If you've always dreamed of long nails, you don't have to settle for artificial ones. Strengthen your weak, brittle nails by restoring their natural moisture. If it's alright with your doctor, you can take vitamin supplements to help your nails grow strong and healthy, says Richard K. Scher, M.D., professor of dermatology and head of the Nail Section at Columbia University-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.
File After Bathing
Your nails are softer after taking a shower, so filing and trimming will be easier and less traumatic to your nails, says the Mayo Clinic. Rather than filing your nails by sawing back and forth across the nail, file in only one direction. Trim any hangnails rather than pulling them off. Not only will hangnails heal more quickly if they are carefully trimmed, but it will prevent unnecessary trauma to the nail and finger. Clip hangnails using a nail trimmer, at a slight angle pointing towards the outside of the nail, says the Mayo Clinic.
Take Biotin Supplements
Biotin, a vitamin that occurs naturally in cauliflower, may help create stronger, longer nails, says Dr. Scher. Biotin may not cause the nail to become immediately stronger, but will begin to strengthen the nail from the base, near the cuticle. As the new nail grows in, it will be stronger and healthier. Dr. Scher recommends taking 2.5 mgs of biotin once a day. You can purchase biotin supplements at the drugstore or health food store. Consult a doctor before taking biotin supplements.
Nix Acetone and Formaldehyde
If you want long, healthy nails, keeping them polished may keep them strong throughout the day. When it's time to remove the nail polish, choose a nail polish remover that contains no acetone or formaldehyde, says New York City dermatologist Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D. Instead, choose a nail polish remover that contains acetate, which is not drying or damaging to the nails. After using a nail polish remover, apply a moisturizer to your nails, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Member Comments