How to Grow Your Nails

Whether you’re a nail biter or have brittle nails, trying to grow them sucks – it seems to take ten million years and is about as fun as watching paint dry. It's all well and good being told to stop biting but when it’s a habit we can’t shake, it’s not that easy. And don't get us started on weak, chip-prone nails, something that's completely out of our control.

Or is it? Dun dun duuun...

We've discovered that with the right tools at hand and a nail care routine you can really sink your teeth into, growing your nails isn't impossible. Luckily for you, we've got a brilliant collection of nail growth products as well as some expert tips on how to grow your nails faster. So get ready to wave goodbye to short, stumpy nails and say hello to beautiful, long talons.

1. Invest in your cuticles

When it comes to caring for our nails, cuticles are often overlooked. But they're so important for nail growth! By taking care of your cuticles, not only will you promote stronger nail growth from within but your nails will always look healthy and hydrated.

Our top pick:

Mavala Cuticle Oil

£12.64Add to Bag

This Mavala Cuticle Oil is the perfect remedy for neglected, damaged cuticles. Lending a helping hand, the quick and easy treatment gently softens skin and protects cuticles. Apply as and when your nail beds feel like they need a little TLC.

2. Keep a file handy at all times

Having a nail file handy is probably one of the best decisions you’ll make in your life. Whenever you get a chipped nail or it feels a bit rough around the edges, a nail file will have your back.

Our top pick:

Mavala Emery Boards

£3.95 £4.50 (13% off)Sold out

This nail file is loved by both professionals and amateurs alike and is the best way to shape your nails as and when. It'll prevent any chips from snapping further and stop you from biting at the rough edges.

3. Clip your nails properly

There'll come a time where your nails have grown (yay!) but are feeling quite brittle (boo!). That's when these babies will come in handy. Properly trimming your nails with clippers will prevent any snapping further down the line and promote a stronger nail growth.

Our top pick:

Tweezerman Fingernail Clipper

£6.00Sold out

This Mavala Nail Clipper is small enough to pop in your purse and is cheaper than a bag of bananas. It's the ultimate tool for keeping your nails strong in order for them to grow long.

4. Feed them the good stuff

If constant snapping is preventing your nails from growing, then you need to show them some tough love. And you know what’s good for that? A protein-rich nail hardener. They protect your nails from chipping, splitting and peeling.

Our top pick:

ORLY Breathable Protein Boost

£14.95 £16.50 (10% off)Add to Bag

With jojoba and pea proteins powering the formula, this ORLY Breathable Protein Boost will revive weak, broken nails, giving them the opportunity to grow without constantly snapping.

5. Try a nail growth treatment

There’s nothing wrong with asking for a little bit of help. If you’ve got something coming up and you want long nails quick, then why not opt for a nail growth treatment? It’ll give your nails the boost they need to grow quicker and stronger than ever before.

Our top pick:

Mavala Mavaderma

£15.70 £18.10 (14% off)Add to Bag

Mavala Mavaderma sends a surge of vitamins and proteins deep into your nail to encourage a faster growth. It’s kind of like steroids for your nails…but without any actual steroids or weird side effects.

6. Avoid acrylics

Acrylics look good but if you’re serious about growing your nails, try to avoid them. When acrylics are applied, your nail is often filed down to make space for the acrylic which makes them incredibly weak. Then, once they come off, they take another layer of nail with them. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Our top pick:

essie Gel Couture

£7.02 £13.23 (47% off)Add to Bag

Instead, try this gel-like nail paint. They’re a lot gentler on your nails, last up to two weeks without chipping and look just as fabulous!

7. Use a nourishing nail polish remover

Nail varnish removers are often loaded with acetone which can lead to your nails peeling and flaking easily. Make sure you pick a remover that is free from acetone and loaded with protective ingredients that’ll not only help to properly remove your polish but keep your nails nourished too.

Our top pick:

ORLY Genius Remover

£7.95Add to Bag

Use this nail polish remover to safely and effectively remove unwanted nail polish and keep your nails in tip top condition.

8. Up your biotin

Weak nails can often be a sign of vitamin deficiency, specifically biotin. Biotin is commonly used for hair loss but has been said to work wonders for brittle nails. I mean, nails are made of the same stuff as hair, right? And you’d probably have longer hair too. Double whammy!

Our top pick:

CENTRED. Tender Love & Hair Supplement

£24.00 £30.00 (20% off)Add to Bag

Try these CENTRED. Tender Love & Hair Supplement supplements. They're loaded with biotin, amino acids, vitamins and minerals to strengthen and protect nails. We also recommend upping your protein, zinc, biotin and iron intake by eating foods like salmon, eggs, broccoli, spinach and beef.

Growing and maintaining healthy nails doesn't have to be all work and no play. Follow some of these tips (or all of them) and we guarantee you'll be on your way to healthier, stronger and longer nails.

And if you're thinking of which colour to paint your new fabulous nails, check out our Easy Nail Art You Can Master in Five Minutes.