Does it seem that your nails are only able to reach a certain length before chipping or breaking? Join the club. Nail care has become a prominent MUST when it comes to feminine appearance. Trends show that women go to get their nails done about every two weeks. I don't know about you, but that's a lot of time and money that I don't care to spend. So if you're like me and want to be a part of the in-crowd, but on a budget, here's some tips to growing your own long, healthy nails.
1. Keep those hands away from your mouth.
For some, this is going to be the hardest tip in the article, which is understandable. Nail biting is one of the most common nervous habits people adopt. Try an alternative like chewing a stick of gum or do something else with your hands that doesn't involve biting them; squeeze a stress ball a few times. What helped me when I was conquering nail biting was to coat my nails with the nastiest polish I could find, made me do a double take when I had the urge to bite my nails.
2. Wear more nail polish.
I know it can be difficult to find the time and motivation to sit down and paint your nails, especially when they're shorter and not looking the best. However, nail polish helps strengthen nails by adding an extra layer of armor for the next time you hit your nails on a counter the wrong way. A good start to wearing more polish is investing in a strengthening polish and a clear coat. Both products will help restore thin, brittle nails while giving a nice shine.
3. Take care of your cuticles.
Hair and nail care are fairly similar in that you have to take care of the root/scalp before the rest can flourish. Taking proper care of your cuticles will truly step up your nail game. Prior to my nail growth journey, my cuticles were always snagging on cloth and a constant jagged mess. Your cuticles should be smooth and tight to the nail, if they aren't, they could benefit from a good 10 minute weekly soak in warm, soapy water. Exfoliating scrubs and oils also do wonders for both your cuticles and hands.
4. Be gentle with your hands.
If your goal is to have long, healthy nails, it probably isn't the best idea to start that digging project in your garden. Many times people find themselves in a rush, grabbing and reaching for things in the morning frenzy, that's when nails break off. This tip requires you to slow down and be hyper aware of your actions. If you know you'll be doing something that demands a lot from your hands, be conscious of your nails while doing so.
5. Eat certain foods.
No, you DO NOT need to go on a whole diet in order to have nice nails (or I wouldn't have them). Although, there are certain foods that, if consumed more often, will help strengthen and grow your nails. Protein and calcium are very important when it comes to your nails, so grab a bag of Trail Mix with some nuts and dried fruit. Lean meats like turkey and fish will also be beneficial on your journey to healthy nails.
When all is said and done, patience is going to be your best friend during this process. Your nails are always growing, you just need to figure out how to retain the length. You're nails are a good indication of your overall health, so start showing yourself some TLC! Hopefully these tips are helpful and easy enough to follow; with consistency your natural nails will be admired as the new trend.
