Noah Sinclair
Nail biting is a common habit that can cause nail beds to appear shorter. This is due to little to no whiteness at the tip of the nail. To grow nail beds after biting, it is recommended to let your nails grow out to achieve a longer white tip, which helps elongate the nail bed. This process can be supported by using Builder Gel or gel nail extensions to prevent nail biting and promote nail growth and strength. Additionally, establishing a regular nail care routine that includes trimming nails, cleaning under the nail bed, and using cuticle oil can improve nail health and appearance. It is important to note that nails grow slowly, typically at a rate of 2.5 millimeters per month, so patience is required when trying to grow out nail beds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail care routine | Trim nails regularly, clean under the nail bed, use a moisturising hand cream, use cuticle oil, use a nail treatment serum |
| Nail extensions | Use Builder Gel to create an overlay on your natural nails to prevent biting, promote growth and add strength |
| Filing | File nails with a fine glass file to maintain length and prevent breakage |
| Painting | Keep nails painted to protect them and provide strength |
| Nail oil | Apply nail oil 2-3 times a day |
| Nutrition | Ensure proper nutrition in your diet |
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What You'll Learn
Establish a nail care routine
Establishing a nail care routine is an important step in improving the health and appearance of your nails after biting them. Here are some detailed tips to help you establish a nail care routine:
Keep your nails trimmed and shaped: Use a fine glass nail file to maintain a comfortable nail length. Avoid cutting your nails, as this can lead to shorter-looking nail beds. Instead, gently file your nails to the desired length and shape. Keep your nails slightly shorter to prevent breakage and reduce the temptation to bite.
Clean your nails regularly: Use a soft nail brush to clean underneath your nails instead of metal tools, as sharp objects can damage the nail plate and cause separation from the nail bed. Keeping your nails clean will also reduce the risk of fungal infections, which can affect the appearance of your nail beds.
Nourish your nails: Apply cuticle oil daily to nourish and protect your nails. Cuticle oils contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that strengthen and repair damaged nails. Massage a small amount of oil into the base of each nail, including the cuticles. You can also use a nail treatment serum in conjunction with cuticle oil for extra hydration and repair.
Moisturise your hands: Use a moisturising hand cream regularly to keep your hands and nails hydrated. Well-moisturised nails are less prone to breakage and splitting. Apply hand cream after washing your hands and throughout the day as needed.
Protect your nails: Consider using Builder Gel or gel nail extensions to create a protective barrier over your natural nails. This will not only prevent nail biting but also promote nail growth and strength. Gel nails are more flexible and less likely to lift or break compared to acrylics. You can paint over the gel with your choice of colour or leave it clear for a natural look.
Promote nail growth: Encourage nail growth by pushing back your cuticles after soaking your nails in warm water. Adding essential oils or cuticle oil to the water can provide additional nourishment. As your nails grow, you'll achieve a longer white tip, making your nail beds appear longer.
Remember, growing out your nail beds after biting takes time and patience. By following these steps and maintaining a consistent nail care routine, you'll be on your way to achieving healthier and more extended nail beds.
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Use builder gel
Using builder gel is a great way to help you stop biting your nails. The thick gel acts as an overlay on your natural nails, creating a barrier that promotes nail growth and strength.
Builder gel can be separated into two categories: BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) and hard gel. BIAB is a thick gel that adds a durable overlay to the nails or nail tips to repair, strengthen, and grow your natural nails over time. Despite its thickness, builder gel is lightweight and offers a soft, natural finish. This makes it a more effective option than traditional gel nail polish.
If you're a nail-biter, think of builder gel as armour that protects your nails from your teeth because it's too rigid to bite through. It's also chip-proof and stands up to nail-biting for about three to five weeks.
Here's a step-by-step guide to using builder gel:
- Prepare your nails: Remove any false nails, old gel, or nail polish. File your nails into the desired shape and use a nail buffer to remove the shine from the surface. Push back your cuticles and remove any dead skin or cuticle. Use an alcohol-based nail cleanser to remove any oils or debris. You can also use a dehydrator and primer to enhance adhesion.
- Apply a gel base coat: Seal off the exposed edge and cure it under an LED or UV lamp.
- Apply the builder gel: You can use Builder in a Bottle or BIAB for easy application, similar to regular polish. Or, for more intricate designs, use builder gel in a pot with your tools and brushes. Spread the gel in an even layer, ensuring it's thickest near the center of each nail.
