Nail Care Fact vs. Fiction

You may have heard some of these statements about your nails. Let's learn about nail health together and determine once and for all what is real and what is just a common myth.

1. Pregnant Women's Nails Grow Faster.

Fact. According to the research, pregnancy hormones increase the rate at which nails grow.

2. Cuticle removal is good for overall nail health.

Fiction. Cuticle removal damages your nails, as cuticles are needed to protect the nail from damage and infection. I You are less likely to have hangnails or skin irritation if you stop cutting them off and push them back instead.

3. Taking Biotin promotes nail growth.

Fact. Biotin is a vitamin that is commonly found in egg yolks, legumes, mushrooms and sweet potatoes (to name a few foods). You can also take biotin supplements to boost your dietary intake. Science has shown that although nail growth is not promoted, nail strength is improved, leading to less breakage over time. So maybe add some biotin to your diet to get those claws looking fresh.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/biotin-rich-foods

2. Scheinfeld N, Dahdah MJ, Scher R. Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Aug;6(8):782-7. PMID: 17763607.

3. DAVID HEWITT, M.A., ROBERT W. HILLMAN, M.D., Relation Between Rate of Nail Growth in Pregnant Women and Estimated Previous General Growth Rate, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 19, Issue 6, December 1966, Pages 436–439

4. https://stylecaster.com/beauty/cuticles/