Ava Monroe
Achieving long and strong nails is a goal for many, but it can be a challenge if your nails are prone to chipping and breaking. The good news is that there are several strategies you can employ to support nail growth and strength. Firstly, it is essential to understand that nails grow from the nail matrix, and any damage to this area can impact their appearance and growth. Additionally, genetics plays a role in nail growth, so it's important to set realistic expectations. A well-rounded approach includes both external care and internal nourishment. Externally, you can use cuticle oils, opt for gentle nail files, and minimise exposure to water and harsh nail polish removers. Internally, a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals is key, with particular emphasis on vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamins A, E, and D.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail care product | Nail/cuticle oil, Builder gel (BIAB), nail lacquer, nail strengthener, lotion, hand cream, Builder in a Bottle |
| Diet | Folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, protein, fats |
| Actions | Wear gloves when cleaning, file nails with a glass nail file, moisturize hands, massage hands and cuticles, limit use of nail polish and nail polish remover |
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What You'll Learn
Use cuticle oil
Using cuticle oil is a great way to improve the health and appearance of your nails. It is a moisturising product that can be used to hydrate and heal damaged nails and cuticles. Cuticle oil can be especially useful if your nails are feeling dry.
Cuticle oil is commonly made from vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is a popular choice as its molecules are similar to our own sebum, allowing it to be absorbed more easily. It hydrates, moisturises, and conditions the nails and cuticles. Other oils, such as olive oil, can provide some UVB protection. Cuticle oils may also contain vitamins and antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, which can help fight and prevent skin damage.
To use cuticle oil, simply apply a few drops to each cuticle and massage it in for a few minutes. You can use a cotton ball, applicator, or brush to apply the oil. It is recommended to use cuticle oil regularly, especially after washing your hands or exposing them to water, as water can be damaging to nails. Cuticle oil can also be applied after manicures to protect your nails and prolong the life of your nail polish.
In addition to improving nail health and appearance, cuticle oil can increase circulation around the nails, stimulating nail growth. It can also help protect your nails from trauma and prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
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Wear gloves
While wearing gloves can protect your nails from the negative effects of water, it is important to be mindful of the potential nail problems that can arise from wearing gloves, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gloves made of materials like nitrile, rubber, polychloroprene, or vinyl are non-breathable. Wearing these for extended periods can create a warm and humid environment that promotes the growth of natural skin yeast, leading to nail yeast infections. Candida onycholysis is one such infection, causing the border between the attached and unattached portions of your nail to become irregular. Those who sweat a lot or have hyperhidrosis are more prone to this issue.
To mitigate these issues, ensure your hands are as dry as possible before donning gloves and let them dry thoroughly between glove uses. Keep your nails trimmed short to facilitate quicker drying. After washing your hands and nails, dry them thoroughly with a towel, then dip your nails in rubbing alcohol to help dry the nail space and control yeast. Avoid injuring the skin around your nail folds, including your cuticles. Do not bite or aggressively cut the skin, hangnails, or peeling skin around your nails. Protect your cuticles by not cutting them, as they act as a natural seal to keep the proximal nail fold dry and prevent infection.
When wearing gloves to protect your nails from water damage, opt for tasks like cleaning and doing the dishes. You can even wear gloves when showering, as long as you ensure your hands are dry before putting them on. Avoid soaking your hands or nails in water, as water is one of the worst chemicals for your nails. Instead of soaking, simply wash your hands, which is beneficial for hygiene and essential during the pandemic.
In summary, wearing gloves can help protect your nails from water damage, but be mindful of the potential nail issues that can arise from prolonged glove use, especially non-breathable gloves. Keep your hands and nails dry, avoid nail injuries, and protect your cuticles to maintain nail health while wearing gloves. Additionally, reserve glove-wearing for tasks involving water, like cleaning or showering, and opt for washing your hands instead of soaking them to maintain nail health.
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Take vitamins
Taking vitamins is an important step in improving your nail health. Consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through food is the best way to improve and maintain the health of your nails.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which helps provide strength and integrity to your nails. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin C in adults is 90mg for males and 75mg for females. Red and green bell peppers, oranges, orange juice, grapefruit juice, kiwi, and broccoli are some of the foods with high vitamin C content. If you struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables, a vitamin C supplement may be beneficial.
Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is important for nail growth and health by contributing to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. Folate can be found in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and avocados. A deficiency in folate can cause a pigment change in your nails and make them rigid and brittle. The recommended daily allowance for folate in adults is 400mcg.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is often found in hair, skin, and nail vitamins. It can help strengthen brittle nails, making them less likely to split or break. One study found that taking a biotin supplement for 6 months increased the overall thickness of nails by 25%. The recommended daily allowance for biotin is 30mcg for adult men and women. Biotin is mostly found in meat, eggs, fish, seeds, and nuts. If you are a vegetarian, you may want to consider taking a biotin supplement.
Vitamin E is an ultra-hydrating oil that can help heal and promote new nail growth. It provides hydration to the nail beds and the skin around the nails, helping with brittle nails. Its antioxidant properties also help decrease nail discolouration.
In addition to taking vitamins, maintaining a balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids, will contribute to growing and maintaining healthy nails.
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Moisturise your hands
Moisturising your hands and nails is an essential step in achieving healthy and strong nails. The first step is to protect your hands and nails from water exposure. The nail is 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin, and everyday activities like handwashing and doing the dishes can weaken the nail's structure, compromising its ability to retain hydration. Therefore, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or performing other household chores that involve water. Make sure to apply moisturiser immediately after your nails are exposed to water.
When choosing a moisturiser, opt for products with ingredients like sunflower oil and Brazil nut oil, which are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness. You can also look for hand creams with peptides, B vitamins, Vitamin C, and glycolic acid. These ingredients will help to boost collagen production, treat age spots and wrinkling, and improve skin elasticity.
Additionally, consider using cuticle-specific creams or oils. Cuticle oils, especially those based on jojoba oil, can be absorbed more effectively due to their similarity to our natural sebum. Applying these oils to your cuticles and under your nails can help strengthen them and promote nail growth.
It is recommended to moisturise your nails and hands frequently, especially after water exposure and before bed. When applying the moisturiser, massage it into your nails to reduce peeling and brittleness and to stimulate blood circulation around the nails.
Remember, your diet can also impact the moisture levels in your nails. To prevent dry and brittle nails, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds.
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File with a glass nail file
Glass nail files are made from tempered glass and have a slightly gritty texture on one side, which is used for filing. They are gentler on nails than traditional emery boards, which can be quite harsh, especially if you have thin nails. Glass nail files are also more durable, more sustainable, and more hygienic than traditional files.
To use a glass nail file, start by washing your hands thoroughly to remove any dirt or oils that could get in the way of a close file. Dry your hands and nails completely with a clean towel. Select a high-quality glass nail file that is clean and free from any cracks or chips. Hold the glass nail file at a slight angle to your nail. When you're done filing, rinse the glass nail file under warm water and use a soft brush with mild soap or 70% isopropyl alcohol for deeper cleaning. Allow the file to air dry or pat it dry with a clean towel before storing it in its original sleeve to prevent breakage.
Glass nail files can be used to file in both directions, which is not the case with traditional emery boards. Filing in both directions with a traditional file causes the layers of keratin to shred, leaving the edge thinner and more prone to peeling and chipping. In contrast, the fine, smooth surface of a glass nail file gently seals the keratin layers at the edge of the nail, resulting in a quicker, easier, and less damaging filing process.
Glass nail files are suitable for natural nails, but if you have thick nails or nail enhancements like acrylics or gel extensions, a traditional file may be more effective. Traditional files are also faster to use, so if time is of the essence, a classic file might be a better option.
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Frequently asked questions
To grow your nails quickly, you should focus on maintaining nail health. This includes keeping your hands and cuticles hydrated by using cuticle oil or hand cream, wearing gloves when cleaning, and limiting your use of nail polish and nail polish remover.
Vitamins A, E, and D, as well as biotin and folic acid (vitamin B9), can all help improve nail health and growth.
Glass or crystal nail files are less likely to cause microscopic tears that lead to splits and breakage than traditional emery boards.
Builder gel, also known as BIAB or builder in a bottle, is a specific type of gel that lends strength and structure to natural nails. It can be used to prevent chipping and breakage and create a protective layer.
In addition to the points above, you should try to treat your nails kindly. This includes avoiding using your nails to open things, maintaining a nutritious diet, and consulting a healthcare professional if you suspect any nail matrix damage.
