Noah Sinclair
Long, beautiful nails are desired by many, but with all the different nail hacks and tips out there, it can be challenging to determine what will help your nails grow longer and stronger. While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and nail maintenance can help your nails grow strong and long over time. This guide will provide you with tips and tricks for achieving longer nails through simple DIY methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Consume a variety of colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains, and sweet potato. |
| Diet | Include foods that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as kefir, miso, live yogurt, and kimchi. |
| Diet | Stay hydrated and minimise alcohol consumption and refined sugars. |
| Dietary Supplements | Take a 2.5mg biotin supplement each day. |
| Nail Care | Keep nails dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them. |
| Nail Care | Trim nails straight across, then round the tips into a soft curve. |
| Nail Care | Moisturise hands and nails with lotion, especially at the base of the cuticles. |
| Nail Care | Avoid biting nails. |
| Nail Care | Avoid cutting nails too short. |
| Nail Care | Avoid using glue-on artificial nails, as they can weaken real nails. |
| Nail Care | Use nail polishes with little to no toxic chemicals. |
| Nail Care | Use acetone-free nail polish remover. |
| Nail Care | Use base coats and ridge fillers to strengthen nails. |
| Nail Care | Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes or cleaning with strong chemicals. |
| Nail Care | File nails with a "soft" file. |
| Nail Care | Apply garlic to the top coat. |
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What You'll Learn
Consume biotin supplements and biotin-rich foods
Consuming biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is believed to be beneficial for nail health. Biotin is an essential nutrient that helps convert food into energy, and it may also help keep your nails healthy and strong. While many people swear by biotin supplements for improving their nail health, evidence suggests that consuming biotin-rich foods is a better way to get your vitamins and minerals.
Biotin deficiency is rare, but it can cause brittle nails and affect their growth. Consuming biotin through supplements or food may help strengthen nails and promote growth. Other B vitamins are also important for nail health, such as vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9). Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, both of which are necessary for strong and healthy nails. Folate contributes to red blood cell formation and new cell development, and a deficiency can cause nail pigmentation changes and make nails brittle.
Biotin-rich foods include liver, eggs, salmon, pork, nuts, and seeds. These foods are also good sources of protein, which is essential for nail growth. Adult daily multivitamins and prenatal vitamins typically contain 100% of the recommended daily value of biotin. However, if you are considering taking biotin supplements, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor first, as they may cause mild side effects such as an upset stomach.
In addition to consuming biotin, it is important to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids, to promote overall nail health and strength.
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Use builder gel (BIAB) for a protective layer
Builder gel is a great option for those who want to grow their natural nails longer and stronger. It acts as a protective layer and strengthening barrier, providing a durable overlay to the nails or nail tips. BIAB (Builder Gel in a Bottle) is a type of builder gel that comes in a bottle with a brush and can be applied similarly to regular nail polish. It has a thick, viscous texture that makes it less prone to lifting and chipping than regular gel nail polish.
When applying BIAB, it is important to first clean your cuticles and nails, and shape and buff your nails to help the base coat adhere better. Then, apply a bead of builder gel gently to your nail with small, horizontal strokes to ensure the polish goes across the entire nail. Builder gel is typically applied in multiple thin layers, with each layer cured under a UV or LED lamp. The clear shade of BIAB can be used as a base for other gel polishes, while the coloured versions should be applied on top of a separate base coat.
BIAB is perfect for nail biters or pickers as it provides a thicker base that is more rigid and difficult to bite through. It also adds strength and flexibility to your nails, making them less prone to breaking and more resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, BIAB is a good option for those with weak, brittle, or bendy nails, as it provides extra protection and can help achieve longer nails.
Compared to acrylic nails, BIAB is less disruptive to the natural nail. Acrylics require excess nail filing before application and during removal, which can thin and damage the natural nail. BIAB, on the other hand, can be gently lifted away with acetone when removed, causing less stress to the nail. While BIAB may cost more than traditional gel polish, ranging from $40 to $80, it offers a long-lasting manicure that can go for three to five weeks without chipping.
