While long nails are not practical for every woman, strong nails are a sign of overall good health. Good nutrition and good nail care are essential for growing longer, stronger nails. Follow some simple rules to improve the condition and appearance of your nails, and don't abuse your nails by using them as "tools" to pry open things or to pick at hard substances. Remember, it takes up to nine months for new nail tissue to grow from base to tip, and it may take that long for your nails to show complete improvement.
Nail Care
Proper nail care keeps the nails you have looking their best while they grow out. Keep your nails clean and smooth. File your nails in one direction instead of back and forth to avoid creating tiny splits. File when your nails are dry, and not just after a bath or shower. When they are wet and soft, there is a greater likelihood of breaking and splitting. Push your cuticles back gently, but don't trim them. Cutting your cuticles can leave avenues for infection to set in.
Hydration
Your nails absorb or lose moisture 100 times faster than your skin, according to Salonweb.com. When you use moisturizing lotion on your hands, be sure to hydrate your nails as well. Petroleum jelly, castor oil or olive oil are good nail moisturizers; simply rub some on your nails two or three times a day to keep your nails hydrated.
Nail Biting
Nail biting is a habit that most people eventually break. It's an easy way to spread bacteria from finger to finger, and to your lips and mouth. Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson advises that adults with problems breaking a nail-biting habit may benefit from discussing it with a doctor. It may be an outward sign of an anxiety or stress disorder.
Nutrition and Supplements
Good nutrition is the cornerstone for growing healthy nails. Eat balanced meals regularly. Drugstore.com recommends taking a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement daily. Vitamin A and the B vitamins are important for nail health. Calcium is a necessary mineral, and your body requires vitamin D in order to process calcium. Vitamin H, or biotin, is part of the B-complex vitamins. Biotin is essential for the formation of the proteins that make up the nail.
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