How To Grow Nails Fast With Salt

Do you wish you could grow your nails out long but find they break or peel before getting very far? Using salt is an easy and inexpensive trick to strengthen nails so they can grow fast and healthy.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Soaking your nails in salt water or scrubbing them gently with a salt scrub can harden the nails, prevent breakage, and leave them able to grow longer without issues.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using salt for fast nail growth. We’ll cover the science behind why salt works, what types of salt to use, salt remedies and recipes, extra tips for robust nail health, and address common questions.

Why Salt Works to Grow Nails Quickly

Strengthens Nails and Cuticles

Salt contains essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium that help reinforce keratin structure in nails. This makes nails less prone to breakage or damage when doing daily chores. The cuticles act as seals to protect new nail growth, but they can become dry and cracked.

Applying a salt solution hydrates cuticles to maintain pliability.

Prevents Cracking and Peeling

Common causes of nail cracking and peeling are exposure to chemicals in cleaning products, very hot or cold water, UV light, and dry air. Salt’s nourishing minerals help buffer nails from damage induced by these factors.

Its antimicrobial properties also prevent infection if tender new nail is exposed. According to research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, salt solutions have strong antibacterial effects.

Promotes Healthy Growth

Salt may stimulate circulation to encourage faster nail regrowth. One study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that a concentrated salt solution massaged into the nail bed and cuticles increased nail thickness and rate of growth.

Participants massaged a 20% Magnesium sulfate solution for 5 mins daily, resulting in a nearly 2 mm increase in nail length over 1 month. The mineral ions likely have direct effects on nail cell metabolism and division.

Here is a comparison of average monthly nail growth rates:

The salt treatment enables rapid nail extension while making them more resilient to breakage, chips, or cracks. For weakened, damaged nails that are growing slowly, salt may help accelerate regrowth so they can reach an optimal length.

Choosing the Right Salt

Fine Grained Salt

When it comes to growing your nails quickly, choosing a fine grained salt is key. Fine grained salts like table salt or sea salt have smaller granules that can penetrate the nail bed better than coarse salts.

The tiny salt particles are able to get into all the nooks and crannies of your nails, helping to soften cuticles, exfoliate dead nail cells, and stimulate healthy new growth.

Opt for a fine grain salt with granules that easily dissolve in water. Avoid large flaked salts like kosher salt or rock salt, as these won’t dissolve as readily to penetrate the nails. The optimal size is a very fine, powdery grain that feels smooth between your fingers.

Sea Salt vs Table Salt

While table salt and sea salt have similar fine grains, sea salt is often considered superior for nail health. That’s because it contains additional minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc that may benefit nails. Table salt is more highly processed and lacks these extras.

However, both make an excellent choice. The main thing is choosing a fine grain salt without additives. Use sea salt if you want the mineral content. But common table salt works great too.

Avoid Colored/Scented Salts

Salts that have been dyed, scented, or infused should be avoided for nail care. These often contain preservatives and anti-caking agents that are not necessary. They may also irritate sensitive skin around the nails. Stick to plain, all-natural fine grain salt for the best results.

Salt Soaks and Scrubs for Nail Growth

Simple Salt Water Soak

Soaking your nails in salt water is an easy and effective way to promote healthy nail growth. Salt contains minerals like magnesium and calcium that can strengthen nails and cuticles. To make a simple soak, mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt or Epsom salt into a bowl of warm water.

Soak nails for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and moisturize cuticles with oil. Repeat 2-3 times per week for best results.

Sea Salt & Oil Scrub

Exfoliating with a sea salt scrub removes dead skin cells and improves circulation to stimulate faster nail growth. The scrub also deeply moisturizes cuticles and nails. Mix 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil.

Gently scrub nails and cuticles for 2-3 minutes, then rinse. Apply a moisturizer after to lock in hydration. Use this invigorating scrub 1-2 times per week.

Epsom Salt Soak

An Epsom salt soak helps to relax nails and cuticles while delivering magnesium, an important mineral for nail health. For the soak, dissolve 1/4 cup of Epsom salts into warm water in a bowl large enough to fit your hands.

