If you want beautiful, long nails, but your nails always seem to break before they can get there, you’re definitely not alone. There may be nothing more frustrating than finally getting your nails to grow and then one of them breaks. For some, their nails may not ever seem to really grow at all. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get your nails in tip top shape, so they grow long, strong and healthy. With these expert tips, you can say goodbye to those weak and brittle nails and hello to those gorgeous insta-worthy nails you’ve been yearning for.
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You Are What You Eat
That cliche saying, “you are what you eat” has a lot of truth to it. What you put into your body can directly affect your outward appearance and in this case, affect your nails. Vitamin deficiencies can show up on your nails causing unsightly changes in the appearance of them. If you notice your nails are weak, brittle, or have bumps and ridges, you may need to increase your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals for optimal nail health. Eating a well balanced diet of vitamin-rich foods can positively affect the health of your nails, allowing them to grow long and strong. If you’re unsure where to start, some of the best foods to include in your diet for great nails include fatty fish like salmon, eggs, dark leafy greens, and sweet potato, as well as nuts and seeds.
Try a Biotin Supplement
Source: healthline.com
While eating whole foods to get your daily vitamins is ultimately best, a supplement promoting healthy nail growth definitely can’t hurt. If you have to choose just one, make sure it’s a biotin supplement — the crème de la crème of all nail vitamins. This essential B vitamin is known to strengthen and thicken brittle nails, helping them grow healthy and strong, and bonus — it’s also great for your hair and skin too!
Make Moisturizing a Habit
When it comes to nail health, what you choose to put into your body is crucial, but what you put on your nails topically is also equally important. To keep your skin and nails healthy and hydrated it’s essential to make hand cream and cuticle oil a regular habit in your daily skincare regimen. Well-hydrated nails tend to be more flexible and bendable, making them less likely to break. Regularly applying cuticle oil nourishes your nail beds and keeps your cuticles from becoming hard and dry which may make you more likely to pick at them, wreaking havoc on your nails. For maximum hydration, moisturize every time after you wash your hands and every night before bed. For an extra hydration boost, ask your nail tech about a paraffin dip or do a DIY hydration hand mask at home by applying a heavy emollient to your hands before bed and covering them with socks or gloves. You’ll wake up to baby soft skin in the morning.
Do Dip Powder Manicures
Source: instyle.com
If you want to make sure your nails grow long and won’t break, consider getting a dip powder manicure at your next salon visit. Not only does dip powder provide you with a stunning, long lasting manicure with a glossy shine, but it’s hard, resin finish gives you extra protection, preventing your nails from tearing or breaking — and a dip powder manicure can last over 2 weeks! According to the experts at SNSNails.com, a professional dip powder manicure will last a minimum of 2 weeks, and often longer. High quality dip powders will have vitamins and minerals in the powders and bases to actually strengthen the nail. Regular use will nourish the nail bed with each application, ensuring they grow healthy and strong. Note that it’s crucial to only use a high quality formula for this result.
Opt for a Round Shape
To ensure your nails grow long without snagging or breaking, ditch the square nails and opt for a round or oval shape instead. Square nails have sharp corners which make it easier for your nails to snag on things, causing them to break or tear. A round or oval nail has soft, rounded corners that won’t get caught on things as easily. Besides for a round or oval shape being less likely to snag, these soft shapes also have an elongating effect making your nails look longer and your fingers more slender.
Stay Out of Hot Water
Source: youhavestyle.com
If you want to grow your nails long and strong, hot water is your enemy. Excessive contact with hot water can cause your nails to become weak and brittle which may lead to them breaking more easily, not to mention having your hands in hot water can severely dry out your skin and nails, which is another culprit for dry, brittle nails. To keep your hands protected and your nails always looking their best, wear rubber gloves while doing the dishes and try to keep your hands outside the tub if you like to indulge in a little self care bath time. And if you do find yourself in hot water, don’t forget to apply moisturizer and cuticle oil after to keep those hands and nails hydrated.
Resist the Urge to Pick
Your cuticles, a chipped mani, or a cracked nail — resist the urge to pick. Picking or peeling at your manicure can damage your nail beds making your nails weak and brittle. It’s super important to remove your manicure properly to ensure your nails stay healthy and strong, especially if you have a gel mani. Peeling off a gel mani can actually peel off a layer of your nail and you can say goodbye to long healthy nails if that happens. When it comes to a cracked nail, it can be incredibly frustrating as it can easily snag on things. You also run the risk of tearing off your nail and potentially causing pain if it rips off too close to your nail bed. If you find yourself with an unfortunate cracked nail, you may be able to save it. Simply file away the cracked part with a nail file to prevent it from tearing or breaking any further.
