Why Have My Fingernails Stopped Growing? (What to Do About It?)

Fingernails are an important part of our appearance and can tell us a lot about our overall health. For some people, noticing that their fingernails have stopped growing or are growing at a slower rate than usual can be a cause for concern. This could birth questions like, why have my fingernails stopped growing?

There can be various reasons why your fingernails stopped growing, this could range from nutrient deficiency to medical conditions to simply biting your nails too much. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of fingernail growth problems and what you can do to promote healthy nail growth.

We will also discuss when it’s important to seek medical advice for your nail health concerns.

Can Fingernails Stop Growing?

Yes, it is possible for fingernails to stop growing or to grow at a slower rate than usual. There are several potential reasons why this can happen, including nutrient deficiency, medical conditions, aging, and poor nail care. In some cases, the cause of slow or stopped nail growth can be easily addressed and resolved, while in other cases it may be more complex and require medical attention.

If you are concerned about the growth of your fingernails, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine the cause and appropriate course of treatment.

Possible Causes of Stopped Fingernail Growth

If your fingernails have stopped growing all of a sudden, These might be the reasons.

1. You file your nails the wrong way

It’s been said a thousand times on this blog that the way you file your nails matters a lot.

When it comes to the science of filing nails, it is recommended that you file them in one direction and not to and fro. Also, when you file too often, or you’re probably using a nail file of bad quality, that constant filing can render your nails weak and might not grow well as expected (Crystal nail files are what we recommend because of their finer grit). Also, before you go on to filing your nails, you should endeavor to trim them down first with a quality nail clipper.

2. Not moisturizing your nails often

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Are you aware of the danger of not keeping your cuticles and nails moisturized? I guess you certainly don’t know. If you don’t, here is what you stand to face. When you do not keep your cuticle and nails healthy, don’t be surprised how disappointed your nails we become. Of course, one of the apparent setbacks to this is that your nails won’t grow out well. No matter how hard you try, even if you take all the nail-enhancing supplements worldwide, it won’t amount to anything.

So if your nails are not growing as expected, moisturize them daily using moisturizers (such as L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream) or any essential oil – coconut oil before bed. In an account that you don’t have access to any essential oil, Petroleum jelly can come in handy. Although it can be such a mess, sometimes it does the work of a moisturizer perfectly well.

3. Your diet

What you eat matters a lot to your nail health. Eating a balanced diet in proportion and at the right time can help your nails grow well.

 

4. Weather

It is no longer a myth that nails grow faster during warm weather than in cold weather. This is because, during the cold season, blood circulation reduces, leading to a slower rate of nail growth. If your fingernails stop growing even when the weather is warm, then it could be other factors like age.

5. Age

Oh yes, you heard me right; age is another factor hindering one’s nails from growing. The fingernails grow at 3 mm. That’s about 0.1 inches per month. As one gets older, the growth rate finally decreases to 2 mm. So if your nails suddenly stopped growing, it could be that you’re of age and that the rate at which blood circulates to your nail region is now slow.

6. Trauma

Any damage or cut across the nail bed usually takes time to heal. During this period, the growth of nails is typically slow. If this is the case with your nails, you don’t have to bother yourself. As soon as the injury heals, growth is bound to resume.

7. Nutrient deficiency

Our nails require certain nutrients to grow properly. A deficiency in nutrients such as protein, iron, and biotin can lead to slow or stopped nail growth.

8. Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as anemia (a deficiency in red blood cells) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland), can affect nail growth. Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, can also affect nail growth.

9. Genetic factors

Some people may be more prone to slow nail growth due to genetics.

10. Poor nail care

Biting your nails or using harsh nail polish removers can damage your nails and potentially lead to slow or stopped growth.

11. You use your nails as tools

Although long nails are a hardy tool in the absence of none, this act can cause more damage to your nails than you can imagine. For example, using your nails to scratch or pierce through something might render them fissured, and they may chip at the end.

Often, the nail may lift away from your nail beds. When this happens, it may utter the way your nails are growing. In most cases, your nails might stop growing even after your nail bed is completely healed.

12. You use nail polish way too much

I know this might sound strange and unacceptable to polish lovers, but the truth is, if you want to see a leap in your nail growth, you certainly have to stop or limit how you go about using nail polish.

Nail polish contains an active chemical capable of rendering your nails brittle and prone to breaking. Besides that, acetone polish remover is another worst nightmare to nail growth.

