5 Tips on How To Grow Long Healthy Nails

February 21, 2023 7 min read

healthy nails

If your nails aren’t as strong and healthy as they used to be, don’t panic, because there’s still time to turn that around! And the best part is, it won’t take years to see a transformation (a ton of our customers have seen amazing results in just a few weeks). With just a few minutes per day, you can start growing strong, healthy nails. Plus, just imagine how fabulous your new nails will look with a fresh coat of polish on them? Get ready to let your nails live their best life!So, what’s the best way to take your nails from awful to awesome? Here are a couple of things you can start doing immediately.
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  1. Minimize their exposure to water for one – which is always a great excuse to get somebody else to do the dishes.
  2. Ensure that your nails are always clean and dry to avoid dirt and bacteria.
  3. Trim your nails straight across using sharp nail scissors or clippers. Round the tips slightly for added strength. If your old tools are getting dull, check out our Tool Kits that have everything you need for the perfect mani.
  4. Avoid biting your fingernails and removing cuticles as it can harm your nails. If you’ve been trying to kick your nail biting habit for awhile, I highly recommend No More Biting, which is a treatment you can put on your nails to make them taste bitter if you try to bite them.
  5. Refrain from using your nails as tools when you’re doing things like opening cans to prevent damage.
  6. And most importantly, tend to them regularly with a nail strengthening treatment. Yes, it really is that simple.
If you want a nail strengthening treatment that really works, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve developed not just one, but three top rated strengthening treatments to help you grow stronger, healthier nails. Read the options below to find the best fit for your nails!

First Aid Kiss

What It Does: First Aid Kiss is one of our best-selling strengthening treatments and a real fan favorite. How so? Because it’s jam packed with vitamin E which is like liquid gold for your nails. Vitamin E protects your nails against free radical damage, hydrates your cuticles and strengthens your nail beds. Yes, it really is that good.

Ideal For: Weak, thin, splitting or yellow-stained nails.

Why We Love It: Vitamin E is also believed to help brighten your nails and fade that annoying yellow tint which can be caused by dark nail colors. Result. But remember, if your nails are excessively yellow, this may be caused by something other than surface staining, so if you’re ever in doubt, see a doctor.

Over To You: Hundreds of five-star reviews prove that First Aid Kiss offers a big win for fabulous nails.

“My nails are FINALLY long, strong and healthy!” explains one reviewer, Beth. “I’ve never finished a bottle of nail polish in my life and I’m already ordering my third bottle… I love this stuff."

First Aid Kiss Buy Now

Damage Control

What It Does: Damage Control harnesses the powers of horsetail plant, a healing herb that’s rich in nutrients and packed with silica to promote better nail growth. The high mineral content of horsetail has also been said to help reduce white spots in your nails as an extra bonus.

Ideal For: Weak, brittle nails or those that simply won’t grow.

Why We Love It: For one thing, Damage Control offers results – and fast. We’ve found that applying it every three days for just two weeks makes our nails way stronger and healthier-looking. This makes it ideal for anyone hoping for great nails at full tilt, which, in all honesty, is so us. Patience? Not our strong point.

Over To You: Although Damage Control is relatively new to the ella+mila family, it’s already gained a cult following.

“For the first time in my adult life, my nails are healthy and strong,” reckons Aaron. “I have never used a nail product in my life that’s given me such wonderful results.”

 Damage Control product image

Firm Foundation

What It Does: Strengthening your nails is just the tip of the iceberg for Firm Foundation. This little beauty also hardens your nails and provides the perfect foundation (c’mon, the clue was in the name) for your nail polish. And as you all know, a great base coat is the true hero in any long-lasting mani.

Ideal For: Soft, weak nails.

Why We Love It: Correct us if we’re wrong, but who doesn’t love a beauty product that works hard for its money? Well, this 2-in-1 strengthener and base coat does exactly that. More importantly, it works. We almost named it ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ but it was a bit of a mouthful.

Over To You: Clearly you folks love a multi-purpose product just as much as we do.

“This stuff is magic in a bottle,” says Cari. “Not only are my nails stronger but they look and feel soooo healthy!”

Firm Foundation product page

How to Grow Long, Healthy Nails With 5 Tips

Each of those treatments will help your nails begin to grow stronger, but I know you want results fast! In addition to those tips we mentioned earlier, here are 3 extra things you can start doing to speed up their comeback.

1.Keep Your Nails Short

Keeping your nails short is a simple yet smart move for maintaining their health and encouraging growth. Short nails are less likely to break or get damaged compared to longer ones, which are prone to snags and splits. 

