5 things you must do to have long and strong nails

Nails are highly valued in the beauty world, so many of us are passionate about long, enameled, decorated nails and everything we are entitled to. More than just the fingertips, they are part of the look and also follow style trends.

However, appreciating long nails is not always synonymous with having beautiful and healthy nails. If you are dissatisfied because your nails break too easily and never reach the ideal length, check if you are not already following any of the following tips:

1. Have a healthy diet

Nails are a part of the body like any other and, therefore, they are also heavily influenced by our diet. As they are mainly made up of a protein (keratin), it is very important that our diet provides adequate levels of amino acids. Protein sources like salmon and chicken are excellent options for this; yet, these foods provide zinc, which is also essential for nails.

In addition, this part of the body needs a lot of vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C and folic acid, which are mostly found in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and in foods rich in good fats like avocado.

2. Keep your nails well hydrated

As with the skin, nails also become weaker, brittle and prone to flaking when they are dehydrated. Therefore, it is necessary to include the hydration of this part of the body in your daily beauty care.

Applying a cuticle cream or oil a few times a day and protecting hands and nails with gloves when handling cleaning products are two habits that contribute to the hydration of this region.

3. Don’t use your nails as a tool

Opening beverage cans, ripping off labels, fixing the hook on a bracelet… It is very common to use your fingernails to do these activities, but this is a habit that we must put aside.

By forcing the nails against a hard surface, we create small cracks that make it easier to break – or we already chip the nail in one go. So resist temptation and turn to the right instrument!

4. Get your nails done often

Doing our nails regularly helps them to grow for the simple fact that, thinking about preserving the enamel, we take care of our hands much more. You know: when we have freshly done nails, we don’t use them as tools (as we saw in the topic above) and we wear gloves to protect them from chemicals. In addition, having your manicure up to date helps to end the habit of biting your nails and reduces the desire to rip off “little skins” around them.

You don’t necessarily have to go to the salon every week, as taking care of your nails at home already has that effect. However, it is necessary to use good quality nail polishes, preferably hypoallergenic, and to use removers without acetone, avoiding drying out your nails. It is also necessary to observe a safe limit regarding the removal of cuticles, as they are essential for the health of this part of the body.

5. Be patient!

Having long and strong nails is a time-consuming process, so you need to be patient. Unfortunately, results do not appear overnight, as the fingertips have their growth and recovery time – fingernails take about 6 months to be fully renewed.

In that time, it is quite likely that your nails will break, as you have to wait until the fragile part is replaced. Don’t get upset: this is momentary and will pass, as long as you stick to your skincare routine.

It may be interesting to consult a dermatologist to verify that there are no other problems with your nails and, if necessary, indicate a special strengthening foundation for you. Be patient and soon you will have the nails you always wanted.