7 Ways To Make Your Nails Grow Stronger & Longer In Preparation For A Manicure Session

By Wei Yin on 10 Feb 2022

Digital Editor

An INFP who enjoys watching sappy Korean dramas in her free time. Good food and cute dogs are all she needs.

If you love getting your nails done often, chances are you probably have brittle nails that can't seem to grow long enough without breaking.

Did you know that frequent application of nail polish makes your nails susceptible to keratin granulation that is caused by nail polish drying out the nail beds? This is why your nails are soft, break easily and sometimes even have white spots or stains on them after removing the polish.

But, we know it's hard to resist going for a pampering manicure session. If you can't give up on applying nail polish, here are 7 ways to make your nails grow stronger and longer so you have healthy digits for your next manicure session.

Read on to find out more!

#1 Give your nails a break from nail polish

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Scraping, filing and soaking your nails in chemicals all cause some form of damage and the best way to let them heal is by taking breaks between each manicure session. Don't reapply nail polish after removing them and don't do back-to-back nail extensions.

Give your nails ample time to grow out completely before getting another gel manicure. Your nails will thank you in the long run!

#2 Apply cuticle oil daily

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Cuticle oil moisturises both your nails and cuticles. This increases circulation around your nails and stimulates growth. Cuticle oil will also improve the appearance of your nails as they won't look dry after application.

Apply cuticle oil daily to your nails or twice a day if you are dealing with extremely dehydrated skin around your nails.

#3 Stay hydrated

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Staying hydrated is one of the easiest solutions! Brittle nails that break or peel easily are often a sign of dehydration so drinking more water will help. With adequate moisture from inside out, your nails will become stronger and your cuticles less flaky.

#4 Take biotin supplements

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Biotin promotes healthy cell growth and protein-building amino acids that will improve the health of your nails. It also strengthens brittle nails so they can grow longer without breaking easily.

Biotin also plays an important role in the health of your hair and skin, and not just your nails. Read this article on supplements that you can take to improve your overall health and appearance.

#5 File your nails in one direction

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Filing your nails back and forth is undoubtedly faster but this method actually damages your nails! A back and forth sawing motion will cause your nails to split and weaken, so the right way is to file in one direction to slowly get your desired shape and length.

#6 Use hand cream frequently

Photo from PressLogic

If you're too lazy to use a separate cuticle oil, at least use a hydrating hand cream daily and spread it onto your nails and cuticles as well. Applying hand cream does not only moisturise your hands, but will also do a good job at restoring moisture in your nails.

#7 Refrain from using harsh nail products

Photo from PressLogic

Usual nail polish removers come with acetone that will make your nails brittle so go for non-acetone nail polish removers that are gentler on the skin instead.