Promoting the growth of long, strong nails is a multi-stage process. As long as you take proper care of it, your nails will grow to the desired length. The first thing to do to have them long and beautiful is to abandon bad habits when it comes to nails. Once you have managed to overcome them, you can rely on the benefits of vitamins and an appropriate manicure.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Giving up Bad Habits
Step 1. Stop biting your nails
This is harmful to health. The habit of nervous nail biting can cause bacterial skin infections, both on the hands and in the mouth. If you notice any cuticles or dry patches around the nail bed, cut them gently instead of biting them.
- To reduce the temptation to eat them, decorate your nails with nail polish or nail art.
- When you're bored, chew gum.
- Do not bite the skin around the nails. You may be able to convince yourself that eating only the cuticles around it does not harm your nails. Nothing more false. In reality this only weakens them, making them more prone to break.
- Choose a nail to preserve each week. Gradually you will be able to increase the number of nails to leave intact to be able to lose the habit of eating them.
- If your nail biting is particularly ingrained or severe, consider discussing your anxiety and boredom issues with a therapist.
Step 2. Stop treating them with acrylic and gel products
If removed inappropriately, these products cause drying and weakening of the nails, hindering their growth. It should be noted that even a correct removal of acrylic and gel products can damage the nails due to the solvents used. In addition, prolonged contact with liquids makes the nail bed much more sensitive.
If you want to sport acrylic or gel nails, try doing it less frequently. In between, opt for a common manicure
Step 3. Do not tear the chipped polish
By removing it, you risk removing the surface layer of the nail, weakening the base as well.
Step 4. Learn to use base coat and top coat
When you are in a hurry you tend to skip these basic steps to promote faster drying of the nail polish. The result, however, is to ruin the nails. Base and top coat prevent the nails from staining with color, plus they favor the adhesion of the nail polish and, consequently, its longer duration. When the nail polish tends to be less damaged, you are less prone to peel it off and risk damaging your nails.
Keep nail polish remover wipes in your bag to get rid of it quickly in case it starts chipping. This way you won't risk succumbing to the temptation to tear it off
Step 5. Stop using your nails as if they were work tools
Nails are not made for lifting labels, scraping glue or opening the key ring, and can easily be damaged and broken. Sometimes you may take action without even realizing it, but if you want your nails to grow strong and healthy, you need to learn to be careful how you use them.
The best way to stop harmful behavior is to slow down. Also, have a pair of scissors or similar tool handy to help you open, scrape, or peel something off when needed
Part 2 of 3: Get the Right Vitamins
Step 1. Fill up on vitamin H (biotin)
Biotin promotes the growth of strong and healthy skin, nails and hair. Commit to getting between 30 and 40 micrograms per day, through your diet or a dietary supplement. Whole grains, mushrooms, bananas, salmon, and avocados are all excellent sources of biotin.
Step 2. Eat foods that contain folic acid
Folic acid, vitamin B9, helps prevent damage to nerve cells and keeps red blood cells healthy. It is the vitamin that most promotes the growth of the nails, but it is impossible to store large quantities because the body naturally expels the excesses. Fish, red meats, cheeses and soy derivatives that have been added to them are rich in folic acid.
Step 3. Take Vitamin A
Thanks to its properties it will make your nails stronger. The recommended daily dose is between 700 and 900 micrograms. Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and leafy greens are high in vitamin A.
Step 4. Get your fill of vitamin C
Vitamin C is mostly known to support the immune system; this implies that it promotes healing within the body. This process also promotes the growth and strengthening of the nails. Oranges, cabbage, strawberries and peppers are rich in vitamin C.
Part 3 of 3: Doing the Manicure Correctly
Step 1. Style and care for your nails
For them to grow long and strong, you need them to have an appropriate foundation. This means you need to keep them clean, tidy and healthy. Shape them with a special file and cut the cuticles.
- File them correctly. Start on the outer sides and move towards the middle. Moving the file back and forth repetitively would otherwise risk weakening the nails.
- Choose a shape that promotes growth. A rounded nail is easier to grow. By modeling them in a square shape you would be more inclined to use them as work tools.
Step 2. Take care of your cuticles
Soak your fingers in hot water for 5 minutes to soften the cuticles, then apply a cream to help detach them from the nail. Use a stick to push them back, then rinse to get rid of the cream and any remaining skin. Repeat the treatment up to 4 times a week.
- To further promote their health, apply hyaluronic acid directly over and around the cuticles after pushing them back.
- Keep your skin and nails well hydrated. A moisturizer will prevent cuticles and reduce the risk of your nails breaking.
Step 3. Apply a strengthening treatment
There are many products available on the market to strengthen the nails. After modeling your nails and cuticles, apply a product that suits your budget and needs.
- Serums are expensive, but they can guarantee better and faster results.
- The creams are ideal for daily use. You can purchase an intensive protein cream treatment and apply it when you wake up and before going to sleep.
- Hardening polishes help prevent nails from breaking. It is a very economical and easy to use product.
- Use polish and strengthening treatments to keep your nails protected.
Advice
- Always keep a file handy. If a nail breaks, file it rather than tear it off.
- Avoid prenatal vitamins. While rumor has it that they promote rapid nail growth, they put you at risk of digestive problems.
