How to Maintain Natural Long Fingernails
Do you want natural, long fingernails?
Long, Healthy, and Natural Fingernails are Within Your Grasp
I used to have a problem with weak fingernails. No matter what I did, it seemed as if they would break and crack and I couldn't figure out how to change the situation. Then, I got smart - both with my eating habits and my nail hygiene regimen. Between those two things, my nails started to grow in strong.
Sure, I have moments when I'll break a nail. Or, I may go through a period of time when I can sense that my nails are starting to get weak again. But, I've learned how to adjust my lifestyle and my habits to make sure that they grow in nice and strong.
A big part of my secret is to understand what different nail problems actually mean. Do your nails have ridges? Do they break and flake apart? Figure out the cause of your weak nails and this will make your nails healthy and strong.
Before we get started, I would show your doctor your nails to get his advice. Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause weak nails and so can problems such as nail fungus. Take the time to get the right diagnosis and you will be on your way to having the nails of your dreams.
Should you paint your nails?
Do you have any of these common nail problems?
Problem
| What it Could Be
| What to Do
|
|---|---|---|
Dry, Brittle Nails
| Nutritional deficiency, nail fungus.
| Consult with your doctor. Take a multivitamin.
|
Thickened or brittle nails or separated from nail bed.
| Nail Fungus
| See your doctor or dermatologist.
|
Ridges
| Underlying medical condition, nutritional deficiency.
| See your doctor.
|
Pitting
| Could be Psoriasis.
| See your doctor.
|
Clubbing
| Various medical problems.
| See your doctor.
|
Nails that are spooned outward.
| Anemia, other medical problems.
| See your doctor.
|
This table is just a rough guide and by no means complete. The bottom line is that if your nails aren't long and healthy and have a distinct and noticeable problem, you should get it checked out. That way you and your doctor can have a plan of attack
Eat a Healthy Diet
Are your nails long and healthy?
Are your fingernails health, long, and natural?
Eat Clean Diet Series
Healthy Eating Habits for Healthy Nails
Your nails are often a reflection of how healthy you are overall. As you can tell by looking at that table, there are some health problems that can cause your nails to look unsightly. But, you can greatly improve the health of your nails by eating a healthy diet.
One of the things that happens to my nails is that they peel and flake easily. For me, this often means that I am either not eating enough protein or that my diet is too low in calcium. So, I make sure I adjust my diet.
But, I know this about myself because I took the time to investigate and I determined that I didn't have an underlying condition. The way I see it is this - eating a healthy diet certainly can't hurt!
Here are some general guidelines. Everyone is different - in the end you have to do what is right for your specific needs. If you need guidance, you can ask your doctor, a nutritionist, or a dietician.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Healthy fats are also an important part of the diet like nuts, seeds, and healthy oils like olive oil.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Lean protein sources are also essential.
- Stay away from refined carbohydrates as best as you can.
- Eat high quality, high fiber carbohydrates.
There are plenty of great books on the market, too. I am a huge fan of Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet series. She's helped plenty of people turn themselves around and achieve ultimate health through diet and fitness.
Biting Nails is a No-No for Healthy Nails
Beauty Habits for Healthy Nails
Eating a healthy diet and making sure you don't have an underlying medical problem is only part of the story. Nails do respond to basic care. If you are healthy and your nails are still bad, they may respond to these beauty habits.
- Keep nails neat and trimmed.
- Push back your cuticles with a towel or orange stick after you shower.
- Keep your hands, nails, and cuticles well moisturized.
- If nails are fairly weak, you can paint a coat or two of nail hardening polish until your nails get stronger.
- Protect your hands when doing housework, gardening, washing dishes, or even going outside in the cold. This really does help protect the nails and hands!
In terms of products, you can buy special cuticle and hand creams. I personally have the best luck with petroleum jelly and olive oil. Most people have these products around the house.
