How To Grow Your Nails – Growing your nails long and keeping them that way can be difficult. A beautiful set of, long, natural healthy nails looks classy and sexy.

Immaculately manicured long nails say a lot about your personal style and confidence. The longer your nails, the more at risk of breaking or chipping they become. You also need to keep them properly groomed as they can get quite dirty and unsightly. With proper discipline and these simple steps, your long nails won’t be too difficult to take care of.

• Don’t use your nails as tools

Rather than using your nails use other parts of your hand, or a pen, to perform tasks like dialling the phone. Don’t pick, poke or scrape with your nails and especially avoid opening soft drink cans with your nails.

• Wear gloves

Detergents can be really hard on the nails so you should wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to avoid splitting and peeling. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. You should also wear gloves when gardening to protect your nails from infection and prevent dryness, damage, and loss of natural oils.

• Look after your cuticles

The cuticle is the skin that protects the area where nails are produced from bacteria. It is also where new cells are generated, so it should not be cut or trimmed. On the other hand, they should not be left to become overgrown, as this can suffocate nail growth. If your cuticle has grown out on to the nail plate, soften it using warm water, and then gently use a cuticle pusher to push the cuticles back. Pushing the cuticles back will also help to remove dead skin and debris that may have accumulated. When you have finished doesn’t forget to moisturize your hands.

• Take calcium and zinc

Make sure to include lots of calcium and zinc in your diet. Calcium keeps your nails strong, as well as your teeth and bones so it’s a good idea even if you’re not after long nails. Zinc deficiency can cause little white spots in your nails. Drink lots of water. Not only does this keep you properly hydrated, it’s good for helping them grow properly as well.

• Look after your nails

Trim fingernails and clean under the nails regularly. When smoothening and trimming, use manicure scissors or clippers and a nail file. Never pull off hangnails as this will most likely result in ripping living tissue. Clip hangnails off, leaving a slight angle outward.