Wearing fake nails is a good way to keep a perfect manicure, but it does have a downside. Fake nail damage comes from the effect of the chemicals in the nails, the glue used to attach them to your own nails, or both. Growing strong nails after wearing fake ones is not hard, but it might take some time and a little extra effort. Fingernails only grow an average of 1/10-inch per month, according to scientists at Binghamton University in New York, so you also will need a bit of patience.
Step 1
Take 2.5 mg of biotin every day. The experts at MayoClinic.com suggest that this might help strengthen your nails, which is important as the damaged portions grow out. At least three trials have proven that biotin -- a water-soluble member of the B-vitamin family -- has a positive effect on dry, brittle nails, according to researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute. One study, published in the medical journal "Cutis" in April 1993, found that nail thickness increased by as much as 25 percent when measured by an electron microscope.
Step 2
File your nails so that they are just about even with the tips of your fingers. Move the nail file or emery board only in one direction, because sawing back and forth can break or split nails that are damaged and brittle. An article on MayoClinic.com suggests that the strongest shape for your nails is squared off with slightly rounded tops.
Step 3
Soak your fingernails in slightly warmed bath oil for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a week. This will help keep your fingernails supple and moisturized. Use only mild soap to wash off the bath oil residue.
Step 4
Massage cuticle cream into your cuticles every night before bed. The massage will stimulate blood flow as well as soothe cuticles that can get irritated by the chemicals in fake nails, nail glue and nail-removing solutions.
Step 5
Rub a generous amount of rich hand cream into your hands after you have applied the cuticle cream at night. Massaging your hands relaxes and increases blood flow, which can help encourage the production of keratin.
Step 6
Put on thin, white cotton gloves once the hand cream has been absorbed by your hands. Sleep with them on to keep moisture on your hands and nails all night. Moisture is especially important for nails that have been damaged by fake ones, because they tend to be very dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Brush a clear nail hardener onto your nails every night for a week. Remove it and start over after seven days to keep your nails moisturized and protected.
- Avoid all products containing toluene or formaldehyde, which are very drying, especially to recovering nails.
Things You'll Need
- Biotin supplements
- Nail file or emery board
- Bath oil
- Small bowl
- Mild soap
- Cuticle cream
- Hand cream
- Thin cotton gloves
- Nail hardener
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