How to Get Long Healthy Nails

Practicing Good Daily Care

Keep your nails clean. Bacteria can adversely affect growth. Remember to wash on and under your nails when washing your hands. When handling anything dirty, like when you're working in the garden, make sure to wear gloves to minimize contact with dirt.

Moisturize your nails. While many people have no problem remembering to add lotion to their arms, legs, and hands, they neglect their nails. Each time you use hand lotion, rub the lotion over your nails and into the cuticles. This will help keep your nails strong and healthy and prevent hangnails. However, not all nails take to every moisturizer. If your nails appear cracked or otherwise damaged after using a moisturizer, try another brand.

Wear gloves when cleaning. Harsh chemicals from cleaners can harm fingernails. You also want to keep your nails dry to promote growth, so you should avoid contact with water. Each time you need to clean, put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your nails.

File your nails correctly. It's important to file and shape your nails regularly, even when growing them out, but how you file affects nail growth. Do not file your nails back and forth. Instead, file them on either side, working towards the center. Try to file into a square shape, as this tends to cause less breakage. If you're growing your nails out to get a particular shape, stick with a basic square shape. Once your nails are at your desired length, you can file them into the shape you want.

Purchase a nail strengthener. Go for a strengthener made of keratin protein. You can buy nail strengthener online or at a drug store. Apply your strengthener once every three days to promote nail growth.

Eating the Right Diet

Eat red meat. Red meat contains protein and iron, both of which help with nail health. Healthy nails are strong and help prevent breakage, which encourages nail growth. Try incorporating red meat into your meals during the week for stronger, healthier nails. Do not go overboard on red meat, however, as it's high in saturated fat. Go for a lean cut of red meat once a week for your nail health.

Add blueberries to your diet. Blueberries have been called a superfood due to their antioxidants. Antioxidants help your body, including your nails, fight off damage. A diet high in blueberries can help your nails stay strong and avoid breakage, allowing you to grow them longer. Try snacking on blueberries throughout the day to promote nail growth. Darker fruits and vegetables in general tend to be high in antioxidants, so incorporate things like spinach and other dark berries into your diet as well.

Talk to your doctor about biotin. Biotin is a dietary supplement that some studies indicate helps strengthen nails. If you're having difficulty growing out your nails because they're brittle, ask your doctor if biotin is right for you. While you can get biotin without a doctor's prescription, it's never a good idea to take medication without consulting your doctor first. This is especially important if you're on existing medications, which could be adversely affected by biotin.

Eat nuts. Almonds, walnuts, and brazil nuts are rich in vitamins like magnesium, selenium, vitamin E, and omega-3s. These nutrients help you maintain healthy, strong nails. Try snacking on nuts or adding them to salads to promote nail growth. Nuts are high in calories, so be sure to limit the overall amount of nuts you eat each day.

Add more healthy proteins to your diet. Protein is important for your body's overall strength and can help with nail growth. Opt for healthy, lean sources of protein if you want long, healthy nails. Salmon actually contains biotin in addition to protein, making it a great option for strengthening nails. Eggs also have biotin and contain a high amount of protein. Oysters contain zinc, which can help grow hair and nails.

Avoiding Bad Habits

Do not bite or pick at your nails. Biting or picking at your nails can cause them to fracture and then fall off. Throughout the day, leave your nails alone as much as possible to help them remain strong and grow out. If you struggle with nail biting, try doing something like wrapping the tips of your nails in tape to help you avoid the habit.

Avoid using your nails as a tool. If you need to open a box or letter, which for a knife or another sharp object instead of relying on your nails. Using your nails as tools wears them down over time. Nails that become broken or fractured will not grow out.

Do not neglect a top or base coat. Always put on a base coat before painting your nails. Once you're done painting your nails, add a top coat. This will help your polish stay on longer, preventing the need to re-paint your nails too often and expose them to nail polish remover. Also, base and top coats help strengthen your nails and leave them in better condition after applying polish.