There are dozens of products out there that should work wonders for your hands. But what are the really effective treatments? Without having to empty your wallet for "miracle" products, there are a whole host of tactics you can use to soften your hands and keep your nails long and healthy. Read this guide to find out more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Part 1: Encourage Nail Growth
Step 1. Consider using nail hardeners and growth gels
First of all, you need to have a clear concept: growing nails means not breaking them. Generally speaking, you can't magically make your nails grow faster, but you can make them stronger and less prone to breaking, so they stay long and beautiful. That said, here are some products indicated to promote nail growth:
- Nail hardeners. They are transparent "glazes" that use formalin (methylene glycol dissolved in water) as a strengthening agent. They are similar to enamel, only with a shield and a machete.
- Growth gel. It works? Perhaps. Sally Hansen's VitaSurge Growth Gel is described as follows: "The multi-active bead-infused formula instantly releases a source of nourishing vitamins A, C and E to nourish, treat nails and for healthy growth."
Step 2. Take biotin supplements
While it doesn't speed up the growth process, biotin has been linked to stronger and less likely to break nails. If you are suffering from brittle nails that just don't want to grow, this may help. You may see a change in your skin too!
You can find it in some dietary supplements, but you will need to check the ingredient list on the label. Look for vitamins and supplements designed to improve the health of hair, skin and nails; they most likely contain biotin
Step 3. Think about increasing your protein intake
It has always been argued that nutrition affects the appearance of nails (among other things). This is true up to a point. If you live in a first world country today, you are probably getting enough all the nutrients you need. So while a better diet - specifically, higher protein - can make a difference, take this statement with a grain of salt. Not getting enough protein is no longer a problem for most of us, vegetarians included.
That said, however, it's never a bad idea to make sure your diet is balanced and healthy. The more nutrients and vitamins you take in, the better your body will look, including your nails
Step 4. Don't file your nails by moving the file back and forth
If you like long, beautiful nails, you've probably heard that there are right and wrong ways of filing your nails. When you take the steel or plastic file, move it towards the center on each side. It doesn't matter what kind of shape you are giving your nail, just make sure you go right to center and left to center, not back and forth.
- And speaking of "not to do" things, don't cut your cuticles either. Push them back a little, sure, but don't cut them. It's the skin's last barrier against bacteria (it covers your whole body, after all), don't ruin it.
- While it is ultimately a matter of personal preference, you may want to keep your nails rounded. Square nails tend to get stuck in things more often, eventually breaking.
Step 5. Always use base and topcoat when applying nail polish
It is probably best to leave them natural (nail polishes can corrode the nail), but we all know that nail polish colors can be a great temptation. If you can't imagine leaving your nails bare, always use a base and topcoat. The simple polish prevents the nails from breathing, inevitably making them prone to cracking. Applying a base first provides a barrier between the polish and the nails, while the topcoat keeps the polish looking good, prevents you from peeling it and completes the nail look with a durable finish.
Beware of nail polishes that contain chemicals - they won't do your nails any good. If that worries you, you can find "natural", "vegan" or "non-chemical" products. Put formaldehyde on your nails? No thanks
Part 2 of 3: Part 2: Making the Hands Soft
Step 1. Use a moisturizer
Whenever you wet your hands, use a moisturizer. After a shower, after washing the dishes, after being in the rain, whatever. In short, you can also wear some when you get bored. It can really help nail growth too, because it keeps the whole hand hydrated and healthy.
- But believe it or not, it would be best to avoid lotions. Creams and thick products, containing vegetable butters, petrolatum or glycerin are the best options.
- Hand sanitizer actually dries them. So if you use it, be sure to offset the side effects with some extra moisturizer.
Step 2. Exfoliate your hands
If you are a victim of the occasional "sandpaper coats", using an exfoliant is very important. When you notice a buildup of dead skin, dry, peeling skin, take it as a clue: urgent exfoliation is needed. Mix a tablespoon of sugar and a few drops of olive oil, then use this mixture to scrub your hands for about two minutes. Rinse off and pat your hands to dry them; do not rub them.
While they are still damp, apply some more moisturizer to be safe. Do this once or twice a week, no more, and you will notice noticeable changes
Step 3. Experiment with home remedies
Sugar and olive oil aren't the only things you probably already have lying around the house that can make your hands as soft as a baby's skin. Here are some ideas:
- Put some talcum powder on your hands and rub it lightly. Then pour some bath salts on your hands, a few drops of soap, wash them and rinse them. Make sure you use hot water!
- Leave an application of coconut or palm oil on your hands for about 10 minutes. Wash off the oil with salt, not soap. Use hot water if you have to.
- Wash your hands with vinegar and cover them with powdered sugar. Lightly rub your hands together for a minute or two, then wash everything off with warm water. It will also remove dirt and enhance the beauty of your hands.
- Cocoa butter works great too. You can even make it at home!
Step 4. Apply a nighttime moisturizer
Take a spa night and give yourself a few hours to hydrate. All you need to do is apply a thick coat of hand cream or ointment and slip them into a pair of thick cotton socks. You can do it for your feet too, if you like! Do this right before you go to sleep so that you don't ask yourself "How do I write this email now?". When you wake up, you will have incredibly smooth hands.
If you can't keep the treatment overnight, apply it while watching TV or doing some other relaxing thing that you don't need your hands for. Even an hour will make a noticeable difference
Step 5. Use a moisturizing soap to be safe
Unfortunately, some soaps aren't particularly good for hands - after all, killing bacteria isn't an easy job. To be as hygienic as possible, they may actually dry out your hands, exacerbating your problem. Make sure the soap you keep in the bathroom and kitchen is not one of these products!
Part 3 of 3: Part 3: Healthy Nail Habits
Step 1. Cover your hands when necessary
It is good for the growth of the nails and the softness of the hands. Whenever you wash the dishes, clean or generally do manual work, protect your hands with gloves (rubber or other) or pot holders. In short, even when it's simply cold. The less you expose your hands to the elements, the better it will be.
Step 2. Don't strain your hands too much
Some people like to think that getting their hands to work a lot promotes blood circulation when it just isn't true. How many manual workers have long beautiful nails or beautiful soft hands? There. So if you can avoid using your hands, avoid.
What is the easiest habit to quit? Use your nails and fingers as tools. Sure, you'll have to get to the drawer with the scissors, but don't open the packages with your fingernails! It's a little hard to say "don't wash the dishes" or "don't tidy up the closet", but avoiding putting pressure on your nails all the time is something you can actually do
Step 3. Don't bite or bite your nails
If you really are the reason your nails are short, you have to blame only yourself. When you feel the need to eat or nibble your nails, sit on your hands or do something creative to distract your mind. The instinct will pass, it is just a bad habit that must be abandoned.
Don't even touch the nail polish. The more constricted your nails are, the more easily they will break. You shouldn't scrape off the nail polish with your fingers if you're using reinforcers and topcoats
Step 4. Eat a balanced diet
Do you remember the importance of getting enough protein and that nowadays it's not difficult? Here, if you are on crash diets, it may not be the case for you. For the sake of your nails, it is important to eat, and to eat the right things. If you are starving, your nails will also starve. Maybe your waistline will be thinner, but your hair, skin and nails will look terrible. It's just not worth it.
