How to Grow Long Strong Healthy Nails

Filing your nail as soon as you tear it will protect it.

Long, healthy nails are attractive to some and most women enjoy having them. They can elongate fingers and make the hands appear more graceful. Healthy nails are strong, smooth and uniform in color. Options for having long nails are press on nails, acrylic nails or allowing them to grow on their own. While it's easy to overlook nails, a few basic steps can help you achieve long, healthy nails.

Things You'll Need

• Nail file
• Moisturizer
• Gloves
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover

Instructions

1. Protect your nails and use them only for normal activities. Avoid using your nails as tools for opening, cutting or ripping things. These actions could easily damage one or more nails quickly.

2. File your nails into a very subtle, soft rounded shape as opposed to a straight edge. This will help them resist splitting or chipping. Edges should feel smooth after filing. It's easier and safer to file nails after a bath or shower, according to the Mayo Clinic.

3. File your nail immediately when you see a split, tear or crack in it. This will prevent the nail from snagging on something and becoming much worse.

4. Moisturize your hands and nails after your hands have been in any water. Water will dry nails and cause them to split, so it's best to use a hand cream or cuticle oil on your nails to keep them supple.

5. Apply moisturizer and wear gloves at night for added protection.

6. Wear gloves while you wash dishes, garden or work with harsh detergents.

7. Wear nail polish. Nail polish can protect your nails from damage and they can also strengthen them. Polishes listed as "acetone-free" are better for your nails because they are less drying than polishes containing acetone, according to Everyday Health.

8. Give your nails a break from wearing polish every so often, suggests Everyday Health. Letting your nails breathe and giving them a good buff will brighten them up in between coats of polish.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a hardener, avoid ones that contain toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde, as these ingredients can irritate skin around the nail bed.

• Don't have your cuticles removed, as this may lead to infection.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong
• Everyday Health: Long, Healthy Nails