Caleb Foster
Growing long and beautiful nails requires dedication, patience, and skill. It is a lifestyle choice that demands a certain level of commitment and self-care. While it can be challenging, especially with the presence of harmful chemicals and nail care processes, it is not impossible. A well-balanced diet, proper nail care regimen, and certain lifestyle changes can help you achieve the gorgeous, healthy nails of your dreams. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to start your journey towards strong and beautiful nails.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail biting and picking at your fingers
Growing long and beautiful nails can be challenging, especially given the harmful chemicals and processes that can affect nail health. One of the biggest obstacles to achieving this goal is nail biting, also known as onychophagia. Research shows that this habit is prevalent among 45% of teens, 25% of young adults, and 5% of older individuals. Nail biting can prevent the growth of long and strong nails and can even lead to abnormal-looking nails and other health issues.
To overcome nail biting, it is essential to address the underlying causes and triggers. Nail biting is often associated with stress, anxiety, boredom, or insecurity. Identifying these triggers can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms. For instance, keeping your hands busy with a hobby like knitting or crocheting can redirect the urge to bite your nails. Additionally, finding alternative ways to comfort or soothe yourself, such as chewing gum or using a stress ball, can be beneficial.
There are also practical strategies to deter nail biting. Maintaining short nails can reduce the satisfaction associated with biting them. Applying bitter-tasting nail polish or coating your nails with unpleasant substances like hot sauce or vinegar can make biting them undesirable. Wearing gloves or using stickers designed to cover nails can physically prevent nail biting.
It is crucial to understand that nail biting can have adverse health consequences beyond the appearance of your nails. Repeated nail biting can damage the tissue around your nails and the nail beds, affecting nail growth and strength. It can also lead to infections as harmful bacteria and viruses are transferred from your mouth to your fingers and face.
In addition to nail biting, picking at your fingers can also compromise nail health. Picking can weaken your nail beds and make your nails more susceptible to breakage. Sucking on your fingers can have a similar effect, as nails are porous, and moisture can make them softer. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of these habits and actively work towards breaking them to achieve and maintain long and beautiful nails.
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Moisturise your nails with hand cream
Keeping your nails moisturised is essential for maintaining their strength and beauty. Nails can become brittle due to various factors, including dry air, frequent washing, harsh chemical use, and underlying health conditions. Therefore, it is important to incorporate moisturising products into your nail care routine.
One effective way to moisturise your nails is to use hand creams or balms. Hand creams are formulated with nourishing ingredients that not only benefit your skin but also your nails and cuticles. Look for hand creams that contain vitamins, such as vitamin E, or natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, which are known to hydrate and strengthen nails. You can also opt for hand creams with alpha-hydroxy acids, which help lock in moisture and improve skin texture. Apply the hand cream generously to your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin, massaging it in gently. For an intensive moisturising treatment, apply a liberal amount of hand cream or petroleum jelly before bed and wear cotton gloves to lock in the moisture overnight.
In addition to using hand creams, you can also incorporate natural oils into your nail care routine. Soaking your nails in warm olive oil or coconut oil for about 20 minutes can deeply nourish and strengthen your nails. Alternatively, you can apply these oils directly to your nail plates and cuticles. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using a hand serum that contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin, and natural fruit extracts with AHAs for gentle exfoliation and brightening.
To further enhance the benefits of moisturising your nails, remember to protect your hands and nails from excessive water exposure. Wear gloves when doing dishes or household chores that involve water. Additionally, avoid long, hot showers or baths, as hot water can be drying to the skin and nails. Always moisturise your hands and nails after bathing to lock in moisture.
By incorporating hand creams and natural oils into your nail care routine, you can effectively moisturise your nails, making them stronger, healthier, and more beautiful.
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Consume a nutrient-dense diet with calcium and protein
A well-balanced diet is paramount for maintaining healthy nails. Consuming a nutrient-dense diet with adequate calcium and protein can help transform dry, brittle nails into long, strong ones.
Calcium is well known for its role in bone health, but it is also excellent for nail health. Calcium-rich foods and drinks can help strengthen your nails. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, arugula, watercress, and collards, are excellent sources of calcium. Dairy products, including milk, are also good sources of calcium and protein.
