5 Tips on How to Grow Long Nails

February 21, 2023 8 min read

healthy nails

Struggling with nails that split, peel, or never seem to grow past a certain length? You’re not alone - brittle, slow-growing nails are one of the most common beauty frustrations. The good news is that with a few simple changes to your routine, you can grow long, healthy nails faster than you think.

This nail growth guide breaks down what really helps nails grow, from hydration and nutrition to daily care and the right nail tools.

Plus, you’ll find five proven nail growth tips and the treatments our Ella+Mila community swears by. Ready to give your nails the strength and length they deserve? Let’s see what you can do about it.

TL;DR: Nail Growth Tips at a Glance

Want the quick version? Here’s what helps nails grow stronger and faster:

  • Keep nails trimmed short at first to prevent breakage
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid brittle, dry nails
  • Apply cuticle oil daily to protect new growth
  • Stick to nail polish without harsh chemicals
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods like eggs, leafy greens, nuts, and salmon

What Helps Nails Grow? Start with the Basics

Save Your Nails banner image

Before you jump into nail growth tips and treatments, it helps to understand what actually affects how your nails grow. Healthy nails don’t just grow overnight - they’re the result of consistent care, good nutrition, and a little protection along the way.

Think of this as your foundation: once you’ve covered the basics of how to grow healthy nails, the rest of your nail care routine will work even better.

4 Essentials for Long, Strong Nails

💅Hydration:Dry nails are more likely to peel or break. Drinking enough water and moisturizing your cuticles supports healthy growth.

💅 Nutrition:Biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin E are all key nutrients that strengthen your nails from the inside out.

💅 Gentle care:Using the right nail tools and filing techniques prevents damage, making it easier for nails to grow longer without splitting.

💅 Protection:Limiting exposure to water, harsh chemicals, or using your nails as “tools” goes a long way in keeping them strong.

 

First Aid Kiss

What It Does:First Aid Kiss is one of our best-selling strengthening treatments and a real fan favorite. How so? Because it’s jam-packed with vitamin E, which is like liquid gold for your nails. Vitamin E protects your nails against free radical damage, hydrates your cuticles and strengthens your nail beds. Yes, it really is that good.

Ideal For: Weak, thin, splitting or yellow-stained nails.

Why We Love It: Vitamin E is also believed to help brighten your nails and fade that annoying yellow tint which can be caused by dark nail colors. But remember, if your nails are excessively yellow, this may be caused by something other than surface staining, so if you’re ever in doubt, see a doctor.

Over To You: Hundreds of five-star reviews prove that First Aid Kiss offers a big win for fabulous nails.

“My nails are FINALLY long, strong and healthy!” explains one reviewer, Beth. “I’ve never finished a bottle of nail polish in my life and I’m already ordering my third bottle… I love this stuff."

 

First Aid Kiss Buy Now

 

Damage Control

What It Does: Damage Control harnesses the powers of horsetail plant, a healing herb that’s rich in nutrients and packed with silica to promote better nail growth. The high mineral content of horsetail has also been said to help reduce white spots in your nails as an extra bonus.

Ideal For: Weak, brittle nails or those that simply won’t grow.

Why We Love It: For one thing, Damage Control offers results – and fast. We’ve found that applying it every three days for just two weeks makes our nails way stronger and healthier-looking. This makes it ideal for anyone hoping for great nails at full tilt, which, in all honesty, is so us. Patience? Not our strong point.

Over To You: Although Damage Control is relatively new to the ella+mila family, it’s already gained a cult following.

“For the first time in my adult life, my nails are healthy and strong,” reckons Aaron. “I have never used a nail product in my life that’s given me such wonderful results.”

 

 

 Damage Control product image

Firm Foundation

What It Does: Strengthening your nails is just the tip of the iceberg for Firm Foundation. This little beauty also hardens your nails and provides the perfect foundation (c’mon, the clue was in the name) for your nail polish. And as you all know, a great base coat is the true hero in any long-lasting mani.

Ideal For: Soft, weak nails.

Why We Love It: Correct us if we’re wrong, but who doesn’t love a beauty product that works hard for its money? Well, this 2-in-1 strengthener and base coat does exactly that. More importantly, it works. We almost named it ‘everything but the kitchen sink,’ but it was a bit of a mouthful.

Over To You: Clearly, you folks love a multi-purpose product just as much as we do.

“This stuff is magic in a bottle,” says Cari. “Not only are my nails stronger but they look and feel soooo healthy!”

Firm Foundation product page

Mini Guide to Ella Mila’s Strengthening Nail Treatments

Treatment Best For Key Ingredient
First Aid Kiss Yellow, splitting nails Vitamin E
Damage Control Weak, brittle nails Horsetail plant
Firm Foundation Soft nails, nail polish wearers Protein + base coat support

 

5 Nail Growth Tips That Actually Work

Growing long, healthy nails doesn’t have to feel impossible. These simple nail growth tips will show you how to grow your nails faster and keep them strong along the way.

