Beautiful, long nails are not only attractive and classy, but also a sign of good health. Many people desire to have long and strong nails. If you find you have dry, brittle nails that are hard to grow, the good news is that this situation is not difficult to fix! Here is how you can grow the long and healthy nails you’ve always wanted.
Start taking vitamins, if you are not already!
Along with eating things that are healthy for you, this is one of the most important keys to growing out strong nails. If your nails constantly break or just won’t grow, it could mean you are deficient in the following vitamins or minerals. Supplementing your diet with these specific things will help your nails to grow faster and stronger. As an added bonus, many of these are also good for your hair and skin too!
B-vitamins, particularly Biotin – Biotin helps cells to grow. Deficiencies in this lead to weak nails that may break easily. This vitamin is found in foods such as eggs, lentils, milk, and peanut butter. You can also take a Biotin supplement.
Protein – Nails, hair, and skin are made of keratin, a type of protein. Again, if you are deficient, your nails may be dry and break easily. Include more protein in your diet from sources such as meat, eggs, lentils, cheese, or nuts such as almonds.
Calcium – You need about 1200 milligrams per day. Another benefit to giving you stronger nails is that you will have stronger bones too.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – This will keep your nails from drying out as well as your skin and hair. You can find Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, or you can take an Omega-3 Fish Oil supplement.
Zinc – If you tend to get white spots on your nails, this could indicate a zinc deficiency. You can get zinc from foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, and pumpkin seeds.
2. File your nails regularly.
Take care of any uneven or sharp edges on your nails to prevent them from breaking or chipping. Whatever shape or length you file your nails is up to you, but keeping the edges smooth will help them to grow out and keep them looking neat.
3. Use a buffer to minimize ridges on the surface of your nails.
Gently run it across the top of your nail bed to smooth out the surface. This will help your nail polish to go on evenly too.
4. Use gloves when doing certain household chores, such as washing dishes.
Not only will this keep your skin from drying out from harsh dishwashing soaps or cleaners, but it will help protect your nails from drying out and breaking as well.
5. Don’t use your nails as tools.
Don’t use them to open up pop cans or anything which may cause them to break.
6. Use a nail strengthener.
A coat or two of a nail strengthening polish will keep your nails from breaking while you are trying to grow them out. Look for a formula that is free of formaldehyde, a dangerous chemical found in some nail polishes.
7. Moisturize!
Apply moisturizer to your hands regularly because nails need moisture just as your skin does. In addition to this, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated from the inside.
8. Don’t bite your nails!
This is an obvious one. Biting will cause them to break!
9. Take care of any “yellowing” of the nails.
Colored nail polish and Nicotine can turn nails yellow, which just isn’t attractive. Here is a do-it-yourself treatment to get your nails a gorgeous, bright white again:
1/2 cup organic coconut oil
1 tbsp. honey
Juice from 1 lemon
1 1/2 tbsp. baking soda
Mix ingredients well. Soak your nails in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Wash your hands, then apply a moisturizing lotion or hand cream.
Repeat this treatment as often as needed to lighten your nails. Also, to prevent it from occurring again in the future, be sure to apply a clear base coat to your nails before applying colored nail polish. This will help protect the nail from staining or turning yellow from the polish.
10. Be patient as your “healthier” nails grow in.
With a little bit of patience, and following these tips, you’ll find you can grow the nails you’ve always wanted within just a few weeks!
Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/m/about_5207724_vitamins-fingernails-grow.html