Liam Carter
While genetics play a significant role in determining the size and shape of your nail beds, there are several ways to make your nail plates longer and stronger. Good hygiene and nail health habits, such as keeping your nails clean and dry, avoiding nail biting, and moisturizing your nails and cuticles, can help create the appearance of longer nail beds. Additionally, it is important to avoid nail injuries and fungal infections that can cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed, resulting in shorter-looking nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean nails | Use a nail brush instead of metal nail tools to avoid causing slight damage and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed |
| Cuticles | Push back cuticles to give the appearance of a longer nail bed. Moisturize them and leave them be. |
| Genetics | The size and shape of nail beds are mostly determined by genetics. |
| Nail biting | Avoid biting nails to make them appear longer |
| Fungal infections | Treat fungal nail infections to help the nail plate reattach to the nail bed |
| Hydration | Keep nails hydrated |
| Acrylic manicures | Avoid acrylic manicures as they can cause harm to the nail bed and put you at risk of infection |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail biting and cutting nails too short
Biting your nails or cutting them too short can make your nail beds appear shorter. This is because nail biting can damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. It can also leave you vulnerable to infection as you pass harmful bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth.
To stop biting your nails, dermatologists recommend keeping your nails short. While this may seem counterintuitive, if there isn't enough nail to grab with your teeth, it won't feel as satisfying. You can also coat them with a bitter-tasting nail polish. Wearing gloves can also help, as it will make your nails harder to access.
If you cut your nails too short, the exposed nail bed is more prone to trauma, and there is a greater risk of infection. This can cause significant discomfort as there is no longer a protective nail. However, the good news is that the nail bed will heal quickly, usually within a few days, if it is kept clean and well-hydrated.
To make your nail beds appear longer, you can try pushing back your cuticles. Before doing this, soak your nails in warm water with a few drops of essential or cuticle oil added. Then, use a cuticle stick to gently push them back. You can also try using coconut oil and a toothbrush to hydrate your cuticles and make them less visible.
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Treat fungal infections
While the size and shape of your nail beds are mostly determined by genetics, fungal infections can also cause your nail beds to appear shorter. A fungal nail infection causes the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and spreads to the rest of it, causing the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.
If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, you should visit a pharmacist or a dermatologist. A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the nail, while a dermatologist may prescribe medication or perform a nail removal procedure.
Before giving you a diagnosis, a dermatologist will examine your nails and the nearby skin to check for signs of infection. They may also take samples by collecting debris from beneath the nail, trimming off part of the nail, or scraping off some skin. These samples will be examined in a lab to determine the cause of the infection.
To treat a fungal nail infection, you must treat all infected areas. Treatment usually begins with trimming the infected nail(s) to where it attaches to your finger. For mild infections, medicine applied to the nail may be sufficient to get rid of the infection. However, it is important to remember to use these medicines as often as prescribed to achieve the best results. Antifungal pills are also an option but may cause side effects.
If you are treating athlete's foot, be sure to treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to your nails.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles is a great way to make your nail beds appear longer. Cuticles act as a protective barrier for your nails, preventing infections. Overgrown cuticles can make your nails appear shorter and impede their growth. Therefore, it is important to maintain them properly.
Firstly, wash and dry your hands. Then, remove any nail polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover. Soak your nails in warm water for about five minutes to soften the cuticles. You can add a few drops of essential oil or cuticle oil to the water. After soaking, dry your nails with a clean cloth.
Now, it's time to push back the cuticles. You can use a cuticle stick or an orange stick for this step. You can also use a cuticle pusher, which is a safer option for your skin. Apply gentle pressure in circular motions and guide the cuticle towards the back end of the nail to reveal more of the nail plate. If you encounter any resistance, apply a bit more oil.
Once you have pushed back the cuticles, it is important to nurture the skin with moisturizing agents to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. Apply a generous amount of cuticle oil, such as coconut oil, and a hand cream or lotion to both the cuticles and the surrounding skin, massaging it in well. This helps to lock in moisture and protect your nails and skin.
By establishing a good routine, you can keep your cuticles in great condition. It is recommended to push back your cuticles at least once a week. Additionally, remember to always be gentle and careful when handling your cuticles, as this area is delicate and prone to tearing.
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Moisturise cuticles
Moisturising your cuticles is an important step in making your nail plates longer. Cuticles are living parts of the skin that protect your nails from bacterial and fungal infections. When the cuticle becomes dry and cracked, it can't attach to the nail, leaving the nail vulnerable to damage and infection.
To prevent this, you should moisturise your cuticles regularly. Most dermatologists recommend thick moisturising products, such as ointments or creams, for the best results. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as a cost-effective way to care for the cuticles. However, some doctors say that using a thick product like petroleum jelly throughout the day can be impractical, so there are lighter alternatives available. Lotions, for example, can be used during the day, but they are not as moisturising as ointments or creams.
If your cuticles are dry but haven't detached from the nail, you can buy a cuticle cream with citric acids, which are effective moisturisers. You should also look for moisturisers that contain natural ingredients such as petroleum, glycerin, shea butter, or safflower seed oil. These natural moisturisers are great for your cuticles and hands.
For detached cuticles, cuticle oil may be the best choice. Cuticle oils are usually made from enriched vegetable oils, flaxseed oil, or citric acids, providing intense hydration that allows the cuticle to repair and reattach to the nail. However, these should be used sparingly, as your cuticles may become accustomed to the deep hydration, making it difficult to use other products in the future. For cracked cuticles, try an intensive treatment with vitamin E oil or shea butter, which can be found in most drug stores.
Additionally, you can use gloves when washing dishes or clothes to keep your cuticles and hands moisturised. Applying a lubricant before putting on the gloves will help protect your cuticles and nail plates from the drying effects of water.
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Clean nails with a nail brush
Keeping your nails clean and dry is an important step in maintaining good nail health and making your nail beds appear longer. One way to do this is by using a nail brush to clean underneath your nails. This is a safer method than using sharp metal nail tools, which can cause slight damage and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
To clean your nails with a nail brush, first, ensure that the brush is soft enough to use on your nails and won't cause any damage to the nail or surrounding skin. You can use a regular nail brush or even an old toothbrush. If you have sensitive skin, it may be a good idea to opt for a softer brush with gentle bristles. Ensure that your nail brush is clean before using it.
Next, you'll want to prepare your nails for cleaning. You can do this by soaking your nails in warm water to soften your cuticles and make them easier to clean. Adding a few drops of essential oil or cuticle oil to the water can provide additional nourishment. Soak your nails for around five minutes, then gently dry them with a clean cloth.
Once your nails are prepared, you can start cleaning underneath your nails with the nail brush. Gently scrub underneath each nail, ensuring that you reach all the corners and edges. Be thorough but gentle to avoid any damage to the nail bed or surrounding skin.
Finally, after you've finished cleaning with the nail brush, rinse your nails with warm water to remove any remaining dirt or soap residue. Dry your hands and nails thoroughly, paying extra attention to the areas between and underneath your nails. Finish by applying a moisturiser or cuticle oil to your cuticles and nail beds to keep them hydrated and healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
While you cannot physically make your nail plate longer, you can make it appear longer by growing your nails. You can also push back your cuticles, but be sure to do so gently and with the proper tools to avoid damaging your nail bed.
To grow your nails, you should avoid biting them and try to keep them clean and dry to prevent fungal infections. You can also try using a nail hardener to help your nails grow longer.
To avoid damaging your nail plate, you should avoid using metal tools or sharp objects to clean underneath your nails. Instead, use a nail brush or an old toothbrush to clean your nails and moisturize your cuticles.
