Growing Long and Healthy Nails

by Monica Prata

Long, beautiful and healthy finger nails communicate personal style and confidence. Healthy nails are always admired, but growing out and maintaining beautiful, natural nails can be quite difficult. Achieving this much coveted look takes a combination of diet, time and maintenance.

Diet is incredibly important to the health of your nails. Be sure that you are drinking enough water, as dehydration will result in the growth of thin brittle nails. Eating foods rich in potassium, calcium and Vitamin B will promote the growth of strong nails. If your diet doesn't allow for these, there are many supplements available that are designed specifically to promote healthy nail growth. Eating foods that contain fatty acids will also assist in healthy nail growth. Try eating a handful of almonds a day or incorporating salmon into your diet. Yogurt, eggs, spinach and seafood are also helpful additives to your diet while growing out your nails; eating these foods will speed up nail growth and will reduce breakage when your nails are longer.

Picking at your fingernails and cuticles is an obvious no-no, so if you want healthy nails, stop that little habit as soon as possible. You can reduce the urge to pick or bite by rubbing your fingernails and cuticles with gel from an aloe leaf, the bitter taste will prevent biting and the aloe will moisturize the nail bed and cuticle. If you have brittle nails from years of picking and biting, stay away from perfumes and products that contain alcohol, as alcohol will further deteriorate your nails. When washing dishes be sure to wear gloves to keep your nails away from chemicals. To prevent moisture loss, apply sunscreen to your nail when going out in the sun.

While your nails begin to grow, you can further stimulate their growth by massaging the cuticle while you moisturize your hands. Try moisturizing your cuticle and nail every night, doing this will reduce brittleness. As your nails grow, breakage definitely becomes an issue. When filing your newly grown out nails, avoid filing the corners as this will weaken them.

Once your nails are long, strong and healthy, don't be afraid to splurge! Getting the manicure and hand massage you've been longing for is a much deserved treat. While you're there, be daring and ask for the red nail polish-- after all of this hard work, you deserve to show them off!

Popular Treatment Cities