Few things are more frustrating than the sight of broken, chipped or peeling nails. Though many don’t realize it, there are products out there that can help your nails to grow faster and stronger.
This blog will be your guide to growing strong nails. You’ll learn about the best nail growth products on the market, as well as how to use them effectively.
Step One: Nail Growth Products
Simply put, without any kind of topical treatment on your nails and cuticles, you’re not going to get very far in terms of growing long fingernails or toenails. We believe that Nail-Aid’s 3 Day Growth is the best product out there for promoting fast nail growth. It contains formaldehyde, a tried and true ingredient that promotes nail growth. (You can read a little bit more about our favorite nail growth products in this article.)
Step Two: Cuticle Care
If you want to grow strong nails, you’ve got to take care of your cuticles. That means no biting or picking! We recommend daily application of cuticle oil as part of your regular beauty routine. Check out this post for reviews of some of our favorite cuticle oils and balms for softer, smoother cuticles that won’t hold you back
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to grow your nails. It might be because of your genes or habits (such as biting them), but other times it’s because you’re using the wrong products for your nails. If this is the case for you, then read ahead for the next 4 steps that will give you stronger nails and help them grow in no time!
My nails have always been a source of frustration for me. I’ve tried nearly everything to keep them from peeling and breaking, from taking biotin (supposedly helps strengthen nails) to avoiding harsh detergents (supposedly damages the nail). When I was younger, I used to bite my nails, which were always short and ragged. Over time, I trained myself not to bite; not because I had achieved “perfect” nails, but because biting was causing me more problems than it solved. Now, my cuticles are constantly dry and peeling, so rather than biting them off at the root, they just break off at different levels.
If you’ve experienced similar nail growth problems, you’ve probably tried all kinds of “tricks” and “hacks”. Maybe you even examined your diet–I know I did! But what if there’s a simpler solution? What if nail growth is really that simple?
Four steps to stronger nails:
1. Keep them clean
2. Keep them trimmed
3. Keep them moisturized
4. Keep your hands away from hot water
It took me a long time to realize this, but every time I took a hot shower or washed dishes without gloves on,
Here are some tips to help you grow stronger nails.
1. Use a moisturizer and cuticle oil
Nails grow from the matrix, the area at the base of your nail underneath your cuticle. Keeping this area moisturized helps prevent peeling, cracking and splitting issues that can happen when you have dry nails. Apply cuticle oil to your nail beds each day, and massage it in for about 30 seconds. Also, use hand lotion after each time you wash your hands.
2. File with care
When filing your nails, be sure to go in one direction only (not back and forth) using gentle strokes. And, keep in mind that the shape of your nails matters as well – sharp tips are more likely to break or tear than rounded or square-shaped ones.
3. Strengthen with a protein-rich diet
Your body needs protein to build healthy nails and hair, so be sure to incorporate plenty of protein-rich foods into your diet each day like nuts and seeds, seafood, lean meats and poultry, low-fat dairy products, beans and legumes like lentils or split peas, tofu and soy products, eggs and whole grains like quinoa or brown rice.
4. Stay away from acetone
Strong, beautiful nails can be yours. Here are four easy steps to growing healthy, long nails.
Step 1: File and shape your nails correctly.
A nail file is the best way to shape and maintain your nails. It is important to choose the right type of file, however, as there are many types that can actually damage your nails. Only use an emery board or a glass file. A metal file may seem more durable, but it is harsher on your nails and should be avoided.
When filing your nails, you should use a back and forth motion rather than filing in one direction only. This helps prevent the nail from breaking or chipping at the edges. You should also avoid filing too quickly as this is when you are most likely to damage the nail itself.
Step 2: Use moisturizing creams for dry cuticles.
Cuticles often get dry and crack after exposure to cold weather or harsh soaps. A good cuticle cream will help soften cuticles so they can be pushed back gently with a stick or an orange wood stick (also called an orange stick). Some of these creams also help stimulate new growth and strengthen the cuticle itself so that it does not dry out again as quickly in the future.
Step 3
1. Strong nails start with vitamins and minerals
When it comes to nail growth, vitamins and minerals play a significant role. In particular, you want to be sure you are getting enough Biotin, Calcium, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. These nutrients help encourage new growth and protect your nails from breakage.
Biotin is particularly good for your nails and hair because it strengthens the keratin structure of both. If you aren’t already taking a multivitamin that contains these ingredients, consider adding a supplement dedicated to improving the health of your nails.
2. Don’t forget about your cuticles
Cuticle oil is my secret weapon for growing out my nails. My favorite cuticle oil is Dadi’ Oil because it absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and lasts a long time without reapplying. You can use it right before applying nail polish or as often as you want throughout the day as a moisturizer for your hands and fingernails. I’ve also heard great things about Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream which is made from natural ingredients like cocoa butter and sweet almond oil.
3. Give yourself a manicure at home
If you get manicures regularly you might
1. Take care of your cuticles
One of the most important parts of growing strong nails is taking extra good care of your cuticles. The cuticle is a small piece of skin that covers the base of your finger where it attaches to the nail bed. It is a barricade that protects against bacteria and other germs, but also keeps moisture in. If you push back or cut your cuticles, this can make you more susceptible to infection, and it also dries out your nails, which will lead to splitting and cracking. So leave them alone!
If you struggle with hangnails (skin hanging off the side of your nail), use a pair of manicure scissors to trim them away. But don’t pull or pick at them, as this can cause bleeding and infection. You can prevent hangnails from forming by keeping your hands moisturized, especially during dry winter months.
2. Dry your nails completely after washing
We have all been told not to wash dishes without wearing gloves for fear of drying out our hands (and nails). This is because hot water strips away natural oils and moisture from our skin – exactly what we don’t want if we’re trying to grow strong nails.
When washing dishes (or doing anything else that requires