Caleb Foster
While you can't change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer. The length and shape of your nails can be influenced by genetics, but there are several things you can do to make your nails look longer and healthier. This includes letting your nails grow out, using artificial nails, and cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetics | The biggest determining factor in the shape and length of your nail bed |
| Nail injuries | Nail beds appear shorter after an injury, which can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed |
| Nail biting | Biting your nails or cutting them too short can make the nail bed appear shorter |
| Fungal infections | Nail fungal infections can cause the nail bed to appear shorter and separate from the nail plate |
| Moisturizing | Nails should be moisturized with hand cream after removing nail polish or when you think they're dehydrated |
| Filing | Nails should be filed in one direction, avoiding the sides as much as possible |
| Soaking | Soaking nails in water for too long can cause them to become weak and brittle |
| Vitamins | Biotin (vitamin H, vitamin B7, and vitamin B9) helps strengthen nails, and can be consumed through food or supplements |
| Nail products | Over-the-counter nail hardeners can provide short-term results, while prescription strengtheners are better for long-term use |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail biting and cutting nails too short
While nail beds are determined by genetics, there are ways to make your nails appear longer. One of the most important things you can do is to avoid nail biting and cutting your nails too short.
Nail biting and cutting your nails too short can give the appearance of shorter nail beds due to little to no whiteness at the tip of the nail. This habit can also lead to nail injuries, causing your nail to separate from the nail bed. As your nails become longer, you will have a longer white tip, which helps elongate your nail bed.
If you are a nail biter, you may want to consider keeping your nails short while you work on breaking the habit. Having less nail provides less temptation to bite. You can also apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails, which discourages many people from biting their nails. Alternatively, you can keep your nails painted or covered with tape or wear gloves to prevent biting.
If you are trying to grow your nails, it is important to be mindful of how you use your hands. Using your nails as tools can lead to breakage and chipping, which can weaken the nail. Instead of using your nails, use the pads of your fingers to open things, or use a paper clip to reach into small spaces.
To keep your nails strong and healthy, you can also make changes to your diet. Biotin, also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7, can help strengthen hair and nails. Because it is water-soluble, it is not stored by the body, so you must ensure that you consume it daily.
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Treat fungal infections
While the shape and length of your nail bed are largely determined by genetics, fungal infections can also cause your nail bed to appear shorter. A fungal nail infection is unlikely to get better without treatment. However, treatment may be unnecessary in mild cases. Antifungal medication is recommended for more severe or troublesome infections. This comes in the form of tablets or a special paint that is applied directly to the nail. Antifungal treatments are thought to be effective in treating about 60 to 80% of fungal nail infections. The two most commonly prescribed medicines for fungal nail infections are terbinafine and itraconazole. These medications usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up. If you stop taking the medication too early, the infection may return.
If you prefer not to take antifungal tablets, your pharmacist may suggest you try antifungal nail paint instead. Before prescribing medication, a small sample of the infected nail may need to be taken and sent off for testing to confirm that you have a fungal infection. A blood test may also be required before starting treatment to check that your liver is functioning properly.
In severe or painful cases where other treatments have not been effective, a procedure to remove the affected nail completely may be recommended. If the nail is surgically removed, a new nail should eventually grow back in its place, although this could take a year or more. Laser treatment is another option for treating stubborn fungal nail infections. The laser emits high doses of light energy, which are used to destroy the fungus. However, there is currently not enough evidence to recommend it as a routine treatment.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles is a great way to make your nails appear longer and neater. It can also help prevent your cuticles from splitting or getting infected. If your cuticles look overgrown, it is probably time to push them back. Overgrown cuticles are more prone to cracking, so keeping on top of your cuticle maintenance will allow your nails and nail bed to appear much healthier.
Before you begin, remove any existing nail polish with a non-acetone polish remover. Acetone can dry out your nails and cuticles. You can also soak your nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften your cuticles, making them easier to push back. If you like, you can add oil to the water or apply it directly to your cuticles.
When pushing back your cuticles, it is important to be gentle. You can use a wooden cuticle stick, a soft cloth, a cotton swab, or even just your fingers. If you are using a wooden stick, try to use a new one each time, as they are difficult to sanitise fully. If you have sensitive skin, wrap the tip of the stick in cotton before you begin.
If you are getting your nails done professionally, tell your manicurist that you only want your cuticles pushed back gently. If they push your cuticles too vigorously, ask them to stop.
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Increase vitamin B9 intake
While the size and shape of your nail beds are largely determined by genetics, there are ways to make your nails appear longer. One way to do this is by increasing your intake of vitamin B9, also known as folate.
Folate is a B-vitamin that contributes to tissue integrity and is vital for healthy cell growth, cell division, and DNA. It is important for nail growth and health by contributing to red blood cell formation. Changes in nails are one of many signs of folate deficiency, which can give nails a 'ridge'.
Vitamin B9 can be found in many plant-based foods, including spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and fortified breakfast cereals. If you are unable to get enough vitamin B9 through your diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
In addition to increasing your vitamin B9 intake, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to help strengthen your nails and improve their appearance. For example, avoiding nail-biting and cutting your nails too short can help them appear longer. Treating any fungal nail infections and pushing back your cuticles can also help give the appearance of longer nails.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes
While you cannot change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer. One way to do this is by wearing gloves when washing dishes. This is because spending a lot of time with your hands submerged in water can weaken your nails, making them brittle and more prone to breakage. Gloves can also protect your hands and nails from harsh chemicals and skin irritants commonly found in cleaning products.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for gloves with a gentle cotton or fabric lining. For extra comfort, consider gloves lined with moisture-wicking foam or long sleeves to prevent water from seeping in. If you have a latex allergy, be sure to check the labels carefully as many dishwashing gloves are made from this material. Fortunately, there are plenty of latex-free options available.
To protect your nails from damage, it's important to be mindful of how you use your hands in everyday tasks. For example, avoid using your nails as tools to open things or reach into small spaces. Instead, use the pads of your fingers or other tools. This will help prevent chipping and cracking, keeping your nails strong and healthy-looking.
Wearing gloves when washing dishes is a simple yet effective way to protect your nails and support their growth. Combined with other nail care practices, such as avoiding nail biting and cutting your nails too short, you can achieve the appearance of longer nail beds and healthier nails overall.
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Frequently asked questions
While you cannot change the size of your nail beds, you can make your nails appear longer by letting them grow out. As your nails grow longer, you will have a longer white tip, which helps elongate your nail bed.
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, vitamin B7, and vitamin B9 (folic acid), can help strengthen nails. Vitamin B9 repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails, which speeds up growth and promotes overall nail health.
Nail biting, nail injuries, and fungal infections can cause short nails.
Vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, an unbalanced diet, and using your nails as tools can lead to brittle nails.
To strengthen your nails, you can take vitamin supplements, use nail strengtheners, and avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers.
