We’ve all been in a situation where we want longer healthier nails. Whether it’s for a wedding, a special event, or because you’re tired of short nails. There are certain things you can do to achieve the results you want.
Our nails are one of the most important parts of our body as they tell a lot about us. You can tell how neat a person is by looking at their nails. The health and beauty of your nails are essential to your overall well-being. If you do not show your nails love and care, you might end up having problems with them in the future. We all know that a healthy diet is essential for how we look, but what about our nails? Are they getting the right nutrients from the food you eat?
Hello everyone and welcome to yet another article designed to help you get the perfect nails of your dreams. Not everyone is blessed to have beautiful fingers and nails. For those of you who have felt discouraged about the state of your nails, I am here to tell you there is a solution.
A lot of people focus so much on their hair, skin, and overall physical appearance but more often than not people tend to overlook their nails. Ladies, when was the last time you cleaned out your cuticles? When was the last time you sat down and took the time to take care of your nails? If you drew a blank it’s ok you’re not alone.
How to grow your nails?
Some of us made the decision to get rid of the acrylics and the gels (temporarily) but those nails are still brittle and flaky. You’re at your wit’s end and tired of trying all those solutions you see on Pinterest. I will take you on a journey to achieving better nail health and growing amazing-looking nails. If you want to grow your nails do the following;
- Take Biotin:
So for those of you who do not know, biotin is an important type of vitamin B that allows the body to turn food into energy. It is highly recommended as a supplement to boost the strength of hair and nails. Biotin can be found in brewer’s yeast, boiled eggs, sardines, whole grain, nuts/nut butter, cauliflower, bananas, mushrooms, etc.
Why did I list out all these food items? This is because I want you to know that you do not have the take the biotin supplement in case of allergies but instead you can get the nutrient from the foods listed above. For those wanting to go the route of food, I suggest you increase your intake of the foods above so you can see the best results.
2. Use cuticle oil daily:
According to Ama Quashie, session manicurist and founder of Ama salon, the secret to growing your nails is; hydration, hydration, hydration. She says, “cuticle oil works by hydrating the cuticle and nail bed, which is why it’s such an important step in nail care, whether you’re growing your nails or want them to look their best”.
Do you want to know the best part about this? You don’t have to break the bank to pay for a pricey bottle of cuticle oil. Go for a Dadi or Jojoba oil trust me they work the best. Interesting fact, Jojoba oil can also be used to grow your hair thicker, fuller, and longer. Listen to the professional ya’ll.
3. Nourish your nail beds:
I know you’re wondering why this is here again since that’s what the biotin is for but hear me out. If a bumpy and ridged nail bed is ruining your mani-pedi you might want to consider increasing your vitamin B9 intake.
Also known as folic acid, this vitamin repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails, which speeds up growth and promotes overall nail health. It has also been known to boost strength and prevent peeling. You do not have to buy folic supplements but instead increase your intake of foods like beans, soybeans, and whole grains.
4. Eat a Nail-Friendly Diet:
For growing nails longer and stronger, Griggs recommends ‘a nutritious rainbow diet including colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, a little whole grains, and sweet potato’.
To take things to the next level, add foods that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria such as kefir, miso, yogurt, and Kimchi. Finally, ‘don’t forget to keep hydrated and reduce alcohol consumption and refined sugars’ she says. All this is saying that your diet is an important factor that decides whether you can grow your nails.
How to Make Your Nails Stronger
Alright, people, I have told you all the ways you can grow your nails even if you have a bad foundation. Now I will give you the information you need to make your nails stronger. Let’s go let’s go!
- Use a Keratin Treatment:
Keratin is naturally found in nails and is responsible for making them flexible. Don’t be discouraged, this doesn’t mean they’ll be thin, fragile, or even bendy but instead they’ll be fortified and much less likely to chip. Pro tip guys; do not use your nails as tools!- be gentle.
2. Invest in a ‘soft’ nail file:
Hold on, hold on before you come for me, just hear me out. You might have heard that glass nail files are better for filing with. While they’re pretty, long-lasting, and easy to clean, it pays you better to invest in a ‘soft’ nail file.
According to Session Manicurist Ami Streets. “To get the best finish for your filing, always opt for a soft file to prevent tearing or splitting your nails”, she says.
Her top recommendation is Orly’s nail file. So pro tip guys, your filing technique matters a lot. Back and forth see-saw motions will only cause your nails to splinter, so always file in one direction using long, swift, and gentle strokes.
3. Upgrade your Nail-Polish Remover:
I cannot stress this enough but nail polish removers containing a high concentration of acetone (the potent solvent responsible for dissolving nail polish fast) are extremely harsh on fragile nails and can dry them out almost instantly.
You see its effects when your nails start peeling flaking and splitting. To prevent your nails from becoming this way, your best bet is to go acetone-free. These formulas are gentler but they definitely don’t slack when it comes to cleaning those nails.
There you have it guys, all the ways you can grow your nails while also keeping a healthy lifestyle. I’m closing off with this awesome quote and reminder “the only time a woman is helpless is when her nails are drying”