13. Other potential causes

Frequent exposure to water (such as if you work in a profession that requires frequent hand-washing) or certain medications (such as chemotherapy drugs) can also affect nail growth.

How to Fix Stopped Nail Growth

1. Improve your nutrition

If you suspect that a nutrient deficiency may be causing your nail growth problems, try to include more nourishing foods in your diet. Foods rich in protein, iron, and biotin are particularly important for nail health. You may also consider supplementing if you cannot get enough of these nutrients through your diet.

2. Treat underlying health conditions

If you have a medical condition causing your nail growth problems, it’s important to follow your treatment plan and take any prescribed medications as directed. This can help improve your overall health and potentially resolve your nail growth issues.

3. Protect your nails from further damage

Avoid biting your nails and using harsh nail polish removers. Use nail growth products, such as nail hardeners or vitamins, to help promote healthy nail growth.

4. Be patient and consistent

It can take time for your nails to grow and for any changes you make to take effect. Be patient and consistent in your efforts to promote healthy nail growth.

It’s also important to note that if you have persistent nail growth problems or other concerns about your nail health, you should consult with a doctor. They can help determine the cause of your nail growth problems and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

How to Promote Fingernail Growth

1. Eat a healthy and balanced diet

A diet rich in nutrients important for nail health, such as protein, biotin, and zinc, can help promote healthy nail growth. You can get these nutrients through foods like lean meats, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

2. Avoid biting your nails and using harsh nail care products

Biting your nails can damage the nail bed and inhibit nail growth. Similarly, harsh nail polish removers or nail care products containing chemicals can strip your nails of their natural oils and lead to dry, brittle nails.

3. Keep your nails moisturized

Using cuticle oil or hand cream can help keep your nails and cuticles moisturized, promoting healthy nail growth.

4. Protect your nails from damage

Wearing gloves when doing household chores or activities that expose your nails to harsh chemicals can help to protect your nails from damage.

5. Consider using nail growth products

Various products on the market claim to promote nail growth, such as nail growth serums, supplements, and strengthening treatments. It’s important to research and speaks with a healthcare provider before trying any of these products, as they may not be suitable for everyone and may have potential side effects.

6. Groom them

Constant filing and nail grooming can also keep your nails in the right shape. During filing, file in one direction and not the other way around. When you see them back and forth, you’re rendering your nails weak, and as you already know, Weak nails are prone to break.

7. Consult with a doctor

If you have persistent nail growth problems or other concerns about your nail health, you should consult with a doctor. They can help determine the cause of your nail growth problems and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

DIY Remedies for Promoting Nail Growth

Here are some simple DIY remedies that may help to promote nail growth:

1. Hot oil treatment

You can create your hot oil treatment by heating a small amount of your favorite nourishing oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil) in the microwave or on the stove. Once the oil is warm but not hot, massage it into your cuticles and nails. Cover your nails with a warm towel for a few minutes to allow the oil to penetrate, and then rinse off any excess oil.

2. Nail soak

A nail soak can help to soften the cuticles and improve nail health. Mix warm water and apple cider vinegar in a bowl to create a nail soak. Soak your nails in the mixture for 10-15 minutes, and then use a soft nail brush to scrub your nails gently. Rinse your nails with warm water and follow up with cuticle oil or hand cream.

3. Homemade cuticle cream

You can create your cuticle cream by mixing a small amount of coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils. Melt the ingredients together in a double boiler and then transfer the mixture to a small jar or tin. Use a small amount of the cream to massage your cuticles and nails as needed.

Using natural ingredients for your nails can help them grow fast, strong and healthy.

Conclusion

There can be various reasons why your fingernails may have stopped growing or are growing slower than usual. Nutrient deficiency, medical conditions, aging, genetics, and poor nail care are all potential causes. To promote healthy nail growth, it’s important to eat a healthy and balanced diet, avoid biting your nails and using harsh nail care products, keep your nails moisturized, and protect them from damage.

You may also consider using nail growth products or trying DIY remedies, but consult a doctor if you have persistent nail growth problems or other concerns about your nail health. Remember to be patient and consistent in your efforts to promote healthy nail growth, as it can take time for any changes to take effect. Taking care of your nails is important to maintaining good overall health and well-being.

Read also: Do nails grow faster in water?

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