Noah Sinclair
Natural nails are having a moment, with celebrities like Sofia Richie and Rosamund Pike showcaseing the trend. To grow your natural nails, you need to treat them with care. It is recommended to use a glass nail file instead of clippers and to avoid using your nails to open things. You should also keep your nails and the surrounding skin well-hydrated with cuticle oil, such as jojoba oil, which is easily absorbed due to its similarity to the skin's natural oil. To prevent chipping and breaking, you can use a builder gel (BIAB) to add a protective layer and create a resilient surface. Additionally, wearing gloves while cleaning or even showering can help protect your nails from water damage, as water is considered the worst chemical for nails.
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What You'll Learn
Use cuticle oil
Using cuticle oil is an important step in growing natural nails. Cuticle oils are moisturising products that improve the health and longevity of your nails and cuticles. They are typically derived from vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, which is known to soften and moisturise the skin and nails.
Cuticle oil can be used to increase circulation around the nails, stimulating nail growth. It can also help protect your nails and cuticles from trauma, improving their overall health and appearance. The oil helps to keep the layers of keratin bonded together, preventing peeling.
There are many different types of cuticle oils available, but those rich in phospholipids are recommended as they have been shown to improve nail brittleness and flexibility. Jojoba oil is also a popular choice as its composition is very similar to the skin's natural oil, making it excellent for smoothing and softening without feeling greasy. It can penetrate through the nail plate to be absorbed more easily than oils with larger molecules, such as coconut or olive oil.
To apply cuticle oil, simply dab a few drops onto each cuticle using a cotton ball, applicator, or brush, and then massage it in for a few minutes. It is important to ensure that the oil is fully absorbed and has dried before putting any polish or other products on top.
Using cuticle oil regularly can help to strengthen your nails and protect them from everyday wear and tear, such as excessive sun, water, and cold exposure.
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Wear gloves
Wearing gloves is an important step in growing long natural nails. Gloves act as a protective barrier between your nails and harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, polish removers, glues, and other substances. By wearing gloves, you can prevent your nails from becoming brittle and weak due to exposure to these chemicals. This is especially important if you are regularly cleaning or doing tasks that involve harsh substances.
When choosing gloves, look for disposable nitrile gloves, which are commonly used by nail technicians. These gloves are made of synthetic natural rubber and offer excellent grip, dexterity, and tactile sensitivity. They are ideal for performing various nail care treatments and protecting your hands from harmful substances. Remember to change your gloves frequently, wash your hands, and allow them to dry completely before putting on a new pair to avoid creating a warm and humid environment that can lead to nail problems.
In addition to wearing gloves, it is crucial to adapt your habits to protect your nails. Avoid using your nails to open things, and instead, use your knuckles or other parts of your hand. Be mindful of your actions when reaching into tight spaces like purses, bags, or drawers to prevent breaking your nails. These small adjustments can make a significant difference in maintaining strong and healthy nails.
While gloves offer protection, it is important to be cautious when wearing them for extended periods. Gloves made of materials like nitrile, rubber, polychloroprene, or vinyl don't breathe, creating a warm and humid environment conducive to the growth of natural skin yeast, which can cause nail infections. If you need to wear gloves frequently, ensure your hands and nails are thoroughly dry before putting them on, and let your nails breathe between glove uses.
In conclusion, wearing gloves is a valuable practice when growing natural nails. They shield your nails from damaging chemicals and provide the necessary protection during various tasks. By choosing the right type of gloves, practicing good glove hygiene, and being mindful of your habits, you can effectively support the growth of strong and healthy natural nails.
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Take vitamins
Taking vitamins is an important step in growing natural nails. Nutritional deficiencies can affect your nail growth and strength, so it's essential to include a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your diet. Here are some key vitamins that can help promote nail growth and health:
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. It is found in foods such as organ meats, egg yolks, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and beans. Biotin supplements are also available and may help restore and strengthen brittle nails.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is crucial for nail health. It repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails, speeding up growth and promoting overall nail health. Include foods rich in vitamin B9 in your diet or consider taking a supplement.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in iron absorption and the development of red blood cells. Both iron and B12 are necessary to keep nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to nail discolouration and other abnormalities. Include animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish, and eggs in your diet to ensure adequate intake.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and integrity to your nails. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to slow nail growth. Include citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries in your diet to boost your vitamin C intake.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that improves blood circulation, promoting healthy nail growth. It also helps moisturize and nourish the nails, preventing breakage. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils such as sunflower oil and olive oil.
