipating. Good Luck, you've gotten some pretty good ideas.

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A.L.

answers from Des Moines on

Once you figure it out please let me know. I bite my nails but want long nails again like when I was pregnant.

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J.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

pre-natal vitamins work very well for nails and hair growth

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T.T.

answers from Cedar Rapids on

Prenatal vitamins help nails grow faster...and put on a clear coat of nail hardener.

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J.K.

answers from Omaha on

OPI Nail Envy or Qtica Nail Growth Stimulator. I work in a salon and we have many clients who swear by these!

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A.S.

answers from Des Moines on

Omega 3's (fish oil) are huge in great hair, nails and skin, plus a zillion other things, however, it is not an overnight cure. It does take some time to work. I take 6 omega 3 pills a day, three with breakfast and three with dinner, and my hair, skin and nails have never been better, but I have been doing this for a few years now. Kirkland brand at Costco are inexpensive and purely sourced, you do need to watch the sourcing as some brands might have mercury from the fish. One other thing, I take them right before I eat, so that I never get the fish oil burps afterwards.

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P.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

Try Sally Hanson's Nail strengthening and Growth Polish system. It's a clear polish that strengthen's your nails and makes them grow faster. You put it on everyday, one coat a day. I did this and noticed a huge difference in a matter of 1 week.

I've also heard and belive this old wives tale: Clicking your finger nails on the table (like strumming your fingers from pinky to index finger) stimulates your cuticles and will also grow your nails faster. I do both and my nails are long and healthy. Once they get long, try and keep a polish on them...even clear. Hopefully, this helps.

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K.D.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hey Cheri.
I have used ProStrong nail strengthener and moisturizer on my nails. The only place I know where to find it is through QVC. Getting it in time before your party may be tricky, but keep it in mind for future reference. I love it and it works so good. Makes the nails really strong.
Good luck.

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