Having long, manicured nails is often considered a sign of femininity and beauty. Some women, however, struggle to make them grow; if you too have difficulty having long nails, you can follow the many tips contained in the article aimed at protecting and strengthening them. You will discover that there are special products specifically formulated to make them stretch; Also, if your nails are proving particularly hostile to growing, you can try using vitamins, garlic-flavored nail polish or fake nails.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Protect and Strengthen Nails
Step 1. Limale in one direction only
Moving the file back and forth risks creating small tears in the nail which, over time, could cause it to break. To prevent this from happening, remember to always file them only in one direction.
To use the file correctly, apply light pressure to the nail, then move it in one direction. Once you reach the end of the file, pull it away from the nail and return to where you started
Step 2. Leave the cuticles alone
When you cut, you risk introducing bacteria into the nail bed, which can cause an infection in the nail. In addition to getting irritated, the nails may even come off.
- Instead of cutting your cuticles, try pushing them back with an orange wood stick. Before starting, apply an oil that will allow you to soften them, then use the tip of the stick to gently push them towards the perimeter of the nail.
- Dipping your fingertips in warm water is another effective way to soften your cuticles and keep them healthy.
Step 3. Stop using your nails as if they were tools
Part of the reason our nails break is that we have a habit of using them for inappropriate purposes, such as opening soda cans. If you want to prevent them from breaking, don't use them as if they were work tools. Instead, use the proper tools.
- For example, if you're trying to open a package, don't use them to try to remove the tape. Use a pair of scissors instead of nails.
- It may also be helpful to always wear a pair of latex or vinyl gloves when washing dishes, cleaning the house, or performing any other activity that may expose your nails to water and chemicals.
Step 4. Let them breathe
In some cases, the best way to restore nail health is to let them breathe for a while. Try to leave them free of nail polish and other cosmetic products for a few weeks (or a few months, depending on how damaged they are). This way they will have time to repair themselves.
- As you let them breathe, you can file and polish them so they look neat and clean.
- Try massaging a drop of olive oil on each nail to make it shine naturally.
Step 5. Rounded tips are better than square ones
The reason is that they are less prone to breaking, so try to give your nails a perfectly rounded shape as you try to grow them.
To round off the tips of your nails, file them in a curved motion, as if you were tracing a semicircle. Keep filing them like this until they are perfectly rounded
Method 2 of 3: Using Special Products
Step 1. Apply a hardening top coat
Using clear hardener polish helps you strengthen and protect your nails when you let them grow. Try applying a layer or two even more than once a week.
Some top coats are specifically designed to strengthen and harden nails. If you notice that they are brittle or flex easily, try using one of these hardeners
Step 2. Try using a rejuvenating gel
If you feel like your nails just don't want to grow, you can experience the benefits of a rejuvenating gel. It is a product that protects and nourishes the nails, promoting their greater growth.
Make sure you read and follow the directions on the package carefully
Step 3. Hydrate them frequently
Keeping your nails well hydrated is another great way to help them grow. Try to always have a hand cream available so that you can apply it several times a day.
For example, you can keep a pack of hand cream in your bag, another on your desk, and a last one next to your bed
Step 4. Remove your nail polish with a moisturizing, acetone-free product
Some nail polish removers contain acetone - a harsh chemical that can weaken them. If you have noticed that your nails are brittle or chip easily, try using an acetone-free product at least for a while.
Check the label of the nail polish remover you normally use to see if it contains acetone
Method 3 of 3: Experiment with Additional Methods
Step 1. Take a biotin supplement
As a result, your nails may finally get longer. The purpose of this supplement is in fact to strengthen them and promote their growth.
- You can buy a biotin-only supplement or a multivitamin product that, in addition to biotin, also contains other vitamins and minerals.
- Follow the directions on the package carefully, never exceeding the recommended daily dose.
Step 2. Add garlic to your top coat
Some people claim that adding a couple of finely chopped garlic cloves to a clear top coat can stimulate nail growth. There is no scientific evidence to support this method, but it may still be worth a try.
Finely chop a couple of garlic cloves, then mix them into your clear top coat. Now, apply it as usual on all nails
Step 3. Use a nude toned nail polish
This method does not allow you to stimulate more nail growth, but it can help you trick the eye into making them look longer right away. Choose a natural shade, similar to your skin color, then apply polish to all nails.
Nude nail polish can make nails look longer thanks to its color. Having your nails the same color as your skin causes the two sides to blend in with each other
Step 4. Try using fake nails
Obviously, it will take some time for your natural nails to grow and lengthen; so, if you want them to look long straight away, you can use adhesive-type fake nails. Look for them in perfumery, they exist in many varieties, in the whole version or just the tips, all very easy to apply.
