Liam Carter
Growing and maintaining long nails requires patience and dedication. It can be challenging to keep long nails healthy and strong, as they are more prone to breakage and damage. To maintain long nails, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and proper nail care techniques. This involves regular moisturization, avoiding harsh chemicals, proper filing techniques, limiting nail polish remover use, taking breaks from nail polish, and consuming a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients and protein. Additionally, using gloves while cleaning or doing dishes can protect nails from harmful chemicals, and supplements like biotin and gelatin may promote nail growth and strength. Maintaining long nails requires a consistent and disciplined approach to achieve the desired results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Well-balanced and nutrient-dense with adequate protein intake |
| Water intake | High |
| Use of gloves | Essential when cleaning or washing dishes to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals |
| Filing | Done in one direction, not back and forth; coarse nail files are preferable to clippers for reducing length |
| Moisturizing | Regularly, especially after washing hands or removing nail polish |
| Nail polish remover | Limited to once a week or less |
| Nail polish | Taken with breaks in between |
| Nail-strengthening products | Used during breaks from nail polish |
| Gelatin | Taken as a supplement |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise your nails regularly
Moisturising your nails regularly is an essential step in maintaining long nails. Nails are made of dead keratin, so taking care of the cuticles and the hyponychium (the skin underneath the free edge) will ensure that new growth is healthy.
One of the most important things to remember is that water is the worst chemical for our nails. Nails can absorb 1/3 of their weight in water, which pushes apart the layers of keratin and causes delamination (peeling). Therefore, it is recommended to wear gloves when cleaning, doing the dishes, or even in the shower. When you do wash your hands, make sure to apply moisturiser immediately after to prevent your nails from drying out.
You can use a product with glycolic acid or urea to exfoliate your nails once a week, as this will help to break down the bonds of the keratin that makes up the nail cells. After exfoliation, it is important to add back moisture with a suitable product. Oiling your nails is a great way to prevent delamination and keep the layers of keratin bonded together. You can use a cuticle oil that is jojoba-based, as the molecules are almost identical to our sebum and can penetrate the nail plate to be absorbed more easily.
Additionally, you can try to avoid using your nails as tools, as this can lead to breakage and chipping, which can weaken the nail. Instead, use the pads of your fingers to open things or use a paper clip to reach into small spaces. Filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion can also weaken them, so it is best to file them in one direction and be gentle on the sides of the nails.
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Avoid harsh chemicals
Maintaining long nails can be challenging, especially when it comes to avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage your nails and affect your overall health. Here are some detailed tips to help you avoid harsh chemicals and keep your long nails healthy:
Be Selective with Nail Polish:
Nail polish and removers often contain harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, and camphor. These chemicals can cause various issues, including allergic reactions, asthma, skin and eye irritation, neurological damage, and even potential harm to the reproductive system. Opt for non-toxic or "five-free" polishes that exclude these specific ingredients. Additionally, acetone-based removers can be drying and damaging, so reducing contact time can minimize nail damage.
Avoid Certain Manicures:
Some manicures, like acrylics, use bonding polishes with superglue-like resins and activators with polymerizing chemicals. The harsh removal process for acrylics can damage the nail plate and cuticle. Communal products, such as jars of powder, can also be a source of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Unless a salon uses individual containers or clean brushes, it is recommended to avoid this type of manicure.
Ventilation and Safety in Nail Salons:
If you visit nail salons, prioritize those with proper ventilation systems. Poor ventilation can increase chemical exposure for both workers and clients. Look for salons with exhaust systems or well-maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Fans and open windows also help improve airflow. Recognized Healthy Nail Salon programs, like those in California, highlight salons that use less toxic products and prioritize ventilation and worker health.
Strengthen Nails Naturally:
Instead of relying heavily on chemical-based nail treatments, focus on natural ways to strengthen your nails. This includes maintaining a healthy diet with sufficient water intake, taking biotin supplements, and using nail lotions and oils. These natural approaches can help you achieve strong, healthy nails without exposing yourself to harsh chemicals.