Protein is essential for boosting keratin production, which is responsible for keeping your nails strong and resilient. A low protein intake may lead to weaker nails. Animal sources of protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, are rich in protein and other essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12, and healthy fats. Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, are especially beneficial for nail health as they provide collagen, which is crucial for strong nails.
For those who follow a plant-based diet, there are plenty of protein-rich options to support nail health. Legumes, beans, tofu, and certain vegetables provide ample protein. Soy, chickpeas, black beans, and nuts are excellent plant-based sources of protein and other important nutrients like zinc.
In addition to calcium and protein, other key nutrients that support nail health include biotin, iron, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is found in eggs, liver, meats, milk, and most vegetables. Iron is abundant in leafy greens and can also be obtained from whole grains. Orange and yellow vegetables, such as carrots, are rich sources of vitamin A. Finally, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, can help lubricate and moisturize your nails, giving them a shiny appearance.
By incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet, you can promote strong and healthy nails while also supporting your overall health and well-being.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath
Water is essential for nail health, but too much exposure to water can be detrimental. Nails that are exposed to water for long periods can become brittle and break easily. This is especially true in the winter, when the cold air outside and the central heating inside can cause the air to become dry, and therefore more dehydrating.
Wearing gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath can help to protect your nails from the harmful effects of water. This is because gloves act as a barrier between your nails and the water, preventing them from becoming waterlogged and brittle. It is also important to wear gloves when using harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products, to protect your nails and skin from their drying effects.
There are several types of gloves that can be worn to protect your nails. Nitrile gloves are favoured by some due to their thin and lightweight nature, but vinyl and rubber gloves are also effective. It is important to ensure that the gloves fit snugly to prevent water from entering. Some people also use hair elastics or wristbands around the wrists of their gloves to create a tighter seal.
In addition to wearing gloves, it is beneficial to oil your nails before and after exposure to water. Oils such as corn oil, soy oil, or jojoba oil can be applied to the nails and cuticles to help seal in moisture and prevent dryness. This can be done by rubbing the oil onto the nails and surrounding skin, or by soaking the nails in oil for a more intensive treatment.
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File your nails in one direction with a 180 or 240 grit file
To keep your nails long and beautiful, it's important to maintain the right shape and length. Filing your nails is a great way to do this, and it can help you achieve your desired nail shape. To do this effectively, you should use a 180 or 240 grit file and file your nails in one direction.
The grit number on a nail file refers to the number of abrasive granules per square inch. Lower grit numbers have larger and fewer grains, resulting in a coarser file, while higher grit numbers have smaller and more numerous grains, resulting in a finer and softer file. For natural nails, it is recommended to use a grit ranging from 180 to 240. A 180 grit file is a good middle ground as it can be used for both shaping and finishing. It is strong enough to file down your nails but not so strong that it will tear them. A 180/180 grit file has the same grit on both sides, while a 100/180 grit file has a coarser side and a softer side.
A 240 grit file is perfect for filing natural nails and removing shine from the nail during nail prep. It is a super delicate file, so if your nails are very soft or damaged, a 240 grit file is recommended. A 240 grit file is also ideal for removing ridges from your nails, making the nail surface even and smooth before applying nail polish.
When filing your nails, it is important to file in one direction to achieve a smooth and even finish. Filing back and forth can cause damage to your nails and weaken them. By filing in one direction with a 180 or 240 grit file, you can effectively shape and maintain the health and strength of your nails, avoiding nail biting and picking.
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Frequently asked questions
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your nails hydrated and consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. A well-balanced diet is paramount.
Premium nail products contain fewer chemicals, making them better for your nails and your overall health. Avoid products that are cheap and focus on expediting services.
Nail biting, picking at your fingers, and sucking on your fingers will make your nails soft and prone to breakage. Using your nails as tools can also lead to breakage and chipping.
Keeping your hands busy can be helpful, so try occupying yourself with a new hobby like knitting or crocheting. You might also try wrapping your nails in Band-Aids or covering them in an unpleasant substance like hot sauce or vinegar.
Choose from five common nail shapes: oval, square, round, pointed, and a combination of oval and square dubbed "squoval". The shape you choose will probably depend on your tastes and what suits your nail beds. However, round and oval shapes are favoured by many because they soften the hand and don’t snag as easily as other styles.
