Let’s face it…growing long, healthy nails can be daunting, and a real test to one’s patience. It’s no wonder that growing and maintaining healthy, natural nails is such a challenge. This is especially true, given the harmful chemicals and processes that we are often forced to endure.

Over the years, I’ve had to learn the hard way how to properly care for my nails. Even as recently as a few months ago, I was been reminded of how important it is for me to strictly adhere to my care regimen, in an effort to prevent damage and breakage. I’ve now enjoyed a gorgeous, healthy length for some time now. In fact, people (even manicurists!) have often thought that my nails were fake, which is really the ultimate compliment. Here are the steps I took to put an end to the neglect of my nails, and finally get them to flourish once and for all.

“Your nails – just like your hair and skin – thrive with a little TLC.”

I Monitor My Nutrition

As is the case with most aspects of our health, a well-balanced diet is paramount. I try to be mindful of nutrition, specifically my water, vitamin, and mineral intake. I also take biotin supplements, as they are purported to help promote the growth of both hair and nails. I feel the biotin helps to strengthen my nails so that they grow and actually retain their length. I take the ones listed below, interchangeably. The gummies are delicious, by the way!

This goes without saying, but my nutrition and supplementation plan is merely my personal testimony, and is not a recommendation of any kind. Always consult with your doctor prior to embarking on any diet plan or taking nutritional supplements, as they are not regulated by the FDA.

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies with Biotin, 230 Count - $18.88

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies with Biotin and Collagen, 80 count - $11.03

Nature Made Extra Strength Biotin 2500 mcg, 150 Soft Gels - $14.44

I Keep My Cuticles Moisturized

While I generally get professional gel manicures these days, I still apply cuticle oil to my nails several times a week. This is extremely important during winter, or for those of us who reside in drier climates. While this is a simple enough task, it’s perhaps the most critical action I take to maintain the health of my nails and encourage growth. I always use the one by CND, as I believe it played a major role in revitalizing my nails in recent months. I have heard great things about the O.P.I. oil too.

CND Solar Oil - $8.50

I Have a Great Manicurist at a Reputable Salon

If you decide to get your nails professionally done, an experienced nail tech is invaluable. They can deliver a Pinterest-worthy mani, while simultaneously practicing healthier techniques that will benefit your nails. It may be in your best interest to book ahead to secure an appointment with a really good manicurist. Oftentimes, there is a reason that certain nail techs are available to take walk-ins, as the good ones usually are #bookedandbusy. You can use sites like Booksy or Styleseat to find manicurists in your area and read their reviews.

Salons are also not created equal. One of the things that set my current salon apart from my previous one is that they use higher end nail products, such as OPI and CND. Here are some of my all-time favorite nail colors by some of these preferred brands.

OPI Nail Lacquer Yank My Doodle - $10.50

CND Nail Polish Hypnotic Dreams - $10.50

Essie Nail Polish Bordeaux - $8.25

OPI Nail Lacquer Russian Navy - $10.50

You Get What You Pay For

Premium nail products contain fewer chemicals (most are 3 and 5-free), making them better for your nails, and most importantly, your overall health. I believe the salon I was going to before used products that were inferior, as my manicures did not last nearly as long then as they do now. Polish application skillset is a factor here, as well. I would barely get two weeks in before either the polish would begin to chip or peel.

Not surprisingly, the previous salon had a low cost/high volume model, and focused on expediting services in order to get patrons out of the shop quicker. As a result, they cut corners – particularly with the gel removal process – which was harmful to the health of my nails and nail beds. I learned the hard way that the automatic file (to remove the top layer of the gel) should rarely be used on natural nails…if ever.

Additionally, there were times when the polish was taking too long to come off using the foil wrap method, so they had me (regretfully) soak my tips directly in acetone. Yikes! I shudder to think of the impact that had on my nails, and my overall health. Shortcuts like these weakened my nails significantly. My only recourse was to cut my nails all the way down, and essentially start over. In the end, services cost a bit more at my current shop, but I definitely feel it is worth the higher price.

My nails, immediately after gel removal (unedited photo)

I am gentle with my nails

As previously mentioned, using cuticle oil and fewer chemicals is essential. It bears repeating that the drill bit thingy commonly used at salons is a no-no for your real nails. Additionally, manual filing of your nails should be still be gentle and minimal. Nails should be filed in a single direction, as opposed to “sawing” back and forth. I always use a multi-sided nail file, for good measure. I don’t skip on buffing either, as it helps to get the nails’ natural oils up to the surface. In other words, your nails – just like your hair and skin – thrive with a little TLC.

7 Ways Professional Nail Buffer Set - $8.77

Bona Fide Glass Nail File - $9.99

I invest in quality products for at-home care

Whether you choose to maintain your nails on your own or go to a salon, there will undoubtedly be a need for products for use at home. Oftentimes, when I do my own nails at home, I still prefer gel manicures. That said, I purchased this at-home kit a few years ago that turned out to be a great time and money saver, in a pinch. Initially, I followed the directions to the letter and read the product reviews for lots of user tips. Practice makes better (as opposed to perfect), but it will pay for itself with just a few uses.

ASP Soak Off Gel Polish Starter Kit - $71.49

Here are a few other at home kits that get great reviews.

Fingerpaints Soak Off Gel Polish LED Lamp - $65.49

Gelish 18G Harmony LED Nail Lamp - $199

I also incorporate these products into my nail care regimen.

Indie Beauty Stainless Steel Nail Care Set - $7.99

My nails, shortened a bit and shaped, pre-polished (unedited photo)

In the end, patience is key when growing out your nails. Less than a year ago, my nails were so weak, brittle and unsightly, that they could not withstand even a gentle nail file. It was not until I incorporated some of these tactics that I started seeing positive results.

My nails, after cutting them down slightly

If you employ even some of the tips listed on this blog, you’ll be well on your way to long, healthy nails in no time!