Iron
Iron is crucial for nail health, and a deficiency can lead to brittle nails or ridges. Include iron-rich foods such as kale, spinach, lentils, and meat in your diet to support nail growth and strength.
Zinc
Zinc is necessary for the healthy growth of nails. It plays a part in protein synthesis, including keratin, a primary component of nails. A lack of zinc can cause white spots on nails and slow nail growth. Animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich sources of zinc, but it is also found in plant foods like soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds.
In addition to taking vitamins, maintaining a well-balanced diet with adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids is essential for supporting nail growth and overall health.
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File correctly
Filing your nails is the foundation of nail care and can help your nails grow longer and stronger. It is important to file your nails correctly to prevent cracks, breaks, and damage.
Firstly, you should select a good-quality, gentle nail file. A soft-grit nail file is best for natural nails, such as an emery board, which is affordable and effective. Emery boards usually have a grit of around 180-240, which is ideal for natural nails. Glass or crystal files are also gentle on the nails and easier to clean, but make sure to buy a high-quality etched Czech glass crystal file. Metal files are not recommended as they are harsher on nails and more difficult to control.
When filing your nails, it is important to avoid a back-and-forth sawing motion, as this can fray the nail and damage the nail bed and cuticle. Instead, file from the outer corner of the nail into the centre, and then repeat the motion on the other side. Go slowly, especially with short nails, as it can be painful if they get too short. You should also avoid filing your nail past the tip of your finger, as this may cause injury.
If you want to get rid of extra length, it is best to cut the nail before filing. However, if your nails are already short, you can simply cut them all down to the same length if they are uneven. After filing, you can buff your nails to give them a smooth finish and a shiny gloss. Only use 6-8 strokes per nail to avoid thinning or weakening them.
It is recommended that you file your nails no more than once a week, allowing them time to grow in between. Filing your nails can help improve polish longevity, as a clean, smooth nail edge allows for a more uniform application of nail polish.
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Avoid water
Water damage is a common issue when it comes to nail care. While it is impossible to avoid water altogether, there are ways to minimise the negative impact of water on your nails.
Firstly, limit the amount of time your nails are immersed in water. This includes when washing dishes, bathing, or any other activities that involve soaking your hands in water. Try to keep your hands out of the water as much as possible. Wearing gloves can be helpful when cleaning or doing any other tasks that require you to immerse your hands in water. Rubber gloves, in particular, can protect your nails from the chemicals in cleaning products, which can weaken your nails over time.
It is worth noting that hot and soapy water can be especially damaging to your nails. While hand washing with soap and water is important for hygiene, try to minimise the amount of time your hands are soaked in hot, soapy water. Additionally, consider applying cuticle oil after washing your hands to help seal in moisture and protect your nails.
Another way to protect your nails from water damage is to use nail polish. A base coat, even without coloured polish, can act as a barrier between your nails and water. This helps to prevent water from getting into your nails and weakening their structure.
Finally, be mindful of the products you use around your nails. Some shampoos and hair products can be drying and strip the natural oils from your nails, leading to weak and brittle nails. Opt for nail-friendly products and always read the labels to ensure they won't damage your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Treat your nails with care and keep them hydrated. Use a glass nail file instead of clippers and try to avoid using your nails to open things.
Any type of cuticle oil is beneficial, especially those rich in phospholipids like sunflower, canola, and flax seed oils. You can also try a face moisturizer or serum with an AHA, or a dedicated nail treatment.
Wear gloves when cleaning, doing the dishes, or even showering to minimize water exposure. Take prenatal vitamins or a quality hair, skin, and nails vitamin.
File in one direction, using long, gentle strokes from the outside edge to the centre. This will give you a smooth finish and more control over the shape.
Apply a base coat or nail polish, even if it's clear, to prevent water from getting into your nails. Use a builder gel (BIAB) for a protective layer that reduces chipping and breaking.
