Growing Long Nails

Long, natural healthy nails looks classy and sexy. Carefully manicured long nails say a lot about your personal style. Some seem to grow long and strong nails just like that with no extra effort, but many of us have to do so much care to achieve long and healthy looking nails.

Did you know: Nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter, nails on your dominant hand grow faster,
and men's nails grow more quickly than women's, except when a woman is pregnant when nail growth speeds up.

#1: Don't use your nails as tools.

Rather than using your nails use other parts of your hand, or a pen, to perform tasks like dialing the phone.
Don't pick, poke or scrape with your nails and especially avoid opening soft drink cans with your nails.

#2: Don't bit your nails or pick at your cuticles.

Aside from the obvious reason of biting shortening your nails these habits can damage the nail bed.
Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter the nail bed and cause an infection.
Remember your nails grow slowly so an injured nail retains signs of damage for several months.

#3: Look after your cuticles.

The cuticle is a barrier that keeps bacteria from the nail matrix, where new cells are generated, so it should not be cut or trimmed. On the other hand you do want to keep cuticles from becoming overgrown, which suffocates nail growth. If your cuticle has grown out on to the nail plate, after sufficiently softening your cuticles in warm water, very gently use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back.
As well as pushing your cuticles back this will help to remove dead skin and debris that may have accumulated. Hold the cuticle pusher at an angle, and use tiny circular movements, so that you are as gentle and careful as possible and do not damage the cuticle. Use cuticle clippers if needed.
When you have finished doesn't forget to moisturize your hands.

#4: Caring for brittle nails.

Trim brittle nails after a bath, or a 15 minute hand soak in bath oil, and then apply a moisturiser.
Don't use nail polish remover more than twice a month. Instead, touch up the nail polish. When you do need to use a nail polish remover avoid those that use acetone, which dries out nails.
Also consider using a nail strengthener and growth formula.

#5: Use coloured nail polish.

Use coloured nail polish while you are growing your nails. If you prefer a softer look, try a sheer shade. Coloured nail polish helps you become more aware of your hands and how to use them in a way that keeps your nail polish undamaged and hence your nails protected. It also makes chips easier to spot so that you can make immediate repairs.

Long, beautiful natural nails take commitment and special care to grow and maintain. Be patient, the average nail takes 3 to 6 months to grow.

I hope these tips helped you out a little bit. Don't hesitate to post any questions that you might have.