So you stopped biting your nails? That is amazing! Give yourself a huge pat on the back. For most people, like myself, this habit may have been harbored for years, perhaps even decades. In my instance, I finally quit but found myself constantly frustrated with breakage.
I had no idea how much I would actually USE my nails. Once mine grew out past my fingertips, they were chipping almost daily. My pinkie nail broke off completely while opening my car door. I snagged my middle finger reaching into my pocket. My thumbnail cracked while flipping open my cell phone (Yes, I still have a flip cell, don’t judge).
Let’s stop that cycle! I mean, the whole reason we grow out our nails is to prove how beautiful they are. And we can’t do that if they’re all nasty and jagged-looking!
Emery Boards
These are my new best friend. I’ve always seen woman using them and they look so fancy. I never truly used one before I grew my nails out. Honestly, I bite my nails below the fingertip, so there are never a point to filing (I left that up to my beaver teeth, I guess). But now, I need one! As exciting as that is, I didn’t know how to use one properly.
This video really helped me out.
Decide what shape you want your nail in first – like you do when you pluck your eyebrows. I prefer to have mine rounded.
Using the rough side of the board first, start at the left edge of your nail and drag it across in short-even strokes. Do not see-saw back and forth with the board. Imagine your nail like a wood grain. If you run your fingers across one way, it’s smooth and the opposite, it’s rough. Always go with the grain. Sanding against it will weaken the nail and causing future breakage.
Follow through with the finer grit on the other side of the board.
Nail Oil
After I file my nails, they always feel gritty. That texture makes my teeth grind. Brushing some nail oil on the makes them feel healthy and smooth.
Now, you could purchase some fancy nail oil, like this one. But I have a history of saying, “Ah…I can make that!” So I did. I combined coconut oil, grapeseed oil and sunflower oil in a small jar and apply this on my freshly filed nails with my fingers. I massage the mixture into my cuticles, too. This works wonders for strength!
Vitamins
Go out and get yourself some Hair, Skin & Nail vitamins. This will help your nails grow strong. I also love and swear by the Biotin vitamins. Both of these will help your nails grow fast, thick and super strong. Not to mention your hair will grow fast, too (such an awesome side effect). I’ve been on a regiment of these vitamins for about a year now and my nails are thicker than ever!
Diet
You hear this one a lot. But it’s absolutely true. I have been eating a non-processed food diet for 6 weeks now and have seen a vast improved in my nail growth. Two weeks ago my pinkie nail broke completely off, and it has already grown back beyond my fingertip!
I also do not drink soda or any artificial drinks. I only drink water, organic tea or natural, fresh-pressed juice. Speaking of juicing, you should definitely try it. Through juicing, you supply your body with an insane amount of nutrients that will benefit you in tons of ways!
Nail Polish Remover
In order to grow out my nails in the beginning, I had to paint them a lot. Out of side, out of mind right? Well, I was changing up the color and noticed that the polish remover was really harsh on my nails.
So I switched to a Strengthening Nail Polish Remover. Most of these are infused with Vitamin E which is great for strong nails. I bought my strengthening remover from Target. Having not bitten my nails since Thanksgiving, I’m only halfway through the bottle. And the bottle costs less than $3!
Top Coat
You just can’t beat Sally Hansen. Her line is very affordable, quick drying and gives you amazing shine. I love her Diamond Flash line. It lasts forever and really makes your nails stronger. There are fewer chips and your color will last for days!
I’m happy to report that I haven’t had breakage for more than 10 days – and that with daily, vigorous typing, too!
What do you do to prevent nail breakage?
