Ava Monroe
While you can't change the size of your nail beds, there are ways to make them appear longer. The length of your nail bed is mostly determined by genetics, but nail injuries, biting your nails, and fungal infections can make your nail beds appear shorter. To make your nail beds seem longer, you can try letting your nails grow out, pushing back your cuticles, cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush, and treating any fungal infections.
How to Make Your Nail Beds Longer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoid nail biting | Biting your nails can give the appearance of shorter nail beds due to little or no whiteness at the tip. |
| Avoid cutting nails too short | Cutting your nails too short can also give the appearance of shorter nail beds. |
| Treat fungal infections | Fungal infections can cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed, making the nail bed appear shorter. |
| Clean underneath nails with a nail brush | Using a sharp object to clean underneath nails can cause damage and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. |
| Push back cuticles | Pushing back the cuticles can give the appearance of a longer nail bed, but it may be better to simply moisturize them as pushing them back can cause damage and put you at risk of infection. |
| Let nails grow out | As your nails become longer, you'll have a longer white tip, which helps elongate your nail bed. |
| Use artificial nails | Artificial nails can protect your real nails from cracks and breaks while they grow out. |
| Use coconut oil | Applying coconut oil to your cuticles can help make them barely visible, giving the appearance of longer nail beds. |
| Wear rubber gloves | Prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals can weaken your nails, so wearing rubber gloves while doing chores can help protect your nails and allow them to grow longer. |
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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 there is little to no whiteness at the tip of the nail. To avoid nail biting, you can try bitter-tasting nail polish, which is recommended by dermatologists. You can also try applying cuticle oil and lotion as often as you can, and filing your nails into a smooth shape after two weeks.
Another tip is to carry a cuticle cutter, which can help you deal with ragged cuticles without using your teeth. You can also try to replace the habit of nail biting with chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, or knitting. Painting your nails can also help deter you from biting them, as you may be less inclined to chip the polish.
To avoid cutting your nails too short, you can try wearing gloves when doing the dishes or using harsh chemicals to protect your nails and help them grow longer and stronger.
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Treat fungal infections
While you can't change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer by treating any fungal infections. Fungal nail infections cause the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. It's not usually a serious condition, but it can take a long time to treat.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist, who can recommend an antifungal treatment. This might be a medicine that you brush onto the nail, or antifungal tablets. You'll need to use these treatments for several months before you see an improvement, and you should keep using them until you're told to stop.
Before giving you a diagnosis, a dermatologist or pharmacist may take some samples, such as debris from beneath the nail, or a small scraping of skin. They may also trim the infected nail back to where it attaches to your finger.
You can help prevent fungal nail infections by treating athlete's foot as soon as possible, as the fungus can spread to your nails.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles can make your nail beds appear longer. However, it is important to do this safely, as cutting or picking at your cuticles can cause harm to the nail bed and put you at risk of infection.
Firstly, remove any existing nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover. Acetone can dry out your nails and cuticles. Then, soak your nails in warm water for around five minutes to soften your cuticles. You can add a few drops of essential oil or cuticle oil to the water, or heat up jojoba or coconut oil and add it to the water for extra moisturisation.
Once your cuticles are soft, use a cuticle stick to gently push them back. You can then use a cuticle nipper to carefully trim any remaining pieces of stubborn dead skin, being careful not to cut the skin along the bottom of your nail.
To maintain your cuticles, it is recommended that you push them back about once a week.
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Clean nails with a nail brush
Keeping your nails clean is an important step in making your nail beds appear longer. When cleaning your nails, it is best to use a nail brush instead of metal nail tools. Metal tools can cause slight damage and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed.
Using a nail brush to clean your nails is simple and effective. First, ensure that you are using a nail brush with soft bristles. Soaking your nails in warm water beforehand can help to soften any dirt or debris under your nails, making it easier to remove.
Begin by placing your hand flat on a table, with your nails facing down. This will help to avoid applying too much pressure when scrubbing. Dip the nail brush into some warm, soapy water, and then gently scrub underneath each nail. Be thorough, but gentle, to avoid pushing back your cuticles too much, as this can cause damage to your nail bed and put you at risk of infection.
Rinse your nails with clean water afterward, and ensure they are thoroughly dried with a clean towel. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to make sure your nails are completely dry, especially in between the fingers and underneath the nails.
In addition to cleaning your nails with a nail brush, you can also take other steps to maintain nail hygiene. For example, wearing rubber gloves while doing chores that involve water or harsh chemicals can help to protect your nails and prevent breakage. Keeping your nails trimmed and shaped can also help to maintain their strength and reduce the risk of tearing or ripping.
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Use artificial nails
While it is not possible to physically grow your nail beds, artificial nails can be a quick way to add length to your nails and create the illusion of longer nail beds. Here are some tips for achieving this:
Opt for Professional Application: While artificial nails can be applied at home, consider visiting a professional nail technician for the best results. They can help you achieve a natural look and guide you on the right type of artificial nails for your desired outcome.
Select the Right Type of Artificial Nails: There are various types of artificial nails available, such as acrylics or gel nails. Acrylic nails are a popular choice for adding length and are known for their durability. However, they require regular maintenance and touch-ups as your nails grow out. Gel nails, on the other hand, offer a more natural look and feel, and they tend to be more flexible and long-lasting. Discuss your options with your nail technician to determine which type aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
Maintain and Care for Your Artificial Nails: Artificial nails require proper care to keep them looking their best. Avoid biting or picking at your artificial nails, as this can damage them and introduce bacteria. Additionally, be gentle with your hands and avoid using them for tasks that may cause breakage or lifting, such as opening cans or aggressive scratching.
Prioritize Nail Health: Even with artificial nails, maintaining the health of your natural nails and cuticles is crucial. Moisturize your hands and cuticles regularly to prevent dryness and promote nail strength. Additionally, consider taking biotin supplements and consuming vitamins A, E, and D to support nail growth and overall health.
Prepare for Regular Maintenance: Artificial nails typically require regular maintenance and touch-ups. As your natural nails grow out, there will be a noticeable gap between the artificial nail and your cuticle, which can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Plan for maintenance appointments every two to three weeks to keep your artificial nails looking neat and well-maintained.
Remember, while artificial nails can enhance the appearance of longer nail beds, they are a temporary solution. Always remove them carefully and give your natural nails some breathing time between applications to maintain their health.
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Frequently asked questions
While you cannot change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer by letting your nails grow out. As your nails become longer, you will have a longer white tip, which helps elongate your nail bed.
You can make your nail beds appear longer by pushing back your cuticles, cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush instead of metal tools, and treating any fungal infections.
You should avoid nail biting, picking your cuticles, and using your nails as tools to prevent nail injuries.
To help your nails grow longer and stronger, you should wear rubber gloves while cleaning, moisturize your cuticles, and clean your nails regularly with a nail brush.