1. Keep Your Nails Short (at First)

We know it’s tempting to go for length right away, but the secret to strong, healthy nails is starting short. Long nails look stunning, but if they’re already weak or brittle, they’re more likely to snag, split, or break - and nothing slows down growth like a painful crack.

Give your nails a fresh start with regular trims and gentle shaping. Use the right nail tools to round the tips slightly for strength, then smooth the edges with a buffer so they don’t catch on anything.

This might feel like a small step, but it’s one of the smartest nail growth tips out there. Keeping nails short in the beginning helps you build a stronger foundation, so when your nails do grow out, they’ll be longer, healthier, and way less likely to break.

a woman with healthy, natural short nails

2. Stay Hydrated

If your nails always seem dry, brittle, or prone to peeling, chances are they’re thirsty. Hydration is one of the simplest (and most overlooked) nail growth tips. Just like your skin and hair, your nails need consistent moisture to stay flexible and strong.

Drinking plenty of water every day helps your body deliver nutrients where they’re needed most - including your nail beds. It’s a game-changer if you’ve been wondering how to grow healthy nails or how to make your nails grow faster.

💅Pro tipKeep a cute water bottle nearby so you’re reminded to sip throughout the day, and pair it with a nourishing cuticle oilat night. That inside-out hydration combo makes a huge difference in how your nails look, feel, and grow.


3. Use Cuticle Oil Every Day

Strong, healthy nails start at the root - literally. Your cuticles protect new nail growth, so keeping them soft and nourished is one of the best things you can do if you’re trying to grow your nails faster.

Dry, rough cuticles can lead to weak nail beds and even painful hangnails. A daily dose of lavender Oil Me Up keeps the area moisturized, which supports stronger, healthier growth from the base. Just massage a drop into each nail before bed — it takes seconds, but the payoff is huge.

Think of cuticle oil as a little love note to your nails. Consistency is key, and with this step in your routine, you’ll notice your nails looking smoother, stronger, and ready to grow long and healthy.

a woman applying cuticle oil on her fingernails
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals in Nail Products

One of the biggest secrets to growing long, healthy nails faster is choosing nail products that are kind to your nails. Many polishes, removers, and treatments on the market still contain harsh chemicals like camphor, toluene, and formaldehyde - ingredients that can dry out your nails, weaken them, and undo all your hard work.

The fix? Stick with nail polish without harsh chemicals and removers that actually nourish instead of stripping. Our 17-Free formula leaves out all the unnecessary toxins, and our soy-based remover is enriched with vitamins and essential oils to keep nails hydrated.

Gentler products make a world of difference when you’re focusing on how to grow your nails faster. With every mani, you’ll be protecting your natural nails and giving them the best chance to grow stronger and longer.

5. Eat for Nail Health

a woman preparing healthy food

Do you want to know how to make your nails grow faster and healthier? First, you need to understand that what you eat plays a huge role in how your nails grow. The right nutrients can strengthen your nail beds, prevent brittleness, and support faster, healthier growth.

Here are a few all-stars to keep on your plate if you want to grow long nails that last:

  • Biotin: Found in eggs and almonds, helps strengthen nails and improve growth.
  • Zinc: In seeds and lean meats, supports new cell growth (hello, nail cells!).
  • Iron: From spinach, lentils, or salmon, keeps nails from becoming thin or weak.
  • Vitamin E: In nuts, seeds, and avocados, protects nail cells and keeps them flexible.

These small dietary shifts are simple nail growth tips you can build into everyday life. Eating a balanced mix of these foods makes a visible difference in how to grow your nails faster, stronger, and healthier over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nail Growth

How long does it take to grow long nails naturally?

On average, nails grow about 3 millimeters a month. That means you’ll see noticeable length in 6–8 weeks. Staying consistent with nail care, hydration, and gentle nail tools helps speed things along.

What helps your nails grow faster?

Hydration, a balanced diet rich in biotin and iron, and daily use of cuticle oil are the basics of how to grow your nails faster. Avoiding harsh chemicals in nail products is equally important.

Can I grow long nails if mine are brittle?

Absolutely. Starting with a nail strengthener and keeping nails short at first helps rebuild strength. Once your foundation is solid, your nails will grow longer without constant breakage.

Should I cut my nails to help them grow?

Trimming nails regularly prevents splits and makes them less likely to snag. Shorter nails are easier to protect, which sets the stage for longer, healthier growth.

Do nail strengtheners really work?

Yes! Treatments like First Aid Kiss, Damage Control, and Firm Foundation strengthen weak nails and protect against breakage. With regular use, they make a visible difference in nail growth.

Nail Growth Tips - Final Thoughts

Strong, beautiful nails don’t happen overnight, but with the right nail care products and routine, you’ll notice progress sooner than you think. Small daily habits - from staying hydrated to choosing products free of harsh chemicals - add up to healthier nails that are ready to grow long and strong.

If you’re serious about nail growth, consistency is key. Treat your nails kindly, fuel them with the nutrients they need, and support them with targeted nail strengtheners and cuticle care.

With a little patience and the right Ella+Mila essentials, you’ll be enjoying your healthiest nails yet - and every manicure will feel that much more rewarding!

 

Shop All Nail Care banner