Get Longer Nails: Natural Growth Tips

how to make my nails longer naturally

Long, beautiful nails are desired by many, but achieving them can be a challenge. With a little time and patience, there are some natural ways to help your nails grow longer and healthier. From using nail/cuticle oil regularly to applying garlic to the top coat, there are various tricks that might help you get the nails you want.

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Use nail/cuticle oil regularly

Using nail and cuticle oils regularly is an effective way to strengthen your nails and promote growth. Oils such as jojoba-based cuticle oil or coconut oil are easily absorbed and can help to nourish your nails and the surrounding skin.

When applied regularly, nail and cuticle oils can prevent your nails from becoming brittle and prone to breaking. This is because the oil helps to moisturize and hydrate the nail, reducing the likelihood of splitting and cracking. Well-moisturized nails are also less likely to peel, which can hinder nail growth.

To maximize the benefits, it is recommended to apply the oil every night, massaging it into the cuticles and under the nails. This ensures that the oil is thoroughly absorbed and can work to strengthen your nails from the root.

In addition to using nail and cuticle oils, it is important to maintain healthy habits to support nail growth. Avoid biting your nails, as this can hinder growth and damage your nails. Instead, use a clear, bitter-tasting polish to discourage the habit. Keeping your hands and nails well-moisturized is also important, as it can protect your nails from splitting and breaking.

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File nails with a glass nail file

Glass nail files are an effective way to get long, healthy, and strong nails. They are made from thick, tempered glass and have a precise filing surface that seals the keratin layers at the edge of the nail, helping to prevent splitting and peeling. This style of nail file can be used in both directions and is suitable for all nail types.

To use a glass nail file, start by washing your hands thoroughly to remove dirt or oils that could get in the way of a close file. Dry your hands and nails completely with a clean towel. Then, hold the glass nail file at a slight angle to your nail and begin filing. When you're done, 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 away.

Using a glass nail file once a week will help keep your nails in good shape and prevent peeling. Regular use of a glass nail file can lead to stronger and more resilient nails. It strengthens and seals the nail's keratin layer, making your nails more resistant to splitting, peeling, and breakage. Glass nail files are also highly durable and easy to clean, making them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional emery boards.

Some people prefer to use nail clippers instead of a file to prevent further damage to their nails. However, glass nail files are a great option for those who want to shape their nails and prevent splintering. They are also naturally hygienic and never dull, making them a long-lasting purchase.

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Avoid using nails to open things

To make your nails grow longer, it is important to take care of your nails and your hands. Firstly, you should avoid using your nails to open things as this can cause them to crack or break. Nails are more likely to crack or break the longer they get, so it is important to be diligent about maintenance.

One way to avoid using your nails to open things is to use tools such as nail clippers or a glass nail file to keep your nails trimmed and shaped. This will prevent them from getting too long and reduce the temptation to use them for opening things. Keeping a nail clipper handy at your desk, near the couch, by your bed, in the bathroom, and in the kitchen can help you maintain your nails and prevent further damage.

It is also beneficial to use nail/cuticle oil regularly. Oils such as coconut oil or jojoba-based cuticle oil can help strengthen your nails and cuticles, making them less prone to breakage. Applying oil to your nails and cuticles every night can make them stronger and less likely to break when opening things.

Additionally, you can try using alternative methods to open things. For example, if you need to open a can or a package, consider using scissors, a knife, or a can opener instead of your nails. You can also use your fingertips or the pads of your fingers to apply pressure and open things, rather than using your nails directly.

By following these tips and avoiding the use of your nails to open things, you can help promote nail growth and maintain the health and strength of your nails.

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Moisturise hands and nails

Moisturising your hands and nails is an essential step in achieving longer nails naturally. The nail is 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin, so water exposure weakens the bonds of the nail's structure, compromising its ability to retain hydration. Therefore, it is important to protect the moisture in your nails.

To prevent moisture loss, dermatologists recommend applying petroleum jelly, vitamin E, or cuticle cream to your cuticles at night. You can also use a moisturising cream or hand balm on your nails daily. Products containing urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid will help prevent cracking. In addition, massaging your fingertips every day increases circulation to the skin around your nails, keeping them healthy and preventing cracking and peeling.

When choosing a moisturiser, you can use your regular hand cream or opt for nail- and cuticle-specific creams and oils. Oils tend to absorb better than creams, especially those with sunflower oil or Brazil nut oil, which are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness.

It is also important to consider when and how you moisturise. Moisturise your nails as often as possible, especially after water exposure and before bed. When applying the product, massage it into your nails to reduce peeling and brittleness and stimulate blood circulation to encourage healthy nail growth.

In addition to external moisturisation, you can support nail health by consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds.

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Avoid nail biting

Growing long nails naturally requires diligence and patience. Here are some tips to help you avoid nail biting and achieve your desired nail length:

Address the root cause

Understand what triggers your nail-biting habit. Nail biting falls under a category of behaviours known as body-focused repetitive disorders (BFRDs), which include hair pulling or skin picking. These habits can be triggered by sensory stimuli, thoughts or beliefs, movements or postures (motor triggers), or specific places (setting triggers). Identifying your triggers can help you develop strategies to avoid or manage them effectively.

Maintain your nails and cuticles

Keep your nails and cuticles well-groomed and healthy. Carry a nail file, clippers, and cuticle cutter with you to address any hangnails, nail injuries, or cuticle issues immediately. By removing the imperfections that may tempt you to bite your nails, you reduce the urge to use your teeth. Regularly apply cuticle oil and lotion to moisturise and nourish your nails, making them look and feel healthier.

Distract and substitute

When you feel the urge to bite your nails, distract yourself with fidget toys, or substitute the behaviour with alternative oral fixations like chewing gum or sucking on hard candy. Some people have found success with knitting as it keeps their hands busy and engaged in a constructive activity.

Use bitter-tasting polish

Apply a bitter-tasting polish like Magique Bite Eliminator to your nails. These polishes leave a nasty taste in your mouth when you attempt to bite your nails, acting as a strong deterrent. Magique Bite Eliminator even offers a customisable bitterness feature, allowing you to increase the intensity of the bitter taste if needed.

Keep your nails painted

Paint your nails with regular nail polish or get creative with nail art. Having beautifully painted nails may deter you from biting them and may shift your focus to maintaining their appearance. If you find yourself chipping the polish, promptly redo the nail to keep them looking their best.

Remember, growing long nails naturally takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself and consistently implement these strategies to support your journey towards achieving longer nails.

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Frequently asked questions

Use nail/cuticle oil regularly, especially coconut oil, and avoid biting your nails.

Keep your hands moisturised and use a glass nail file to shape your nails.

Avoid using your nails to open things, biting your nails, and using acetone to remove nail polish.

Try prenatal vitamins or a quality hair, skin, and nails vitamin.

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