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How to Make Your Nails Grow Longer: Best Tips for Healthy, Strong Nails
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There's nothing quite like the feeling of having naturally long, healthy nails. Whether you're growing them to wear semi-cured gel strips like Wilana's Carnival Lights or simply love the look of long, natural nails, the journey to stronger, longer nails can be frustrating if you're unsure where to start.
The good news? With a bit of patience and the right care, you can achieve your nail goals! Here are our top tips to help your nails grow longer, healthier, and stronger.
Keep Your Nails Hydrated
Dry nails are more likely to become brittle and prone to breaking. Regularly applying jojoba oil to your nails is essential to keeping them hydrated. Massage it into your cuticles and nail beds daily, improving blood flow and nourishing the new nail growth.
Pro Tip: A rich hand cream can also lock in moisture and keep your nails healthy.
Avoid Nail Biting and Bad Habits
We get it—biting nails or picking at them when you're stressed can be hard to resist. But this habit not only weakens your nails but also affects the nail growth cycle. To prevent yourself from picking at them, try keeping your nails polished or covered with semi-cured gel nail strips (bonus: they'll look stunning!).
Protect Your Nails During Everyday Tasks
This is a tip I can definitely use—I’m so guilty of not following it!
From doing the dishes to gardening, your nails are exposed to daily wear and tear. To keep them strong:
- Wear gloves while cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
- Avoid using your nails as tools (no peeling stickers or opening cans with them!).
Bonus: Wearing gloves also prevents your nails from drying out.
File Regularly but Gently
Keeping your nails filed prevents splitting and snags. Use a fine-grit nail file and always file in one direction to avoid damage. Rounded or square-oval (squoval) shapes are less likely to catch or break.
Nourish Your Nails from Within
What you eat plays a huge role in nail health. Include foods rich in:
- Biotin (found in eggs, nuts, and salmon) for stronger nails.
- Protein (like chicken, tofu, or lentils) to boost keratin production.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, chia seeds, or walnuts) for nail flexibility.
Keep Them Polished (Literally!)
Applying gel polish or semi-cured gel nail strips like Wilana's collection can help protect your nails from breakage. The extra layer provides a buffer against external forces, keeping them safe as they grow out.
Just make sure to remove gel polish or strips gently to prevent weakening your nails.
Stay Consistent with Maintenance
Consistency is key! Regularly moisturising, filing, and protecting your nails will show results over time. Growth takes patience, so don't get discouraged by small setbacks.
Wilana's Final Tip
While you're waiting for your nails to grow, why not make them look amazing in the meantime? Our semi-cured gel nail strips are perfect for adding length visually and protecting your nails as they grow. Designs like Whisper and Berry Luxe will have you flaunting your hands with pride, no matter their current length.
Ready to start your nail journey? Check out Wilana's range of semi-cured gel strips and let your nails grow beautifully in style!