Isla Bennett
Growing and shaping your nails can be a fun way to switch up your look, but it can be frustrating if your nails are prone to breakage. To grow your nails, it's important to keep them healthy and strong. This can be done by regularly applying cuticle oil, wearing gloves when cleaning, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, and filing your nails gently. When it comes to shaping your nails, the most popular shapes include square, squoval, oval and almond. The shape you choose will depend on your personal preference and the length of your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail shape | Almond, square, squoval, oval |
| Filing technique | File from the outside edge to the centre |
| Filing tips | File gently, avoid excessive buffing or filing, use a crystal or glass nail file |
| Nutrition | Consume protein, biotin, folate, zinc, iron, vitamins and minerals |
| Hydration | Use cuticle oil, wear gloves when cleaning or showering |
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins, minerals and proteins
Consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for growing and maintaining healthy nails. While there is little evidence that vitamin supplements improve nail health, a balanced diet rich in nutrients will keep your nails strong and shiny.
Vitamin C is one such essential nutrient, as it is necessary for collagen production, which helps provide strength and integrity to nails. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits like oranges, as well as strawberries. Consuming vitamin C alongside plant-based iron sources, such as spinach, beans, and seeds, improves iron absorption. Iron is crucial for providing your cells with oxygen, which is necessary for healthy nails.
Zinc is another vital mineral for nail health, as it is required for the growth and division of cells, including the cells that make up your nails. Animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich sources of zinc. However, if you follow a plant-based diet, you can still obtain zinc from soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts (such as almonds and cashews), and seeds.
Magnesium is another essential mineral involved in over 300 reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, which is required for nail growth. Vertical ridges in your nails may indicate a magnesium deficiency. Whole grains, particularly whole wheat, are an excellent source of magnesium.
Biotin is a vitamin that stands out for its positive impact on nail health. While it is not commonly deficient in well-nourished individuals, taking biotin supplements may help restore brittle nails.
In addition to these specific vitamins and minerals, maintaining healthy nails requires a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
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Use cuticle oil
Using cuticle oil is an effective way to improve nail health and promote growth. Cuticles are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. Cuticle oil is designed to nourish and moisturize them, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged.
Cuticle oil is a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. It helps to improve the overall appearance of your nails, making them stronger and more resilient. By keeping the cuticles hydrated, cuticle oil prevents breakage and splitting, allowing your nails to grow longer and healthier. It also protects your nails from trauma and infection.
To apply cuticle oil, simply place a small drop of oil near the cuticle on each finger and gently massage it into the nail and cuticle with your fingertips. You can also use a cotton ball or brush to apply the oil. It is recommended to apply cuticle oil at least once or twice a day for the best results.
There are various cuticle oils available in the market, such as Olive & June Cuticle Serum, which is rich in moisturizing ingredients and quickly absorbs into the skin. OPI's Pro Spa cuticle oil is also a good option, with its pen-style applicator making it easy to apply on the go. For a more luxurious choice, Dior's Crème Abricot has been a popular option since 1963.
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File nails regularly
Filing your nails is a great way to keep them strong and healthy, and it helps you achieve your desired shape. It is important to file your nails regularly to maintain a uniform length and shape. However, incorrect filing can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
Before you begin filing, it is important to choose the right tools. You can use a classic emery board, which is affordable and effective, or a glass file, which is gentler on the nails and easier to clean. If you have natural nails, opt for a nail file with a higher grit number, such as 180 grit or 240 grit for a smoother finish. On the other hand, if you have acrylic nails, use a coarse grit of around 80-100.
When filing your nails, it is crucial to avoid using a continuous back-and-forth sawing motion, as this can weaken the nail and cause tears or breakages. Instead, file your nails in single strokes, going in one direction only. Start by filing from one of the outside corners toward the centre, and then repeat the process on the opposite side. This technique will help you achieve a uniform shape. Remember to go slowly, as filing too fast can remove too much nail, making it challenging to achieve the desired shape.
If you have long nails, you may want to trim them before filing to reduce the length. However, if your nails are already short, you can skip this step. Always remember to wash and dry your hands thoroughly before filing to remove any oil or debris that may interfere with the process.
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Wear gloves
While wearing gloves can protect your nails from external damage, it is important to be mindful of the type of gloves you wear and the duration of wear. Wearing gloves for an extended period can create a moist and warm environment, promoting the growth of natural skin yeast that may cause nail issues such as Candida onycholysis. This condition can cause the border between the attached portion and the unattached nail end to become irregular. Therefore, it is recommended to let your nails dry out as much as possible between wearing gloves and to keep your nails short so they dry quickly.
Disposable nitrile gloves are the most popular choice for nail technicians and are recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States Department of Labor. Nitrile gloves offer protection from hazardous chemicals found in nail products, such as polish removers, acrylic powders, and gel nail formulas. They are also less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to latex gloves, which are another common option.
When selecting gloves, it is advisable to choose powder-free options. Powdered gloves can contaminate the nail bed or nail polish, and there is a potential risk of an allergic reaction to the powder. Additionally, be cautious of wearing occlusive gloves that don't breathe for extended periods, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as this can increase the risk of nail yeast infections.
Overall, wearing gloves can help protect your nails and hands from external damage and harmful chemicals, but it is important to be mindful of the duration of wear and to prioritize proper nail care, including allowing your nails to dry and ensuring adequate ventilation.
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Choose the right nail shape
When choosing a nail shape, it's important to consider your natural nail width, length, and style. The right shape can accentuate your natural finger shape, making them look longer, wider, or shorter.
If you have short fingers, round or oval-shaped nails can make them look longer and more slender. Start by filing and following the natural curve of your fingertip, then flip your hand and check the symmetry of the curve. For a more dramatic look, you can try stiletto nails, but keep in mind that they are more susceptible to breakage and require longer, stronger nails.
For those with long fingers, square or lipstick nails can be a great option. Square nails are sleek and modern, with straight edges and sharp corners. They are also very practical and sturdy, making them less prone to breakage. Lipstick nails, on the other hand, are a unique variation of square nails, with a diagonal slant that adds a trendy twist to your manicure.
If you have wide nail beds, almond-shaped nails can help elongate your fingers and make them appear thinner. Almond nails are slender at the sides and wide at the base, with a rounded peak. This shape is very popular and can be adapted to suit both long and medium nail lengths.
Lastly, consider your lifestyle when choosing a nail shape. If you wear contact lenses, play instruments, type frequently, or cook, you may want to opt for shorter, rounder nails that are closer to your fingertip and easier to manage.
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Frequently asked questions
According to dermatologists, a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to healthier nail growth. Consuming foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens can provide essential nutrients for nail health.
Vitamins with biotin, folate, zinc, and iron are great for nail growth. Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is responsible for healthy cell growth and repair in skin tissue, hair, and nails.
The 'squoval' shape is a trendy and sharper take on the traditional oval shape and looks fabulous on shorter nails. To achieve this, file the tip of your nail flat and gently round off the corners.
An oval or almond shape is better for medium to long nails. For an almond shape, file the sides toward the center like you're shaping them into a point, then round out the point.
Avoid excessive buffing or filing, as it can thin out your nails. Try to file your nails sparingly, about once every few days, and use a gentle hand.
