How To Grow Stronger, Longer Nails in Health & Beauty on 04/04/19Okay. First things first. I wanted to provide a quick disclaimer that the “how to grow stronger, longer nails” advice you are about to receive is coming from a former nail biter. YEP. That’s right. Honestly, I can’t exactly remember when I grew out of the phase… I know it was a constant thing when I was a kid, but I’m pretty sure I would sometimes do it in high school if a nail ever broke naturally and I was trying to “even it out.” Apparently I didn’t know what a nail file was? Anyway, it was a fucking nasty habit and now I would sooner die than attempt to perform a manicure on myself using my teeth. Nail polish is OPI Gel in “Small + Cute = ♥” from the Hello Kitty collection | Sweater (AllSaints) | Raw Hem White Skinny Jeans (Madewell) | Bag (Gucci) It’s no secret that long nails are in. Now, I don’t think I could ever rock the Kardashian/Jenner look, but I personally love the look of a slightly longer, albeit natural nail. So, keeping my nails healthy and doing little things to make them grow faster and stronger is definitely something I’ve gotten on board with. I’ve seen first hand (pun intended) how certain practices and self-care routines I’ve added into my life have done wondrous things for my nails, and today I’m sharing the very easy ways you too can grow the best nails of your life 🙂 How To Grow Stronger, Longer Nails Stop Peeling Off Your Damn Gel Nail Polish This is without a doubt the #1 thing I’ve stopped doing that has made ALL the difference when it comes to growing out my nails. And trust me, I know this is easier said than done… But resist the urge! It’s so rough on your nails and will make them weak, brittle, and prone to breaking. If you get regular gel manicures like myself, leave the removal to the professionals. Or better yet, every now and then give your nails a break and chance to breathe. Have your manicurist remove your gel coat and perform all the treatment steps other than that fresh new coat and time in the UV machine. Start Getting Regular Manicures Speaking of, getting regular manicures shouldn’t just be for the sake of pampering and having pretty, colorful nails. It’s the actual treatment part that will do your nails some serious favors— think the exfoliation of the nail beds, cuticle hydration, a proper file (which if incorrectly done can actually weaken your nails!)… All good things that should be done regularly! This is my other biggest tip that has personally made my nails grow long and strong; I know this won’t be realistic for everyone (and if I could do my own well then I totally would!!), but since I’ve started going to get them done every two weeks, my nails seriously have never looked or felt this good. I think the key is also cutting them down a little bit every time you go. I also have started getting my nails cut and filed into an “almond shape” (which, omg obsessed), which I’ve found is less likely to snag on something like a square or rounded square shaped nail. Hydrate Those Cuticles and Moisturize Your Hands Hydration is sooo, so important when it comes to growing out your nails; think about it like the skin on your face! Still counts, so set yourself up for success and find a lotion and cuticle oil you like. If you don’t mind having greasy fingers, you can even use strait Aquaphor on your cuticles as an overnight treatment. You Are What You Eat— Up Your Protein, Biotin, Zinc, and Iron There are a ton of things you can incorporate into your diet that will promote healthy nail growth; some of the big ones are protein, biotin (think eggs and salmon), zinc (shellfish, broccoli, cashews), and iron (spinach and kale). Consider Taking A Supplement A lot of the above can also be taken as a supplement (biotin is a common one to promote nail growth). I personally love incorporating collagen peptides into my life because they are great for nails but also have a ton of added benefits (like hydrated, plump skin, shiny hair, and gut support). The Vital Proteins brand has been my go to for years! They have a ton of different flavors and products that can be used in various ways (they even have a coffee creamer).