Regular trims help avoid those frustrating moments when your nails become brittle and weak. Plus, short nails are easier to keep clean and less likely to trap dirt or bacteria, which means better overall hygiene. By sticking with a shorter length, you can focus on strengthening your nails and giving them the care they need, making it easier for them to grow strong and healthy over time.

2. Stay Hydrated

When it comes to achieving and maintaining long, healthy nails, hydration is a crucial yet often overlooked factor. Just like your skin and hair, your nails need adequate moisture to stay strong and flexible. Dehydration can lead to brittle, dry nails that are more prone to breaking and splitting. This includes drinking plenty of fluids and regularly using amoisturizer. 

To maintain optimal nail growth and health, aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, commonly known as the "8x8 rule." This helps keep your body, including your nails, adequately hydrated. Keep in mind that individual needs may vary based on factors such as activity level, climate, and overall health. 

What if you don’t have a habit of drinking water regularly throughout the day? Carry a reusable water bottle - bonus points it it comes with measurements to track your intake.  You can also use smartphone apps or alarms to remind you to drink water at regular intervals.

 

3. Use Cuticle Oil

While much attention is often given to the nails themselves, maintaining healthy cuticles is equally important for overall nail health. Cuticles, the thin layer of skin at the base of the nail, act as a barrier to protect new nail growth. Keeping them moisturized ensures that they stay healthy and can support optimal nail growth.

If you’re constantly washing your hands,itcan lead to dry cuticles and brittle, weak nails, so apply hand cream throughout the day and rub oil into your cuticles every night before bed. BTW, ourOil Me Up (cuticle oil) will take care of this real well.Apply it daily to keep the area soft and supple.

4.Avoid Unnecessary Chemicals In Your Nail Products

If you want to know how to grow long, healthy nails fast, you need to keep in mind the quality of the products you use. After all, it can make a significant difference in how your nails grow and look. From nail polishes to strengtheners and conditioners, choosing the right products is essential for maintaining the health and integrity of your nails.

There are so many harsh chemicals in regular nail productsthatit’s unreal. Ingredients like camphor, formaldehyde, toluene and xylene are a dime a dozen, but can cause all manner of nasty side-effects including dryness and irritation. Be kinder to your nails by sticking with ella+mila polishes which are free of the 17 unnecessary toxic or potentially harmful ingredients. To see a list of the ingredients to look out for,click here.

Additionally, avoid acetone in your nail polish remover,as this will further dry out your skin and damage your nails. Instead, use soy or jojobaNail Polish Remover that nourishes your nails instead of damaging them.

5. Eat Well

Just like the rest of your body, your nails need a variety of nutrients to thrive. Eating a diverse range of foods ensures that your body gets the essential vitamins and minerals needed for strong, resilient nails.

Here’s how vitamins and minerals contribute to nail strength:

  • Biotin: Often hailed as a key player in nail health, biotin (a B vitamin) helps strengthen nails and promote nail growth. It improves the keratin structure, which is a crucial protein for nail health.
  • Zinc: This mineral is vital for cell division and growth, which includes nail cells. A deficiency in zinc can lead to brittle nails and slow growth.
  • Iron: Iron supports healthy blood circulation, which is essential for delivering nutrients to your nails. Low iron levels can result in weak, thin nails.
  • Vitamin E: Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin E helps protect nail cells from damage and supports overall nail health by improving circulation.

 

So, which foods should you eat to keep your nails healthy and help them grow fast? Here’s our short list:

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and biotin, which are essential for healthy nails.

Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds provide a good source of zinc, vitamin E, and healthy fats that support nail strength and hydration.

Eggs: Eggs are packed with protein and biotin, making them a great choice for promoting nail growth and strength.

Lean Meats and Fish: Chicken, turkey, and salmon offer high-quality protein and iron, both of which contribute to stronger, healthier nails.

Fruits: Oranges, berries, and avocados are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support overall nail health and repair.

Final Thoughts

Getting long, healthy nails is all about combining the right habits and products. It’s not just about slapping onnail polish; it’s about creating a solid routine that supports nail strength and growth. By understanding the basics of nail health, staying hydrated, and using quality products, you're setting yourself up for success. Don’t forget to keep your cuticles moisturized and maintain a balanced diet packed with essential nutrients. And yes, keeping your nails short and avoiding bad habits can make a big difference, too!

Stick with these tips, and you'll likely see your nails grow long and strong. Healthy nails are a great confidence booster, and with a little care, you can achieve them!

 

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