The process of lengthening strong nails requires several steps. As long as it's cared for, your nails can grow as long as you want. Start by breaking bad habits that affect your nails. After that, fulfill the need for proper vitamins and do a manicure properly.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Breaking Bad Habits
Step 1. Stop the habit of biting your nails
Biting your nails is bad for your health. While it's a common nervous habit, nail biting can lead to bacterial infections of the hands and mouth. If the skin around the nail is dry or peeling, just cut it off, don't bite it off.
- Try using nail polish or other decorations as you may not want to spoil your pretty nails.
- Chew gum when bored.
- Do not bite the skin around the nails. You may think that biting your skin won't damage your nails. This is wrong and actually makes the nails weak because of the increased moisture from the saliva so that the nails break easily.
- Choose one nail a week that won't bite. The following week, add another nail so you can gradually break this habit.
- If your nail-biting is severe, consider talking to a therapist about anxiety and boredom.
Step 2. Break the habit of using acrylics and gels
If you quickly remove the gel or acrylic, your nails will be dry, brittle, and unable to grow. Even the correct way to remove it can damage the nails because the nail bed is wet. Wet nail pads are very sensitive.
If you want a gel or acrylic manicure, try alternating it. Do a regular manicure in between gel or acrylic manicures
Step 3. Break the habit of peeling off half-removed nail polish
If the nail polish is peeled off manually, the top layer of the nail will also peel off. It weakens the nail bed.
Step 4. Stop the habit of not wearing a base coat and a top coat
When you are in a hurry and want your nail polish to dry quickly, base coats and top coats are sometimes overlooked. However, without these two layers nails can be damaged. This layer protects the nails from discoloration, and also makes the nail polish follow the shape of the nail so it doesn't peel off easily. This way, you won't be tempted to peel and damage your nails as a result.
Carry a moisturizing eraser in your bag so you can remove the nail polish once it starts to peel off. That way, you won't be tempted to peel it off
Step 5. Break the habit of using nails as tools
Removing the label, scraping off the glue, or removing the key from the holder will damage your nails. You may not realize it, but if you want strong nails, start paying attention.
The best way to stop it is to slow down. Have a pair of scissors or other tools ready to open, scrape, or remove anything. Avoid activities that can bend your nails. Use clear nail polish so you don't be tempted to bite your nails
Part 2 of 3: Getting the Right Vitamins
Step 1. Get plenty of vitamin H (biotin)
Biotin supports the growth and strength of nails, hair and skin. Aim to get 30 to 40 micrograms of biotin per day through food or supplements. Sources of biotin are whole grains, mushrooms, bananas, salmon, and avocados.
Step 2. Eat foods that contain folic acid
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, helps prevent damage to nerve cells and keeps red blood cells healthy. Vitamin B9 is the best vitamin for nail growth, and excessive intake will not occur because the body excretes the excess naturally. Examples of foods rich in folic acid are fish, red meat, cheese, and fortified soy products.
Step 3. Take vitamin A
Vitamin A can help strengthen nails. The recommended daily dose is 700 to 900 micrograms a day. Examples of foods rich in vitamin A are sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, and green leafy vegetables.
Step 4. Get plenty of vitamin C
Vitamin C has long been known to support immune health. That is, vitamin C can help recovery in the body. Restoration supports growth and strengthens nails. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, kale, strawberries, and bell peppers.
Part 3 of 3: Doing a Manicure Right
Step 1. Shape and care for the base
In order for your nails to grow long and strong, you have to start with the right foundation. This means that you need clean and healthy nails. Don't forget to file it so it looks good and cut the cuticle.
- File your nails the right way. Start from the outer edge towards the center. Repeated back and forth movements will only weaken the nails.
- Choose a nail shape that supports growth. Round shapes will be easier long. If it's rectangular, you'll probably be using your nails as a tool.
Step 2. Take good care of your cuticles
Soak nails in warm water for 5 minutes to loosen cuticles. Apply a cuticle remover liquid on your nails and use a cuticle stick to push away the dead skin. Clean the fluid and cuticle residue with water. Do it 4 times a week.
- To improve cuticle health, apply hyaluronic acid on and around the cuticles.
- Apply moisturizer. Moisturized skin around the cuticle will prevent the nail from tearing and breaking.
Step 3. Use a nail-strengthening treatment
There are several treatments to strengthen nails. Once you've established the right base and taken care of your cuticles, use a treatment that fits your budget and schedule.
- Serums are expensive, but they usually give the best and fastest results in strengthening nails.
- The perfect cream for everyday use. You can buy protein-intensive creams to apply morning and night before bed.
- A type of nail polish that strengthens nails will prevent brittle nails. It is affordable and easy to use.
Tips
- Mix hot water with coconut oil, soak your hands for 5-10 minutes, then pat dry. After that, wash it off with cold water.
- Massage the cuticles for 15-20 seconds every night before going to bed to increase blood circulation around the nails.
- Nourish nails and cuticles by massaging tea tree oil into the nail bed.
- Put olive oil and coconut oil in an old nail polish bottle, plus lemon juice and vitamin E or D oil. You can use it as a natural cuticle oil.
- Paint your nails. The nail polish will prevent the nail from breaking. If the nails and nail polish are bent, trim them with a file.
- If possible, use acetone-free nail polish, which is better for the skin.
- Always carry a nail file. If there are torn or broken nails, do not pull, but use a file.
- Don't take prenatal vitamins. Although thought to be able to lengthen nails, prenatal vitamins pose a risk of digestive problems if you are not pregnant.
- Leave it alone, the nail will grow by itself.
- Don't tamper with the cuticles. The function of the cuticle is to protect the nail from fungus and infection. Scientifically, cuticles are proven not to affect nail growth.