- Cure the builder gel: Hold your hand upside down for about 10 seconds to allow the gel to smooth out. Then, cure your nails under an LED lamp or UV lamp for 30 seconds or 2 minutes, depending on the brand's instructions.
- Shape your nails: Use a nail file to shape the tips of your nails as desired.
- Finish with a top coat: Apply a top coat or gel nail polish and cure it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Remember, it's important to follow the specific instructions provided by your chosen gel brand to achieve the best results. Additionally, ensure you don't apply builder gel to broken or infected skin, focusing only on the nail plate.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles has several benefits for your nails. Firstly, it prevents your cuticles from splitting or getting infected. It also allows nail products to sit better on the surface of your nails and bond more easily, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure.
To push back your cuticles, start by washing and drying your hands. Then, remove any existing nail polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover and a cotton ball. Soak your nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften your cuticles and make them easier to push back. You can also apply a cuticle-removing gel and let it soak for 15-30 seconds to help break down the overgrown skin.
Once your cuticles are soft, use a cuticle stick or pusher to gently push back the overgrown skin around the nail. Be careful not to push too hard, especially if you are doing it for the first time, as it can be painful if the cuticle is hard. Instead, focus on gently pushing back the skin at the top of the nail bed and scraping off any dead skin.
After pushing back your cuticles, wipe away any excess gel or remover with a cotton pad and wash off any remaining residue. If there are any hangnails or loose skin, you can carefully trim them away with cuticle nippers, being mindful not to cut too close to the skin to avoid infection and peeling.
By establishing a good routine, you can keep your cuticles healthy and neat. It is recommended to push your cuticles back at least once a week, preferably after a shower when your skin is softer and easier to manage.
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Avoid overfiling
If you're looking to grow your nail beds after biting your nails, you may be considering filing your nails. Filing can help you maintain a preferred nail length and prevent breakage. However, it's important to avoid overfiling your nails.
Overfiling can compromise nail health and cause damage. It occurs when a file that is too coarse is used or when the file is used at too much of an angle. For example, filing at a 45-degree angle can create a dip in the nail, resulting in what professionals call "rings of fire," or red lines.
To avoid overfiling, use a fine glass file to gently shape your nails. Keep your nails on the shorter side to prevent breakage and avoid filing at extreme angles. Instead, file in a gentle, back-and-forth motion to smooth and shape the edges.
Additionally, you can maintain nail health by establishing a regular nail care routine. This includes cleaning under the nail bed, trimming your nails regularly, and using a moisturising hand cream to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. Cuticle oils are also beneficial, as they contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can strengthen and repair damaged nails.
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Keep nails painted
Keeping your nails painted is a great way to help you stop biting them and allow your nails to grow. The paint acts as a barrier, protecting your nails and giving them strength so they don't bend or flex as much. This is especially helpful if you have brittle nails.
A simple way to achieve this is by using a builder gel, which creates a thick overlay on your natural nails, making it impossible to bite them. The gel also promotes nail growth and strength. You can paint a gel colour over the top or create nail art, which can be changed every three weeks when you need to infill or remove the gel. If you prefer a natural look, a clear builder gel can be used instead.
You can also use regular nail polish to paint your nails. This may not create a biting barrier in the same way as gel, but it can help to deter you from biting your nails, at least temporarily.
It is important to note that the application and removal of nail polish and gel can impact the health of your nails. Overfiling during the application of extensions or when refilling can compromise nail health. Using a file that is too coarse or filing at too much of an angle can cause a dip in the nail. When removing nail polish, ensure you are using a product that is not too harsh on your nails.
In addition to keeping your nails painted, there are other steps you can take to help grow your nail beds after biting. This includes trimming your nails regularly, cleaning under your nail bed, and using a moisturising hand cream to keep your hands and nails hydrated.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply Builder Gel to your nails, which creates an overlay on your natural nails, so you can't bite them. It also promotes nail growth and strength. You can also try keeping your hands occupied by using a stress toy.
You can try letting your nails grow out, as longer nails will have a longer white tip, which helps elongate your nail bed. You can also clean underneath your nails with a nail brush instead of metal tools, and push back your cuticles.
Establish a regular nail care routine. Trim your nails regularly, clean under the nail bed, and use a moisturising hand cream to keep your nails hydrated. You can also use a cuticle oil to nourish and protect your nails, and a nail treatment serum for extra hydration and repair.
Nails grow at a slow pace, so be patient. You can also try using gel nail extensions, which can prevent your nails from splitting and breaking.
