Liam Carter
Healthy nail beds are essential for strong and beautiful nails. The nail bed is the thin layer of skin under your nails that supports and secures the nail in place. While nail beds don't grow longer over time, you can help the tissue regenerate and make them appear longer and stronger by adopting good grooming habits. This includes avoiding biting your nails, moisturising regularly, and wearing rubber gloves when cleaning with harsh chemicals. Additionally, eating foods rich in vitamins and taking supplements can support nail growth and strength.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth | Nails grow at a rate of about 2.5mm a month. |
| Genetics | Genetics play a role in determining the size and shape of nail beds. |
| Medical conditions | Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and autoimmune disorders can affect nail health and structure. Hormonal imbalances may also impact nail growth. |
| Nutrition | Inadequate intake of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, biotin, zinc, and iron can contribute to short nail beds. |
| Nail care | Proper nail care, including trimming, filing, and moisturizing, can promote healthy nail growth and prevent damage to the nail beds. |
| Trauma/Injury | Trauma or injury to the nails, such as biting, picking, using them as tools, or wearing tight shoes, can affect nail growth and lead to shorter nail beds. |
| Fungal infections | Fungal infections can damage the nail matrix and inhibit healthy nail growth. Treatment from a healthcare provider is necessary to eradicate the infection and prevent further damage. |
| Moisturization | Using lotion or cuticle oil to moisturize nails can help them grow stronger and faster. |
| Prolonged water exposure | Prolonged contact with water can weaken nails and prevent growth. Wearing rubber gloves during tasks involving water or chemicals can protect nails. |
| Cuticle care | Cuticles protect the nail bed, and pushing or cutting them can increase the risk of infection and damage to the nail bed. |
| Artificial nails | Artificial nails can protect natural nails from cracks and breaks and give the appearance of longer nail beds. |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail biting and picking
Biting your nails can hurt your nail beds and prevent them from regenerating at a healthy rate. It can also introduce bacteria to the edges of your nail beds, which can cause infection.
If you want to stop biting your nails, the first step is to identify your triggers. Nail biting is often a coping mechanism in response to feelings of boredom, stress, loneliness, or hunger. By figuring out what triggers you to bite your nails, you can develop a plan to avoid or manage these situations.
Once you've identified your triggers, try to find a replacement behaviour for nail biting. For example, you could try squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or chewing gum. Keeping your nails trimmed and well-maintained can also reduce the temptation to bite them.
If you can't break the habit on your own, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help address the underlying psychological causes of your nail biting. You can also try habit-reversal training, hypnotherapy, or speaking to a support group.
In addition to nail biting, picking at your cuticles can also damage your nail beds. Cuticles protect your nail beds from bacteria and infection, so pushing or cutting them can make you more susceptible to harm.
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Moisturise and use cuticle oil
While you can't change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer by moisturising and using cuticle oil. Cuticles are important for nail health as they keep bacteria and fungus out, boost nail moisture, and prevent nail breakage. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product for your nails and cuticles, typically made with sweet almond and/or jojoba oil, as well as vitamin E. It can also contain vitamins, citric acid, and other nourishing ingredients.
Cuticles that are exposed to excessive cold, sun, chlorine, or salty or soapy water can become chapped, cracked, and dry. In these cases, cuticle oil can help moisturise your cuticle and nail, restoring it to health. Applying cuticle oil can increase the circulation around your nails, stimulating nail growth. It can also help to protect your nail and cuticle against trauma and minimise inflammation.
You can use cuticle oil as often as you want, but it's best to apply it at least once or twice a day to get the full benefits. You can apply it with an applicator brush or dropper, or simply dab a little on and rub it in. Cuticle oils with vitamins or other ingredients, such as antioxidants, can be purchased. For example, Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream includes both Vitamin E and antioxidants.
To avoid cracking, it's a good idea to use cuticle oil between and after manicures, at night before bed, and after washing your hands.
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Wear gloves when cleaning
While it is not possible to change the size of your nail beds, you can take steps to make them appear longer. One of the best ways to do this is to grow out your nails. As your nails become longer, the white tip becomes more prominent, creating the illusion of a longer nail bed.
To grow your nails, it is important to practice good hygiene and nail health habits. This includes wearing gloves when cleaning. Prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals can weaken your nails, preventing them from growing strong and healthy. Therefore, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves when doing tasks such as washing dishes or using harsh cleaning products. This will help protect your nails and promote their growth.
In addition to wearing gloves, there are several other ways to care for your nails and create the appearance of longer nail beds. Firstly, it is important to keep your nails clean and dry to prevent fungal infections. Fungal infections can cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed, resulting in a shorter appearance. You can also try pushing back your cuticles after soaking your nails in warm water. This gives the illusion of longer nail beds, but be careful not to cut or pick at your cuticles as this can damage the nail bed and increase the risk of infection.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet with adequate nutrients is crucial for nail growth and strength. Deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to short nail beds. Biotin, zinc, and iron, in particular, play essential roles in supporting nail health. You can also try taking biotin supplements to specifically support nail growth.
In summary, while you cannot physically grow bigger nail beds, you can create the appearance of longer nail beds by growing out your nails, practicing good nail hygiene, wearing gloves when cleaning, and maintaining a healthy diet with sufficient nutrients. These steps will help promote stronger and healthier nails.
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Eat vitamins A, E, and D
While it is not possible to change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer by growing out your nails. This creates a longer white tip, which helps elongate the appearance of your nail bed.
Eating foods rich in vitamins A, E, and D can help support nail growth. Vitamin A-rich foods include fish, eggs, and spinach. You can get more vitamin E by consuming almonds, eggs, and spinach. Vitamin D can be found in fish, eggs, and fortified breakfast cereals.
In addition to eating vitamin-rich foods, you can also take supplements to support nail growth. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a popular supplement for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Other important vitamins and minerals for nail health include vitamin B12, folate (vitamin B9), iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
It is important to note that supplements will only make a difference if you are deficient in the vitamins they contain. If you are unsure about your vitamin levels, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
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Seek treatment for fungal infections
While it is not possible to physically grow your nail beds, treating a fungal nail infection can help the nail plate reattach to your nail bed. It is important to seek treatment for fungal infections to prevent further damage to the nail beds and promote stronger and healthier nail growth.
Fungal nail infections cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, and distorted. To treat a fungal nail infection, you should first speak to a pharmacist or your GP. A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months and should keep using the treatment until you are told to stop. Your GP may prescribe antifungal tablets, although these are unsuitable for those with liver or kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Antifungal tablets can also cause side effects, such as liver damage.
If your infection is severe, your healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal medications, topical treatments, or laser therapy. Laser treatment can improve the look of a nail after the infection has cleared, but it will not treat the infection. Your dermatologist may also recommend nail avulsion, which involves removing the entire nail. Nails usually grow back within 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
To prevent fungal nail infections, avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms, as these are common sources of the fungus that causes athlete's foot, which can lead to nail infections.
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Frequently asked questions
While you can't change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer by letting your nails grow out. As your nails get longer, the white tip becomes longer, helping elongate your nail bed.
Eat foods rich in vitamins A, E, and D, such as fish, almonds, eggs, and spinach. You can also take biotin supplements and moisturize your hands regularly to prevent breakage and cracking.
Avoid prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals as they can weaken your nails. Wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes or using harsh chemicals. You should also avoid nail-biting and picking at your cuticles as these can damage your nail beds.
Certain medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and autoimmune disorders can affect nail health. Hormonal imbalances or thyroid disorders may also impact nail growth.