Remember, long nails require extra care and attention. By being mindful of the chemicals in nail products and taking a holistic approach to nail care, you can maintain your long nails while minimizing the risks associated with harsh chemicals.
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File nails correctly
Filing your nails is an easy way to keep them healthy and strong. However, there is a right and wrong way to do it.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right nail file. While metal, glass, or crystal files may sound appealing, they are not flexible and can be too rough on your nails, causing uneven filing or breakage. Instead, opt for an emery cushion board with a soft grit of around 180 for your hands and 120 for your toes. These files are gentler on your nails and provide more control when shaping them.
Before you start filing, ensure your nails are clean and completely dry. Filing wet nails can lead to over-filing as they become softer and more prone to breakage. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, and spend some time rubbing soap onto your nails and underneath them to get rid of any oil or debris.
When it comes to the technique of filing, avoid filing back and forth in a 'saw-like' motion. This can weaken your nails and make them more susceptible to splitting and tearing. Instead, always file in one direction, starting from the outside corner and going towards the middle of the nail. Imagine your nail in two sections and focus on one side at a time. Hold your hand as if someone else is shaping your nails, with your fingertips pointing towards you rather than away from you, to get a better view of your work.
Take your time when filing, and remember that practice makes perfect. Stop occasionally to check that your nails are even, and make adjustments as needed. Filing your nails correctly will help you achieve the desired shape while keeping them strong and healthy.
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Take breaks from nail polish
While nails do not need to "breathe", as they obtain oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream, it is still important to take breaks from nail polish. This is because wearing nail polish for long periods can allow chemicals in the polish to seep into the nail bed, causing discolouration, splitting, and peeling. Additionally, the removal process for gel and acrylic manicures can be physically damaging to the nail, and soaking nails in acetone for too long can cause nails to dry out and become more brittle.
There are several signs that indicate your nails may need a break from nail polish. These include the appearance of keratin granulation (rough and white patches on the nail surface), peeling, ridges and splits, discolouration, and dehydrated cuticles. If your nails feel ""thin" or "weak", this is also a good indication that you should take a break from polish.
To give your nails a break, it is recommended that you take a three- to four-week break from nail polish to allow discolouration to fade. If you are taking a break from long-wear or gel nail services, you will likely need to use nail polish remover more often. In this case, it is advised to use a non-acetone remover to limit dehydration of the nail bed. You can also use a plant-based acetone remover, which is safer for your nails and skin. During your break from nail polish, you can apply moisturising treatments directly to your nails and cuticles to aid recovery.
If you are dedicated to gels or acrylics, it is recommended to bring UV-protective gloves to the nail salon to help block your hands from UV exposure. Additionally, if you are taking a break from dip powder, it is best to leave the removal process to the professionals.
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Eat a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Nails are primarily made of a fibrous structural protein called keratin, so it is crucial to consume enough protein to boost keratin production and create strong nails.
Foods rich in protein include animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs. For those who avoid animal protein, quinoa, nuts, and hemp seed protein are great alternatives. Hemp seed protein is also a good source of iron, which is another critical nutrient for nail health. An iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails, so it is important to ensure you are consuming enough iron-rich foods or taking supplements if necessary. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli, kale, and collard greens are also excellent sources of iron and can boost nail health.
In addition to protein and iron, consuming enough vitamin D is essential for nail health. Vitamin D helps to keep nails strong and prevent dryness and brittleness. Eggs and salmon are excellent sources of vitamin D and can help promote nail growth and thickness.
Other important nutrients for nail health include vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen production, and zinc, which is required for the growth and division of nail cells. Inadequate zinc intake can contribute to the degeneration of the nail plate, so it is important to include zinc-rich foods in your diet, such as animal proteins or plant sources like soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds.
Overall, eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is the best way to promote nail health and strength.
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