How to have beautiful and strong nails?
Length is synonymous with beauty for nails. That said, before wishing for long nails, make sure they become **strong and resilient** first. Avoid all aggressions that can harm their good health!
Some people are lucky enough to have **genetics** that favor naturally hard and strong nails. If this isn't your case, it's no reason to give up. The important thing is to adopt **good habits**. Neglected hands are hands that look bad. There's no secret. If you want to show off pretty hands with clean and strong nails, you need to put in the effort for maintenance and, most importantly, ensure their protection!
The first thing to do is to **not bite them**. This leads to their fragility and prevents even and lasting regrowth. This compulsive gesture is generally performed due to stress. You must find another method to relieve this compulsion. **Applying nail polish can be a solution**. The chemical smell and taste can prevent you from biting them.
Second golden rule: **do housework with gloves**. Products attack your skin in addition to damaging your nails. Even if dish soap doesn't seem aggressive at first glance, also wash your dishes with gloves. This will also prevent your nails from coming into contact with sponges, which are breeding grounds for bacteria.
The third rule is to **clean** your nails regularly. Using an appropriate nail brush or a simple toothbrush, wash the underside of your nail with soap.
It is often said that there is nothing better than natural, yet applying nail polish is a way to protect your nails. A simple coat of clear polish is enough. However, if your nails are really weakened, avoid applying tips or UV gel. The goal is not to damage them further but to establish a regular care routine to strengthen them.
When applying your polish, don't forget the base and top coat!
How to make your nails grow faster?
If they are soft, tired with white spots, it's high time to give them a little **treatment**. Treatments are long (3 months) but if you are consistent, we can assure you that you will see results. The ideal? **Brewer's yeast**. It is very well known for stimulating growth and strengthening hair and nails. You can find it in capsules or buy it in powder form in stores to add to your dishes!
Every 10 days, perform **oil baths**. Olive oil and castor oil are excellent for moisturizing while strengthening your nails. To do this, soak your fingers in a bowl of oil for at least 5 minutes. Opt for **lemon juice** if you want to **whiten** them. The virtues of this acidic fruit are known for their bleaching effects.
We never think about it. Yet, cuticles need regular care. Every two days, remember to **massage your cuticles** and nails with cuticle oils or an adapted cream.
How to file your nails?
It is better to avoid cutting your nails with nail clippers. Strange idea, isn't it? But if your nails are not particularly long, favor the use of a **nail file**. Unlike nail clippers, it will prevent splitting and ensure **even regrowth**. Also, know that you should not file back and forth but always in the **same direction**.
Never cut your nails too short and remember to leave a few millimeters of white to start. Filing them too short risks ingrown nails.
The steps of filing:
- Wash your hands and nails properly. Wait until they are completely dry.
- Get your nail file. Cardboard ones are the most affordable and most effective. Select those with a fine grit for a smooth and even finish (thicker grits are designed for false nails.)
- Choose the shape of your nails. The oval shape is the most practical as it is less likely to break. The almond shape lengthens your fingers. The square shape is very trendy, perfect for long nails! To achieve it, you only need to file the tip of your nails and not the sides.
- Start filing by holding the tool parallel to the edge of the nail.
- File from the edge of the nail towards the center in a fluid motion. Ensure the file is always perpendicular to the nail.
- Perform the same operation on the other edge (remember not to file back and forth).
- Clean and moisturize your nails post-session!
