Whether you have a large event coming up or you've struggled with weak nails that split and break all of your life, your practices and hygiene techniques could be stunting your nail growth. In order to grow the longest nails possible, you need to grow the healthiest nails possible, ensuring that your nails are strengthened through diet, hygiene techniques and frequent care. Through better nail practices you can stimulate nail growth to get the thick and healthy nails that may have eluded you before.
Step 1
Wear gloves when you're doing tasks that could potentially harm your nails. Excess water from washing dishes, daily abuse while working or hand injuries can all crack and split nails, stunting nail growth. By wearing a pair of rubber gloves in the water or a pair of work gloves around your home, you protect your nails and give them ample time to grow.
Step 2
Moisturize your nails and cuticles on a daily basis. Just like your skin, your nails need moisture to be healthy, notes the Michigan State University Family Care Research Program. Nails that are dry and brittle are unhealthy and subject to cracking. Use a good-quality moisturizer and rub it into your nails every day, focusing on your cuticles. The healthier your cuticles are, the healthier and longer your nails will be.
Step 3
Trim split nails immediately after noticing them. The University of Michigan Health System notes that nails cannot be fused back together, so once they split, it can cause damage to the rest of the nail. If you notice a notch in your nail, clip it straight across with a set of fingernail clippers. It will stop the splitting immediately to avoid inhibiting the rest of your nail growth due to damage.
Step 4
Take a daily multivitamin supplement high in B7 and protein. Both vitamins and minerals contribute to the health of strong, long nails, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Eat a diet high in protein and vitamin B7 by looking for foods such as eggs, liver, lean cuts of meat, vegetables and dairy products to get your nail-growth nutrients naturally.
Step 5
Use nail polish sparingly and carefully. MayoClinic.com suggests using just one coat of nail polish that can be touched up easily. Nail polish can dry the nail and deprive it of nourishment when applied too heavily or too often. When removing nail polish, choose a polish remover that is acetone-free, since acetone can dry nails out.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Clippers
- Moisturizer
- Vitamin supplements
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