Grow Longer, Stronger Nails with These Tips

Many people with brittle and peeling nails find it impossible to get any decent nail growth. Below is an easy to adapt nail routine to give you your best nails.

Begin by thoroughly washing hands with soap and water to get rid of any oils or creams on your nails. I use a nail brush as well to clean under the nails. After you dry your hands completely, use a 4 sided buffer. This eliminates ridges on your nails, as well as giving them a natural shine. This also promotes nail growth, due to increased circulation, and helps nail polish adhere better to the nail and prevent peeling. You will also want to file nails but only in one direction! And so not use a metal file.

Next, apply a cuticle cream on and around the nails. I alternate between Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream and Dior Crème Abricot. You may soak your nails in warm water if you like or in vinegar. Many people swear that soaking your hands in vinegar promotes fast nail growth.

If you do decide to soak your nails in warm water, some people incorporate lemon juice or even denture cleaner to give the nails whiter tips.

When it comes to managing cuticles, you do not want to clip them off, but you also do not want to push them pack with a metal tool. Pushing them back with a metal tool damages the nail bed and creates ridges. You will want to push back the cuticle with wood sticks specifically sold for cuticles.

It is good to moisturize your hands and nails with a good hand cream next. My personal favorite is Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. Take this time to let it soak into your hands.

When it is time, you will need to once again thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to remove the cuticle cream and lotion. After they are dried, apply a nail growth activator or treatment. I use Nailtiques formula 2. Another favorite is by Barielle. Read instructions, because both brands have very specific instructions.

For upkeep until your next manicure, keep your hands and cuticles moisturized.