Sophia Delgado
Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also what our bodies use to create hair and the outer layer of our skin. On average, fingernails grow about a tenth of a millimetre per day, but this can vary depending on factors such as age, hormone levels, genetics, and overall health. Maintaining nail health is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also because nails can provide clues about a person's overall health. For example, nutrient deficiencies or underlying conditions may manifest as changes in the appearance of nails. Taking care of your nails involves proper grooming, a balanced diet, and, if needed, supplements to strengthen nails and prevent breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate | One-tenth of a millimeter per day or 3.47 millimeters per month |
| Factors affecting growth rate | The hand (dominant hand grows faster), finger length, age, hormone levels, and overall health |
| Composition | Keratin, a protein |
| Nail bed | The flat surface under the nails, which sits on tiny blood vessels |
| Cuticle | Protects the new nail as it grows out from the nail root |
| Lunula | The pale half-circle above the cuticle |
| Nail clippers | Should be used regularly to trim nails, preferably once a week |
| Nail hardeners | Should be used sparingly to strengthen nails and reduce breakage |
| Biotin | Taking 2.5 milligrams daily can reduce breakage and increase nail health |
| Nail infections | Can be prevented by using your own nail clippers and tools at the manicurist |
| Horizontal ridges | May indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition |
| Vertical ridges | Can be gently buffed to smooth the nail surface |
| Yellow nails | May be due to infection or a reaction to nail polish; can be treated with tea tree oil or vitamin E |
| Appearance | Nails should be longer than they are wide to make fingers appear longer and slimmer |
| Artificial nails | Can protect natural nails from cracks and breaks |
| Nail bed appearance | Can be lengthened by cleaning underneath nails with a nail brush, pushing back cuticles, and avoiding sharp objects |
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What You'll Learn
Take care of your body and nails
Our nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also what our hair and skin are made of. This means that taking care of your body and your overall health is essential for growing long, healthy nails.
Firstly, it is important to keep your nails clean and dry. Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment, so maintaining hygiene and dryness prevents bacteria from growing underneath your nails. You should also keep your nails trimmed and filed. Contrary to popular belief, cuticles should not be cut or trimmed as they seal the area at the base of the nail and keep out germs and bacteria. Instead, you can gently push them back with a washcloth and apply cuticle oil. Cuticles, as well as nails, should be kept moisturized to prevent dehydration. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when doing housework, and keep hand cream or cuticle oil next to your hand soap to make application convenient.
Secondly, be careful not to use your nails as tools, such as when opening cans, as this can cause damage like chipping, splitting, or lifting of the nail bed. Similarly, biting or picking at your nails can lead to infections and nail deformities. If you are getting a manicure or pedicure, it is recommended that you bring your own nail clippers and other tools to prevent exposure to bacteria.
Thirdly, be mindful of the products you use on your nails. Constant varnishing can damage or stain your nails, and regular exposure to acetone polish remover can weaken them. Opt for nontoxic or water-based polishes, and avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes as these can increase your risk of breakage.
Finally, if you notice any changes in your nails, such as discolouration, white spots, inflammation, or ridges, it is important to seek medical advice. Your nails can provide clues to your overall health, and nutrient deficiencies may affect your nails' appearance.
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Prevent breakage
Preventing nail breakage is all about keeping your nails strong and healthy. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Keep your nails moisturized: Just like your skin, your nails need hydration too. Dry nails are more prone to breakage, so make sure to moisturize your hands and nails regularly with a good quality hand cream, natural oil, cuticle oil, or lotion. You can also try an all-natural nail strengthener like coconut oil, which can help treat cracked and brittle nails and reduce inflammation.
Protect your nails: Nails become fragile for many reasons, and some are within your control. Avoid using your nails as tools, for example, when opening cans or scratching off stickers. If you're doing household chores that involve harsh chemicals, wear gloves to protect your nails. Similarly, if you swim a lot, consider wearing gloves to limit water exposure, as constant wetting and drying can cause nails to become dry and brittle.
Be mindful of nail cosmetics: While manicures and nail polish can make your nails look great, your nails also need to breathe. Give your nails a break between applications, and if you're removing nail polish, opt for an acetone-free remover. If you've had acrylic nails, have them removed by an experienced, licensed nail technician to prevent a layer of your nail from being scraped away, which will make your nails more prone to breakage.
Adopt a nail-friendly diet: Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your nails. Incorporate foods rich in biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids into your meals. Think eggs, nuts, avocados, and salmon. These nutrients promote nail strength and growth. You can also try taking a biotin supplement, but be sure to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or are on medication.
File and clip carefully: When filing your nails, avoid a back-and-forth motion like sawing, as this can weaken your nails. Instead, file them in one direction, and be gentle on the sides of your nails, as filing too much can weaken them. If your nails are breaking, consider clipping or filing them shorter, which will give them a chance to grow out stronger.
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Maintain nail health
Maintaining nail health is an important part of personal care. Our nails can reflect our overall health, so keeping them healthy and strong is key.
