Liam Carter
Long, strong nails are a dream for many, but achieving this can be difficult. There are many ways to improve nail health and length, from taking supplements and eating a healthy diet to using specific products and tools. Some people opt for artificial nails, such as acrylics, gels, and wraps, to achieve the desired length and thickness. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of these options, such as the need for regular maintenance and the possibility of nail damage. In addition to artificial nails, natural methods such as nail oils, lotions, and proper filing techniques can also help promote nail growth and thickness.
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What You'll Learn
- Use nail oil and nail strengtheners
- Take prenatal vitamins or hair, skin and nail vitamins
- File nails gently in one direction with a soft file
- Use builder gel to add a protective layer
- Eat a nutritious diet with colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato
Use nail oil and nail strengtheners
Using nail oil and nail strengtheners is an effective way to make your nails longer and thicker. Nail oils and strengtheners are available in a variety of formulas, including those with natural ingredients such as grapeseed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, camellia oil, and almond oil. These oils can be used to nourish the nails and cuticles, promoting nail health and strength.
Nail oils can be applied directly to the nails and cuticles, providing hydration and helping to prevent dryness and brittleness. They can also be used as a protective barrier before removing nail polish, especially when using acetone, to counteract its drying effects.
Nail strengtheners, on the other hand, are treatments designed to fortify and protect the nails. They often contain ingredients such as keratin, plant-based extracts, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help to improve nail health, reduce peeling and breakage, and promote nail growth.
When choosing a nail strengthener, look for formulas that are easy to apply, dry quickly, and absorb well into the nails. Some nail strengtheners can also be used as a base coat, providing a subtle sheen or colour to the nails while treating them.
For best results, nail oils and strengtheners should be used consistently as part of your nail care routine. This may include daily or twice-daily applications, depending on the product and your nail condition.
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Take prenatal vitamins or hair, skin and nail vitamins
Taking prenatal vitamins or hair, skin, and nail vitamins can be beneficial for nail growth and thickness. These vitamins typically contain a range of nutrients that support overall health, including that of your nails.
Prenatal vitamins are designed for pregnant women to meet their increased nutritional needs during pregnancy. They often contain higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals compared to standard multivitamins. While the pregnancy itself may have a more significant impact on hair, skin, and nails, the additional nutrients can still contribute to their health and appearance.
Prenatal vitamins usually contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins like folic acid, and minerals like zinc and iron. These nutrients are essential for overall health and can promote the growth of healthy nails.
Hair, skin, and nail vitamins are specifically formulated to support the health and appearance of these specific areas. They often contain similar ingredients to prenatal vitamins, including biotin, which is known for improving hair and nail growth. Biotin, or vitamin B7, has been studied for the treatment of brittle nail syndrome, and it has been found that a daily intake of 2.5 mg can increase nail thickness by 25% and reduce splitting.
Some popular options for prenatal and hair, skin, and nail vitamins include gummy vitamins, which are easy to take and often have pleasant flavors. When choosing a vitamin supplement, it is essential to select a high-quality product from a reputable brand to ensure effectiveness and safety.
While taking prenatal vitamins or hair, skin, and nail vitamins can be beneficial for nail health, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet. A healthy diet provides the body with the nutrients it needs to support nail growth and overall health. Additionally, proper nail care, such as regular moisturizing and avoiding harsh nail treatments, can also contribute to achieving thicker and longer nails.
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File nails gently in one direction with a soft file
Filing your nails is an important step in achieving and maintaining the desired length and shape. It is, however, easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a soft nail file and file your nails gently in one direction.
When choosing a nail file, opt for one with a softer grit, ideally around 180-200. Emery board files are a great option as they are affordable, effective, and have the perfect grit for natural nails. Glass or crystal files are also very effective and can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Metal files, on the other hand, are not recommended as they are not very gentle and can be difficult to control.
Once you have your soft nail file, it's time to start filing. Imagine yourself playing a tiny violin at the tip of your finger. Gently shape your nails in one direction, using smooth strokes from the outer corner into the centre of the nail. Avoid the temptation to use a sawing motion, as this can damage the nail, cause those nail layers to split, and even shorten your nails. Filing in one direction blends the layers and promotes nail growth.
It's important to be patient when filing in one direction, as it may take a little longer. But your natural nails will thank you by growing long and strong! Remember to work with your natural nail shape, which is typically determined by the shape of your cuticle and nail bed. This will result in a more flattering and easy-to-maintain look.
By following these steps and filing gently in one direction with a soft file, you will be well on your way to achieving longer and thicker nails.
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Use builder gel to add a protective layer
Using builder gel is a great way to add length, thickness, and strength to your nails. It is a type of hard gel that is more durable and long-lasting than regular gel nail polish. It strengthens and lengthens nails while protecting them from further damage.
Builder gel can be applied to natural nails to create a non-chip overlay or used with nail tips to create extensions. It is much stronger than regular gel polish base coats and has higher self-levelling properties, ensuring a smooth foundation layer. It can also be used as glue to bond pre-shaped gel extensions to the natural nail.
To use builder gel, start by preparing your nails. Clean, file, and buff them, then push back and trim your cuticles. Wipe each nail with a lint-free pad using a nail cleanser or acetone. If your builder gel requires a base coat or primer, apply it thinly and evenly to each nail, then let it air dry for 5-10 minutes.
Next, apply the builder gel. If you are using bottled builder gel, you can paint it on. If you have a gel pot, use a nail brush to pick up a small amount and apply it with small, horizontal strokes to ensure the gel goes across the entire nail. Spread the gel into an even layer, making it thickest near the center of each nail.
Finally, cure your nails under an LED or UV lamp for the time specified in the product instructions. Builder gel manicures typically last up to three to five weeks, after which you can simply soak them off with acetone.
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Eat a nutritious diet with colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato
Eating a nutritious diet with colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato can help your nails grow longer and stronger.
A varied, nutrient-dense diet is essential for nail health. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so it's important to eat enough protein. A diet rich in colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato will provide the nutrients needed for nail growth and strength.
Biotin-rich foods, such as veggies, eggs, nuts, whole grains, bananas, and avocados, are particularly beneficial for nail health. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps strengthen nails and hair and supports the nervous system. Studies have shown that taking a daily biotin supplement can increase nail thickness and hardness. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have a chronic condition or take medication.
In addition to biotin, folic acid is another nutrient that promotes nail growth. Foods such as fish, red meat, and cheese are rich in folic acid. Consuming foods that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as kefir, miso, live yogurt, and kimchi, can also support nail health.
Staying hydrated is also crucial for nail health. Drinking enough water helps nails retain moisture and stay strong, while dehydration can make nails brittle and prone to breaking, peeling, and splitting. However, it's important to avoid excessive water exposure during bathing or dishwashing, as prolonged soaking can weaken nails.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try using builder gel (BIAB) which adds a protective layer to your nails, preventing them from chipping or breaking. You can also try using traditional acrylic nails, which are considered the strongest type of artificial nails. To improve the health of your natural nails, try using nail oil, collagen supplements, or a nutritious diet with colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato.
To maintain longer nails, you should keep your hands and nails moisturised and avoid water as this can be bad for your nails. You should also avoid nail-biting and picking at your nails, as this can hinder healthy nail growth.
You should avoid using drills to file your nails as they can traumatise your cuticles and nail plates. You should also avoid filing your nails back and forth, as this will cause them to splinter. Instead, always file in one direction using long, swift but gentle strokes.
