Ava Monroe
Long, healthy nails can be achieved by following a few simple steps at home. Firstly, it is important to keep your nails dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them. Using a sharp manicure tool to trim your nails is also key, as is moisturising your hands and nails with lotion, paying particular attention to the cuticles. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein can also contribute to healthier nail growth, and keratin supplements can help build strength. To protect nails from chemicals, wear gloves when cleaning or washing up, and use a dermatologist-approved nail strengthener to reduce the chances of breakage.
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What You'll Learn
Use nail strengtheners to reduce breakage
Using nail strengtheners is a great way to reduce nail breakage and encourage growth. They are extremely helpful in preventing breakage, which can be a nuisance when growing your nails.
Nail strengtheners are commonly found in industrial cleaning products, but they are also used in beauty products to prolong shelf life. While some people may be wary of applying them to their skin, beauty products only contain a small amount, and they do not cause any damage at this low potency.
There are many nail-strengthening treatments available to help thicken nails and give you longer, healthier tips. Chanel’s Protective and Smoothing Nail Treatment, for example, can be used as a nail strengthener and a base coat. It promises to nourish the nail and alleviate dryness with camellia oil and also uses cellulose to repair the nail’s surface. After consistent use, nails will feel and look less brittle and less prone to breakage.
Another option is Londontown’s Nail Hardener and Base Coat. This hardening polish is made with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin, which leaves nails hydrated and nourished. It also serves as a protective barrier between the nail and typical nail polish.
When shopping for nail strengtheners, look for ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium, which help build stronger nails over time. You can also apply a strengthening topcoat to your nails for an added layer of protection.
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Wear gloves to protect nails from water
Wearing gloves is an effective way to protect your nails from water and harsh chemicals. This is especially important when doing household chores such as washing dishes or cleaning, which can cause dryness and brittleness. By wearing gloves, you create a barrier between your nails and water, preventing moisture absorption and potential nail damage.
Cotton-lined rubber gloves are ideal for household tasks involving water and cleaning agents. This type of glove provides a comfortable layer of protection, ensuring that your hands and nails stay dry. It is important to ensure that your hands are completely dry before putting on the gloves, as damp nails are prone to splitting.
Disposable nitrile gloves are another popular option, favoured by nail technicians in salons. Nitrile gloves offer durability and resistance to many chemicals used in nail services, such as polish remover, gel nail formulas, and acrylic powders. They are also less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to latex gloves, making them a safer choice for both the technician and the client.
If you frequently perform tasks that require the use of harsh chemicals, consider investing in a box of disposable nitrile gloves. This will allow you to protect your nails and hands from the damaging effects of these substances. Remember to properly dispose of the gloves after each use and to wash your hands thoroughly before and after wearing them.
In addition to wearing gloves, it is important to maintain proper nail care. Ensure that you keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturized to promote nail health and strength. This will help your nails grow longer and stronger, even when exposed to water. Moisturizing your hands and nails regularly can also help prevent dryness and brittleness.
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Consume protein and biotin-rich foods
Consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through food is the best way to improve and maintain nail health. Biotin is a B vitamin and essential nutrient that can be found in some foods. It is most concentrated in organ meats such as liver, but it is also found in egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower. For most adults, a daily biotin intake of 30 micrograms is considered adequate for optimal nail health. If you consume a diet containing these foods, you probably don't need to take a supplement.
Biotin supplements are the only type of supplement shown to have a positive effect on nail health. However, taking too much biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests and may interact with certain medications. It is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking biotin supplements. Additionally, individuals with a biotin deficiency often see their nail health improve after increasing their biotin intake through diet or supplementation.
Protein is also essential for nail growth. Animal proteins are a great way to consume adequate zinc, which is required for healthy nail growth. While certain plant foods also contain this mineral, animal proteins are a more concentrated source.
Overall, a nutrient-rich diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids, is the best way to achieve strong, shiny, and healthy nails.
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Moisturise with cuticle oil
Keeping your nails and cuticles moisturised is essential for maintaining nail health and achieving long-lasting manicures. Cuticle oils are a great way to nourish your nails and keep them strong and flexible. Celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec explains that "a moisturising cuticle oil keeps the nails flexible so they bend but don't break".
There are many cuticle oils on the market that can provide intense moisture to your nails. Oils containing vitamin E, jojoba, avocado, hyaluronic acid, and coconut are highly recommended for their hydrating properties. For example, Olive & June's Cuticle Serum contains avocado oil, jojoba oil, and cactus flower extract, and comes in a convenient serum pen that can be applied throughout the day without leaving a greasy residue.
If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use pure oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or flaxseed oil, which can be purchased in larger quantities at more affordable prices. These oils can be applied generously to your nails and cuticles after washing your hands or doing the dishes to prevent dryness and strengthen your nails.
In addition to oils, you can also use ointments or thicker balms to deeply hydrate your cuticles. Products like Kerasal or Hard as Hoof can be applied at night to add extra moisture and soften your cuticles. Alternating between oils and ointments can provide the best of both worlds and ensure your cuticles are healthy and happy.
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Avoid biting your nails
Nail-biting is a common habit, but it can hinder healthy nail growth. Here are some tips to help you stop biting your nails and achieve the long, healthy nails you desire:
Use a bitter-tasting nail polish
Apply a clear, bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails. This will deter you from putting your nails near your mouth and help break the habit. There are commercial nail-biting prevention polishes available, such as Biter Be Goner, or you can use a homemade version by mixing a bitter-tasting substance, such as lemon juice, with a clear nail polish.
Keep your nails well-maintained
Regularly trim and file your nails to keep them smooth and free of sharp edges or hangnails. This will reduce the temptation to bite your nails when you notice a snag or uneven edge. Carry a nail file and clippers with you so you can address any issues immediately without using your teeth.
Moisturize your nails and cuticles
Apply cuticle oil, balm, or lotion to your nails and cuticles frequently to keep them hydrated and healthy. This can help reduce the urge to bite your nails, as you will want to protect the health of your nails and cuticles. It also gives you something to do with your hands when you feel the urge to bite.
Find alternative coping mechanisms
Nail-biting is often a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or boredom. Instead of biting your nails, try alternative activities such as chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, knitting, or playing with a fidget toy. These activities can help distract you from the urge to bite your nails and provide a healthier outlet for your nervous energy.
Keep your hands busy
If you find yourself reaching for your nails, try to consciously redirect your hands to a different activity. This could be something as simple as holding a book, playing with a stress ball, or typing on a keyboard. The key is to break the association between your hands and nail-biting, and replace it with a healthier habit.
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Frequently asked questions
For nails to grow long and strong, they need to be kept dry and clean. Nails can be strengthened by using nail strengtheners or hardeners, which reduce the chances of breakage. You can also take keratin supplements, or ensure you are eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
It's important to keep your nails protected from harsh chemicals like nail polish removers containing acetone. You should also avoid biting your nails or cutting them too short. When filing your nails, use a glass nail file as these never dull.
There are many products that can help with nail growth, including OPI Nail Envy, Sally Hansen Diamond Strength, and Nailtiques Formula 2. You can also use cuticle remover and push back your cuticles, as well as moisturize them with cuticle oil.