Firstly, keeping nails clean and dry is important. Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment, so maintaining clean, dry nails prevents bacteria from growing underneath them. Use a clean pair of clippers to trim your nails regularly, and file them in one direction with an emery board to keep them shaped and free of snags. Nails should be trimmed straight across and slightly rounded at the tips for maximum strength.
It is also important to avoid biting your nails or removing the cuticle, as doing so can damage the nail. The cuticle helps to protect the new nail as it grows out from the nail root. Instead, gently push back the cuticle with a soft tool or your fingers after a shower or bath when the cuticle is soft.
To prevent infections and other problems, it is recommended to take your own nail clippers and tools to the manicurist or pedicurist to avoid exposure to bacteria. You should also be mindful of the ingredients in nail polishes and removers, as these can be damaging and dry out your nails. Opt for non-toxic or water-based polishes, and avoid those that contain harsh chemicals or acetone, which can weaken nails.
Additionally, too much water exposure can weaken nails, causing them to split, peel, or break. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning, and keep your hands out of the water when taking a bath. Drinking enough water throughout the day is also important for nail health, as it helps nails retain moisture and stay strong.
If you feel your nails are growing unusually slowly, or you are experiencing discolouration or other symptoms, speak to your doctor or a dermatologist. They can help determine why this is happening and advise on any necessary steps.
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Trim and file
Trimming and filing your nails is an important aspect of nail care. It not only helps maintain the desired shape and length but also keeps your nails healthy and strong. Here are some detailed steps and tips for trimming and filing your nails:
Trimming Nails:
Before you begin filing, it is essential to trim your nails, especially if they are on the longer side. Use appropriate tools like fingernail clippers, toe clippers, or manicure scissors to cut your nails. For toenails, cut straight across to reduce the chances of ingrown toenails. For fingernails, cut almost straight across, leaving the corners intact. This basic shape can be further refined during the filing process.
Filing Nails:
Filing is a crucial step to achieve smooth and refined edges. It helps prevent splitting, fraying, and breakage. Always use a suitable file for your nail type; natural nails benefit from a fine-grit glass file or emery board. Hold the file parallel to the side of your nail and file from the side to the center, maintaining a single direction to avoid weakening the nails. Avoid sawing back and forth, and be gentle to prevent excessive stress on the nail, which can lead to breakage.
Additional Tips:
- Always leave your cuticles alone when trimming or filing to prevent bacterial infections.
- Moisturize your nails after trimming and filing to maintain nail health.
- Trim your nails every two to three weeks, depending on your nail growth and preferences.
- If you have weak nails, consider using a specialized file like Diamancel, which is gentle and effective.
- Avoid filing your nails immediately after a shower or bath.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively trim and file your nails to achieve the desired length and shape while also maintaining their health and strength.
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Choose the right nail shape
Choosing the right nail shape is about enhancing the overall appearance of your hands by complementing your natural beauty and lifestyle. It is important to consider your nail bed width, finger length, and current nail health. Consulting with a professional can ensure that you not only choose the most flattering shape but also keep your nails healthy.
Round nails are a classic nail shape and a great fit for natural nails. They are easy to create at home and are a great length and shape for those who like fuss-free nails that are less likely to break. The round edges of the nail also create the appearance of a longer nail, making your hands look more slender. This shape mirrors the contour of the nail with a circular edge at the tip and is best suited for those with short, wide fingers.
Oval nails are ideal for those with medium-length nails and are perfect for both short and wide nail beds. This shape is great for smaller hands as it elongates the nails to give the illusion of longer fingers. It is similar to an almond shape but with a rounder nail tip and is filed to mimic an egg-like appearance.
Square nails are straighter on the sides with a blunt top edge. This shape is particularly flattering on long, thin fingers and narrow nail beds. However, square nails can make short or wide fingers appear thicker, so it is important to consider hand proportions when choosing this style.
Squoval nails are a hybrid of square and oval shapes, combining the straight sides of square nails with the rounded edges of oval nails. This universally flattering nail shape looks good on everyone, regardless of finger length.
If you have long, slim fingers, you might also consider lipstick nails, which are achieved by filing your nails at an asymmetrical angle to create a diagonal slant that resembles a lipstick bullet.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make your nails longer. You can either grow your natural nails or use artificial nails. To grow your natural nails, you can try using lotions, eating a nutritious diet, applying garlic to the top coat, using builder gel, or simply giving your nails time to grow. If you want longer nails right away, you can use artificial nails such as acrylics, gels, or fiberglass wraps.
To grow your natural nails longer, you should maintain moisturised nails and hands. You can do this by using lotion and rubbing it into your nails and cuticles. Eating a nutritious diet that includes colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato can also help your nails grow longer.
It is important to note that nails grow slowly, so you need to be patient. You should also avoid biting your nails, as this may hinder their growth. Additionally, damp nails are prone to splitting, so make sure to dry your hands completely after washing them.
There are several artificial options for longer nails, including acrylics, gels, and fiberglass wraps. Acrylics are considered the strongest type of artificial nails and are great for those who are hard on their nails. Gels, on the other hand, are odourless and provide a smooth, glossy finish, but they are more flexible and difficult to remove. Fiberglass wraps are also an option, but the effects of these artificial nails on natural nails are not well-known.
