Long, Strong & Beautiful Nails| Tips and Tricks for Faster Growth

Gorgeous, lengthy nails are the ultimate fashion accessory. But some of us struggle with nails that split, peel and seem to Grow Your Nails Faster at a snail’s pace. Don’t despair – with the right care regimen you can transform even the most troubled nails. Read on for comprehensive tips to stimulate faster, healthier nail growth. With a little diligence your nails will be red carpet ready in no time!

1. Pamper Your Precious Cuticles

Healthy, vibrant nails begin at the cuticle. This thin skin around the base of the nail is essential for proper nail formation. Dry, damaged cuticles crack and peel – taking your polish with it! Start your nail care routine by conditioning your cuticles. Gently push back and trim any overgrown cuticle tissue with a tool or towel. Then massage in cuticle oil or a rich cream daily. Coconut, vitamin E, olive and almond oils all work wonders. Shea butter and petroleum jelly are also great options. Take time to massage each nail bed for circulation. Nourished cuticles help the nail plate adhere tightly for smooth, flawless growth.

2. Power Up With Protein

Protein is the basic building block of nails, which are composed primarily of a protein called keratin. Make sure you consume adequate protein in your diet for the raw materials needed for optimal growth. Great protein sources include eggs, lean meats, fish, dairy products, beans, lentils, nuts and whole grains. Whey and collagen supplements can provide an extra protein punch too. Low protein intake can lead to slow growth and brittle, splitting nails. Get those amino acids in to thrive!

3. Hydration is Crucial

Water, water, water! Hydration is just as important for your nails as the rest of your body. Dehydration causes nails to become dry and rigid, making them more prone to cracking and breaking as they grow out. Drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water daily for flexibility and strength. Herbal teas, diluted fruit juices and coconut water can help too. Limit alcohol and caffeine which have dehydrating effects. And moisturize hands and nails frequently with cream. Your nails will happily grow when properly hydrated.

4. Break Those Bad Habits

Many nail biters and pickers dream of lush, long nails – but you have to kick the habit first! Constant biting and picking damages the nail beds and matrix where new growth originates. Break the cycle by keeping nails neatly trimmed, getting regular manicures or using bitter anti-biting polish. Also avoid using nails as tools to pry open cans or dig into tightly sealed packages. The stress fractures weak nails. Let your nails take a vacation from abuse so they can reach their full potential.

5. Give Them Time to Breathe   

Although that long-lasting gel manicure looks gorgeous, back-to-back polish can inhibit nail growth. Some key nutrients only penetrate through the exposed nail surface. Let them breathe once a week with a nourishing treatment. Soak in olive oil, massage in vitamin E and apply a hydrating cream before bed. Day off = nail spa day! Rotate regularly polished and au natural weeks.

6. Supplement Success   

A supplement can help provide the essential nutrients nails need to thrive and grow rapidly. Look for ones with zinc, iron, biotin, folic acid, vitamins A, C, D3 and B complex. Omega-3s are also beneficial. Zinc assists with protein synthesis for strong keratin. Biotin is especially important for rapid growth. Folic acid and vitamin C aid collagen production. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and D3 fight free radical damage. A multi-benefit supplement gives nails their daily dose.

7. Use a Growth Treatment

Look for nail treatments containing formaldehyde or a gentler formaldehyde alternative like calcium panthonate. These ingredients help harden and reinforce thin, soft or brittle nails making them less likely to split or peel during growth. Brush on as a basecoat before polish or use alone to strengthen bare nails. They work by cross-linking the protein chains together for added rigidity and thickness. Be patient – it can take 6+ months to see significant improvement.

8. Massage in Magic Oil

Massaging oil into the nail bed and cuticles is an easy way to stimulate faster growth. The massage action brings blood flow to the nail matrix where new cells are forming. Try oils infused with vitamin E, coconut, olive, jojoba or argan oil. Lavender and tea tree oils also help prevent infection which can slow growth. Massage from base to tip using circular motions for each finger and toe. Do this for 5-10 minutes daily for growth.

9. Go Easy On Filing  

Aggressive filing thin and tapering nail shapes stresses the nail plate, causing splits and cracks. Opt for squoval, oval or square shapes instead. File damaged edges minimally so more of the nail length stays in tact as it grows out. Use a gentle 100 grit emery board and avoid shredding files. Seal the edge with a strengthener after filing to reinforce and protect from snags.

10. Stay Patient!

Growth takes diligence – up to 6 months or more for obvious differences in length. Stick with a routine and allow your nails to Grow Your Nails Faster out long gradually without trimming. Resist temptation to trim prematurely. Set goals like reaching the fingertips or going an extra 1/4 inch longer each month. Longer length takes persistence. Celebrate small milestones as you go until you reach your ideal length

11. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Hydration truly is the key for growth and flexibility. Nails that are chronically dry and brittle won’t thrive. Moisturize hands and nails frequently throughout the day. Apply a rich hand cream after each hand washing. Slather on a thick moisturizer before bed and sleep in cotton gloves for deeper penetration. Petroleum jelly also does wonders for extremely dry nails and cuticles. Drink enough water and use a humidifier if the air is very dry.

12. Healthy Diet = Healthy Nails

You are what you eat, and that applies to your nails too. Make sure your diet provides balanced nutrition to fuel nail growth. Get enough protein, vitamins A, C, D and B-complex, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Consider a whole food multivitamin to fill any gaps. Biotin is especially helpful for weak, deficient nails. Limit sugar and refined carbs which can impede growth. What you eat really makes a difference!

13. Quit Acrylics and Gels

Artificial nails are hard on your natural nails, especially with long-term use. Frequent application and removal can thin and damage the nail plate. Plus, trapped moisture under the false nails creates an ideal environment for fungus – yuck! Give your own natural nails a chance to thrive by going entirely au natural until they grow out healthily. Or only use gels/acrylics temporarily for special occasions. Your nails will thank you.

14. Try Press-Ons Temporarily

If you just can’t go naked, temporary press-on nails are a gentler option while your real nails grow out. Look for ones with a flexible plastic or resin base that won’t pull on your nails like glue. Properly sized and filed press-ons won’t damage your nail beds. Remove them gently by soaking in acetone. Press-ons allow your real nails time to get stronger underneath so they stay put when the press-ons are off.

15. Oil Those Nails  

In addition to cuticle oil massage, lubricate the actual nail plates. The oil helps seal in moisture and prevent cracking or peeling. Use a dedicated nail oil like jojoba, coconut or vitamin E oil. Or DIY your own blend with olive, avocado, castor, vitamin E and essential oils. Apply a drop to each nail anytime they feel dry. Oil prevents water loss leading to more pliable, resilient nails.

16. Protect Polish When Perfect

Extend your perfect polished manicure by preventing chips and dings which can sabotage growth. Use a topcoat to seal color and add a buffer layer against cracks. Be diligent about reapplying topcoat as it wears. Wrap tips with topcoat to prevent moisture loss. Consider gel polish which resists chips better. And wear gloves for wet chores to lock in longevity. Defend your polish so length can safely grow.

With some diligence and nail TLC, you can achieve longer, stronger natural nails. Pay attention to nutrition, hydration and protection. Pamper your cuticles and nails daily. Ditch bad habits and let them grow without restraint. In time, you’ll have beautiful, resilient nails to show off with pride!