Soak nails for 15-20 minutes to soften cuticles and allow the magnesium to absorb. Finish by massaging cuticle oil into nails and cuticles. Perform this therapeutic soak 2-3 times a week to see improved nail growth and strength.

Foot Bath with Essential Oils

Give your feet and nails some TLC with an aromatherapy foot bath. Add 1 cup of Epsom or sea salt to warm foot bath water along with 5-10 drops of lavender, tea tree, or lemon essential oil. The salt softens cuticles while the essential oils help to sanitize and stimulate circulation.

Soak feet for 15-20 minutes. For an extra treat, give yourself a pedicure after – trim and file nails, then apply a thick moisturizer to nourish nails and cuticles.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Soak Nails 2-3 Times Per Week

Soaking your nails in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times per week can help soften nails and cuticles to promote growth. The water allows nails to absorb and retain moisture better. For best results, add a teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil to the water.

According to nailcarehq.com, the oils contain fatty acids that can penetrate nails and stimulate growth.

Always Moisturize After

It’s crucial to moisturize nails and cuticles after washing hands or soaking nails. The cuticles act as seals to prevent moisture loss and damage to nails. Massage a thick, emollient moisturizer like creams containing shea butter into nails and cuticles.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends applying a moisturizer within 3 minutes of drying hands to lock in moisture.

Take Biotin Supplements

Biotin is a B vitamin that aids keratin production, which is a protein that makes up your nails. Multiple studies, like this randomized controlled trial, show that taking 2.5 mg of biotin daily can significantly increase nail thickness and hardness.

Biotin supplements are considered safe and effective for nail growth. For best results, take the supplements consistently for at least 3-6 months.

Avoid Picking at Nails

Picking at your nail beds and cuticles can damage the nail matrix where new nail cells grow from. Try to avoid habits like nail biting or aggressively pushing back cuticles. The more you trauma the nail matrix, the slower and weaker nail growth may become.

If you want your nails to grow quickly, let them be! 😊 Regular manicures can also help you avoid picking and add strength to existing nails.

FAQs: Growing Nails with Salt

How Long Until I See Results?

When using salt for nail growth, most people begin to see results in 4-6 weeks. However, the timeline can vary depending on factors like your current nail health, diet, age, and consistency with the salt treatments. Here’s what you can expect:

– 2 weeks: You may start to notice increased nail hardness and less peeling/breakage.

– 4 weeks: Your nails should start looking stronger and growing faster. The white tips should extend further down your nail beds.

– 6-8 weeks: Your nails should be significantly longer, stronger, and healthier looking. The results will be quite noticeable.

The key is persistence and patience! It takes time for the salt to work its magic, but it’s well worth it for beautiful nails. Stay consistent with the treatments for at least 2 months to see the full benefits.

Can I Use Normal Table Salt?

You can use regular table salt for nail treatments, but it’s not ideal. Table salt contains anti-caking agents and is more refined, which reduces its mineral content. For best results, use a natural, unprocessed salt like:

• Sea salt
• Himalayan pink salt
• Dead sea salt
• Epsom salt

These varieties contain more beneficial minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. The minerals help strengthen nails and stimulate growth. Table salt will still provide some benefits, but the results may be slower and less noticeable.

What If My Nails Still Break Easily?

If your nails remain weak and break easily even after using salt treatments, there are a few things you can try:

• Apply coconut oil every night to deeply condition your nails and cuticles.
• Take biotin supplements to boost nail growth from within.
• File your nails into a square shape to avoid breakage in the corners.
• Always wear gloves during housework and gardening to protect your nails.
• Limit use of nail polish remover as it can dry out nails.

You may also need to identify and address the root cause of the problem. Things like nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues, medications, or fungal infections can lead to brittle, cracking nails. Check with your doctor if the issues persist.

Don’t get discouraged – with time and consistency you’ll get those strong, healthy nails!

Conclusion

While genetics plays a role, using salt soaks and scrubs can help almost anyone grow nails faster and longer without breakage or peeling issues. Salt naturally hardens and protects, while moisturizing ingredients like oil keep nails flexible.

Commit to salting your nails 2-3 times per week along with properly moisturizing and trimming them, and you should begin seeing those beautiful, long nails in no time!