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Moisturise hands and nails with lotion
Moisturising your hands and nails with lotion is an important step in maintaining nail health and can help your manicure look better and last longer. Moisture loss is a major cause of nail brittleness and breakage, so applying hand lotion helps keep moisture loss to a minimum.
There are many lotions on the market designed to strengthen your nails and moisturise your hands and cuticles. Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands & Stronger Nails lotion, for example, is a non-greasy lotion containing keratin and vitamin E to moisturise skin and cuticles. Coconut oil is also a great option for moisturising your hands and nails, and can be applied once or twice a day.
For nails that are weak or ridged, a base coat can help to strengthen them. Rubbing cuticles with a cuticle oil or cream also keeps them from drying and peeling, and stimulates blood circulation in the matrix, promoting healthy nail growth.
It's important to remember that the more your hands and nails are exposed to drying elements, such as dishwashing, the sun, or handling paper, the more frequently you should moisturise them.
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Avoid nail biting and cutting nails too short
To make your nails longer, it is important to avoid nail biting and cutting your nails too short. Nail biting can damage the tissue that makes your 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. Repeated nail biting can also make the skin around your nails sore and cause your cuticles to bleed.
To stop biting your nails, you can try a clear, bitter-tasting nail polish that discourages the habit. If you feel the urge to bite your nails, try keeping your hands busy with something else, like a stress ball or silly putty. You could also stick tape or stickers on your nails as a deterrent. Trimming your nails short and carrying a cuticle cutter can also help.
To avoid cutting your nails too short, make sure the clipper is parallel to your finger when cutting. This will avoid future occurrences. If you do cut your nails too short, your fingertips may hurt for a few days until they grow out. You can apply some ointment and wear mittens or gloves to protect them.
Identifying your triggers can also help you avoid nail biting. These could be physical triggers, such as hangnails, or other triggers, such as boredom, stress, or anxiety. Knowing your triggers can help you develop a plan to avoid nail biting. For example, if you bite your nails when stressed, you can try stress-relieving activities instead.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning with chemicals
When it comes to nail care, it's important to consider the health of both your nails and the skin of your hands. Wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning with chemicals is an effective way to protect your hands and nails. Here are several reasons why:
Preventing Skin Irritation and Chemical Burns
The hot water used for washing dishes can strip away your skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, inflammation, and even chemical burns. Gloves act as a protective barrier, shielding your skin from the harsh effects of hot water.
Avoiding Harmful Chemicals
Common cleaning products, such as detergents, solvents, vinegar, ammonia, and bleach, contain chemicals that can be harmful to your skin. These chemicals can disrupt your skin's oil barrier, causing skin rashes (dermatitis) and increasing the risk of chemical burns. Gloves provide a layer of protection, reducing direct contact with these chemicals.
Protecting Your Manicure
Wearing gloves while cleaning can also help preserve your manicure and keep your nails looking neat and well-groomed. This is especially important if you've spent time and effort on nail care and want to maintain the appearance of your nails.
Safeguarding Against Bacteria
Areas like the bathroom and kitchen are breeding grounds for bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Cleaning these spaces without gloves can expose you to harmful pathogens. Wearing gloves provides a protective barrier, reducing the risk of direct infection from these bacteria.
Choosing the Right Gloves
When selecting gloves for dishwashing and cleaning, consider your skin type and comfort. If you have sensitive skin, opt for gloves with a gentle cotton or fabric lining. Latex-free options are also available for those with latex allergies. Nitrile gloves are recommended for their durability and resistance to chemicals and punctures. Additionally, using different pairs of gloves for various household chores, such as cleaning the bathroom or kitchen, is a hygienic practice.
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Frequently asked questions
Apply a clear, bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails to discourage the habit. You could also try playing with something like silly putty or a stress ball to keep your hands busy.
Studies show that brittle nails are prone to peeling and breakage and could be a sign of biotin deficiency. Try taking a biotin supplement or eating biotin-rich foods such as colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato.
Avoid nail polishes that contain acetone as this can dry out your nails, causing them to split and peel. Instead, opt for polishes with little to no toxic chemicals, such as water-based formulations that are toxin-free.
Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across, then round the tips of your nails into a soft curve.
