The goal of obtaining strong and healthy nails is achievable. If you are experiencing slow nail growth or have brittle and easily brittle nails, it is probably important for you to learn how to grow them faster. In fact, there are things – some under our control, some not – that prevent the rapid growth of nails. Dr. Marisa Garshick, a certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, says to consider the following factors when it comes to the speed (or slowness) of your nail growth: physical stress on the body (such as a disease, virus or surgical intervention), dietary changesVitamin deficiencies and certain medications are all part of the equation and could cause some sort of trauma to our nail beds, hampering rapid nail growth. “It’s important to remember that fingernails grow slowly, about three millimeters per month,” says Dr. Garshick. “[It] can take up to six months for a nail to grow. “

© Provided by Martha Stewart Living
ollinka / Getty Images

© ollinka / Getty Images
Getting strong, healthy nails – and getting them fast – is surprisingly easy.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to tackle slow nail growth. Dr Garshick and Dr Jeannette Graf, dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, explains how to make nails grow faster.

Related: Five Things Your Nails Say About Your Health

Eat a balanced diet.

Dr Garshick and Dr Graf both agree that a well-balanced diet is essential for nails to grow faster. Dr Garshick Says Healthy Eating Ensures Your Body appropriate amount of vitamins to maintain nail growth. These vitamins include zinc, biotin, folate, and protein. To get these vitamins and build that healthy diet, Dr. Graf says to include foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Stop biting your nails.

It’s a no-brainer – and we admit it, difficult –habit to break, but if you want the nails to grow faster, Dr. Garshick says you need to avoid biting them. She explains that trauma to the cuticles biting and other habits like picking, cutting, pushing and pruning lead to frequent injury and sometimes inflammation. All of these factors slow down nail growth.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Association of the American Academy of Dermatology list a few ways to help you gradually get rid of this habit. Some tips include applying bitter tasting nail polish – a great option is Orly’s No Bite ($ 12, ulta.com)—And identify the triggers that make you bite your fingers in the first place.

Try a biotin supplement.

Dr Graf says taking biotin will help promote nail growth. Although limited, there are studies showing this biotin supplements promote overall nail health, so if you’re interested in taking biotin, like HUM’s Killer Nails ($ 10, dermstore.com)—Dr. Garshick recommends consulting your doctor before taking any supplement; your primary care doctor will best determine whether you need any supplements or additional vitamins in your diet.

If you notice any changes on your nails that are worrying you, seek professional help. Dr Garshick says nail changes can represent different conditions, so you want to be sure you’re treating it correctly. For this reason, she says to go to a dermatologist if you are worried. “[They] are trained in different nail changes and can help identify what may be the root cause, ”she says.