2 weeks after cutting my nails all the way off
FACTS! I have naturally brittle nails. While my nails will grow, I often find myself regrowing my nails from them breaking. We know about the basics like eating healthy, taking vitamins, and drinking water. However, there are some things that I started doing that were serious game changers and helped me to grow strong, healthy nails (AND QUICKLY!).
1. Use a Glass Nail File
This was something that I didn’t know made such a difference until I got one. I bought a glass nail file (almost by accident) from Ulta one day. I would typically buy those multi-sided nail files (that have the course black side, and the more fine white side), or those nail files that look like sand paper if I was feeling especially desperate. I use a glass file to keep a smooth nail free edge so that they do not snag on any fabrics and tear.I keep one at home, and one in my purse so that I can handle any chipped nails right way and prevent them from further splitting or chipping. The glass nail file provides a much smoother finish, and doesn’t leave any damage. This prevents my nails from splitting, and subsequently helps them grow longer.
2. Use Cuticle Oil for a Nightly Cuticle Massage
Whenever I would go to the nail salon, they would always give me a hand and cuticle massage with either an oil or a hand cream. To me, this was just a bonus service to make my experience more pleasant and make sure that I came back :). I noticed that I had extremely dry cuticles and nail bed folds one night before bed, and decided to massage some of my DIY hair and scalp oil on them since it was the closest thing to me at the time. When I woke up, the next day, I realized that my cuticles and nail folds looked great. I then massaged this oil on my nails and nail folds for the next week, being sure to rub the oil in very well. By then end of the week I found that not only had my dry cuticles and nail folds been healed, but my nails seemed to have grown a bit more than usual. I did some research and found that massaging the cuticle stimulates blood circulation and growth (source) much like a scalp massage. It all made total sense, and I made sure to incorporate it into my nail care routine. While this can be done anytime of the day, I find that doing this at night before bed is best. This allows the oil to stay on the cuticles and nail bed overnight and nourish them without being washed off.
3. Keep Nail Glue in My Purse for Splits on the Go
Sometimes while I am out, I’ll accidentally hit/snag my nails on something and split my nail. We know that you don’t want to peel the nail, but cut it to not cause any possible damage to the nail. But what do you do when you’re out, and you don’t have a fingernail clipper? Whip out your nail glue! I started buying a bottle of nail glue (like you would use for press on nails) and keeping it in my purse. Then if or when I get a split nail while I’m out, I use my nail glue to stop it from snagging on fabrics and splitting further.
**side tip** whenever you have a split that is pretty big, it is best to just cut the nail. You’ll lose the length for the moment, but the nail will grow back. You don’t want the nail to continue splitting and cause damage to your nail bed.
4. Keep Your Hands Dry While Washing Dishes
Have you ever finished washing the dishes and looked down to soft, weak, squishy nails? NO BUENO. The same way you don’t want to keep you hair wet for prolonged periods of time because you can get hygral fatigue, you don’t want to keep your nails wet either. Hydral fatigue can lead to weak hair over time, and lead to breakage due to excessive swelling of the cuticle when water is perpetually absorbed (source). It only makes sense that the same thing would happen to your nails since your hair and nails are made up of the same compounds, thus requiring (essentially) the same care. As the primary dishwasher in my household, my hands were finding their way to dish water pretty much every day, and my nails were suffering because of it. I bought myself a pair or rubber gloves to prevent this hygral fatigue, and my nails have been much stronger ever since. If you are a hair dresser, or are in a line of work were your hands are always wet, this may be something to think of.
**BONUS** Henna???
Now this tip is not tested to be tried and true, but I have noticed a change in my nail length and strength when I am consistent with my henna applications. I use henna on my hair for it’s strengthening and conditioning properties, and when I apply it I usually do not wear gloves as I should. This usually leads to orange hands for about 5 days, and orange nails until they grow out but it may all be worth it. I usually will do a full-strength henna treatment once a month (glove free) and have found that with consistent application, my nails are also stronger (like my hair). I’m still testing this one out, so check back for a full write-up.
What things do you do for long, healthy nails?
