For me, growing my nails was a long, impatient struggle. For months I had acrylic nails and paid $35 every two weeks, but I soon switched to gel polish and paid $21 every two weeks. Needless to say, I was spending money (that I did not have) on nail enhancements (that I could not really afford) that did not last for the amount I wanted it to (forever)! After giving up on such treatments and honestly running out of money, I looked for ways to enhance my nails naturally, effectively and for a cheap price. Luckily, I found the SIMPLEST tips that made my nails grow healthy and strong.
1. DRY YOUR NAILS THOROUGHLY WHENEVER YOU GET THEM WET
Remember that your nails are most vulnerable and break easiest when wet. To avoid damage, have the first thing you dry whenever getting wet be your nails.
2. USE GLOVES WHEN WASHING THE DISHES
Do yourself and your nails a favor and go to the dollar store and pick up some $1 gloves. It not only protects your nails from getting wet, but also from the chemicals in dish soap and in case you use Clorox. Not to mention its a great feeling to take your gloves off and have dry hands.
3. CHANGE THE WAY YOU USE YOUR HANDS FOR EVERYDAY TASKS
This sounds weird, but in the meantime of growing out your strong healthy nails, avoid using them. For example, I always try to open drawers with my knuckles instead of my fingertips to avoid damage the tips of my nails.
4. KEEP LOTIONS AROUND YOU
The most common problem involving nail care among my friends and family is dryness. Dryness leads to brittle broken nails, so I recommend keeping a travel tube of lotion in your purse or backpack and also keeping lotion by your bed. Apply to your hands and focus the lotion on your cuticles and rub them in circular motions to allow the moisture to soak in and the blood to flow. I do this when I’m sitting in bed listening to music or in class if my hands feel dry (especially in the winter).
5. CUTICLE OIL SHOULD BE YOUR BEST FRIEND
I highly, HIGHLY recommend a cuticle oil. Don’t think you have to go buy the most expensive one either. I suggest going to TJ Max and walk straight to the beauty and skincare section where you will find more than enough body oils for around $5.99 that will keep your cuticles moisturized and will help your nails grow strong. I picked up a bottle with a mixture of Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, and (most importantly) Vitamin E oil. For those who don’t know, Vitamin E is a extremely beneficial for rejuvenation and restoration, which is definitely something to look for in a cuticle oil. In order to not forget, I keep the bottle sitting on my desk where I do my homework so I can apply it and rub it in while doing homework on my laptop or watching daily YouTube videos.
6. BE PATIENT
I think it’s most important to understand that nails don’t grow overnight, so patience is key! Start focusing on positive things and don’t worry about your nails. Time flies when you don’t over-think, so follow these simple steps and you will have great, healthy and natural nails!