4 Reasons Your Nails Are Growing Unevenly, According To Our Dermatologist

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If you're not one for rushing to the salon every two weeks, then a DIY manicure will be one of the most-valuable tools in your arsenal. Keeping up with nail-art trends and knowing how to pull off your favorite designs is one thing, but if you're going to be taking things into your own hands, understanding nail health and what drives your nails to grow is crucial. We've already shared a few tips for speeding up nail growth, from eating a healthy diet to using nail-hardening products, but what if your nails are growing fast and long enough but not consistently? According to dermatologist Dr. Aanand Geria of Geria Dermatology, uneven nail growth typically comes down to four main factors: injuries, lifestyle habits, exposure to harmful products, and health conditions.

"Uneven nail growth frequently stems from recurring injury, like typing, nail-biting, or harsh manicures," Dr. Geria shares exclusively with Glam. "Frequent exposure toward water or harsh chemicals can weaken nails, along with nutritional deficiencies — especially with biotin, iron, as well as with protein — can slow growth. Several growth rate variations can arise; many are from blood flow differences between fingers." In addition to nutritional deficiencies, the dermatologist notes that other health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can lead to ridges in some nails, which may contribute to an uneven appearance. "... while autoimmune diseases like psoriasis may lead to noticeable pitting or separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis)," he adds. "Slight variations to nail growth and texture occur with the aging process. However, persistent brittleness, pitting, splitting, or discoloration warrant a visit to a board-certified dermatologist."

If your goal is a salon-standard manicure, then even nails are key, and fixing any disparities begins with identifying the root cause. Targeting the source of uneven nail growth, whether from typing or repeated manicures, will have you well on your way to more-uniform fingers. 

Different sources of uneven nail growth require different solutions. "Protecting nails from excessive moisture, along with chemicals, by wearing gloves can help in order to prevent damage," Dr. Aanand Geria explains to Glam. Something like the Inspire Black Nitrile Gloves can help you carry on with your regular activities without worrying about coming into contact with chemicals. As for nutritional deficiencies, the dermatologist recommends "a diet abundant in biotin, iron, as well as protein," though you should always check in with a health professional before adjusting your diet too drastically or taking new supplements. 

Taking the necessary steps to treat underlying health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, is key to clearing up symptoms like uneven nail growth, as is preventing further injury. The latter often means committing to not using your nails for everyday tasks since that's one of the things you didn't realize was damaging your nails. But in addition to these specific solutions, you can achieve more even nail growth by giving your fingers some TLC. "Cuticle oil will keep nails and cuticles hydrated and help maintain flexibility," Dr. Geria tells Glam exclusively. "Regular trimming, filing in one direction, and avoiding excessive buffing or harsh manicures can also prevent structural damage." Cuccio's Naturale Revitalizing Oil comes highly rated, while investing in a manicure set, such as the one from Hantekas, will give you a file, scissors, clippers, and all the tools you need for trimming and filing. To maintain your nail shape between manicures, don't hesitate to reach for your file at least once a week.