If you routinely wear acrylic nails because long, natural fingernails seem like too much work, let your nails go free. How to attain beautiful, long and natural fingernails is no mystery. By treating your nails with respect and keeping them moisturized, you can maintain long, natural nails at home. In some cases, nails may be brittle due to nail fungus or another nail condition. If your nails have ridges or pits or crumble at the edges, consult a doctor.
Step 1
Trim or file your fingernails regularly, making them straight across the top and slightly curved on the edges. If you file your nails, file them in one direction instead of passing the file back and forth across the fingernails, as that may weaken them.
Step 2
Moisturize your nails with an over-the-counter moisturizer in the morning, before bed and every time you wash your hands, says Paul Kechijian, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology and chief of the Nail Section at New York University Medical Center in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Moisturizing the nails seals water into the nail and prevents breakage.
Step 3
Choose a nail polish remover that does not contain acetone. Acetone is drying to the nails and may cause breakage. Do not use any nail polish remover more than once a week.
Step 4
Take 2.5 mg of biotin a day to help strengthen and lengthen your nails, says the Mayo Clinic. Biotin is a vitamin found in cauliflower that helps nails grow.
Step 5
Coat your nails with nail polish approximately once a week to add a layer of strength to your nails. If your nails are weak and break after a particular length, adding nail polish helps the nails stay strong.
Tips and Warnings
- Paint the nails with a nail hardener before using nail polish to make nails even stronger.
- Consult a doctor if your short, brittle nails are accompanied by any additional symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Nail file or nail clippers
- Over-the-counter moisturizer
- Nail polish remover
- Biotin
- Nail polish
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