Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Strengthen and protect your nails
• Method 2 of 3: Take care of your hands and nails
• Method 3 of 3: Prevent nail biting

While you can't make your nails grow faster, you can make them stronger and protect them to last longer. You can take good care of your nails to make them healthier. If you have a habit of biting your nails, there are some things you can do to avoid this behavior.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Strengthen and protect your nails

1. Apply nail hardener to your nails. It may be a good idea to apply nail hardener to your nails to strengthen and protect your nails as they grow. A nail hardener prevents your nails from tearing and breaking, so you don't have to trim your nails before they get the length you want.
   • Remember that your nails are only harder when you have applied nail hardener to them. When the product wears off your nails, they will return to their normal strength. Apply nail hardener daily to keep your nails strong.
   • Nail hardener should only be used temporarily in addition to a long-term health treatment to improve the natural strength of your nails.
2. Wear gloves to protect your nails from cold weather and chemicals. In addition to applying lotion, it's important to remember to always wear gloves or mittens when you go out into the cold. When working with chemicals - be it household cleaners or painting supplies - it's important to protect your nails with latex gloves or heavy duty, thick work gloves, depending on the situation. This will help keep your nails from breaking.
3. Avoid exposing your nails to water for a long time. Soaking your nails in water for too long can cause weak nails that split quickly when they get somewhat long. It does not matter whether you do the dishes or spend a lot of time in the pool. You will have to cut nails that split quickly.
   • If you have longer nails, protect them by keeping them in the water for less time. For example, you can wear gloves while doing the dishes.
4. Provide a balanced diet. You are probably already getting more protein than your body needs, so unless you are protein deficient (which probably isn't the case given the average Dutch diet), you don't need to eat more protein to make your nails grow longer. In fact, too much protein can cause obesity, damage your kidneys more quickly and lead to diabetes.
   • To get strong nails, eat many different foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
5. Take biotin supplements. Biotin can help strengthen brittle nails so that they are less likely to break. Taking biotin supplements can help you get longer nails and make your nails grow faster. Eating foods containing biotin can also help your nails grow longer.
   • You can buy biotin supplements at drugstores, supermarkets, and health food stores. It is often recommended to take 30 micrograms of biotin per day as an adult.

Method 2 of 3: Take care of your hands and nails

1. Hydrate your hands and nails. Applying moisturizer to your hands and nails should be part of your nail care routine. Doing this can prevent your nails from getting dry, which can help make them stronger and longer. Apply moisturizer to your hands and nails several times a day or when your hands feel dry.
   • Use a thick, creamy lotion as a hand lotion.
   • When you apply the lotion to your hands, make sure you massage the product into your nails and cuticles.
   • Make sure to apply lotion after washing your hands, as soap washes the natural protective oils from your nails and makes them break down more quickly.
2. Trim rough edges. If you notice that your nail is torn or has a jagged edge, it is a good idea to trim this area with nail clippers before the problem gets worse. A jagged edge can catch on something, causing you to lose part of the nail. Trim these edges as soon as you notice them to prevent them from becoming a problem.
   • You can also file away less rough edges on your nails.
3. Take care of your cuticles. The cuticle is the most important part of your nail as it protects against infection. If your cuticle is damaged (for example, because it has been cut or pushed back without softening it first), your nail can be damaged and therefore less likely to grow.
   • Softening your cuticle will make it easier to push it back without damaging it. Soak your fingertips in warm water with a little soap to help soften your cuticles. Then use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles.
   • Massage your cuticles to ensure good blood circulation in that area. It won't make your nails grow faster, but it will make them stronger. They will be healthy and stronger for longer.
   • Don't cut your cuticles. This can cause the area to bleed and infect your nails.
4. Round your nails when you file them. Avoid filing your nails into a square shape. Instead, opt for a round or pointed shape. Square nails are more likely to catch on surfaces such as clothing, causing them to tear and break more quickly.
   • If you like square nails, at least try to file the edges smooth so that your nails are less likely to catch on something.

Method 3 of 3: Prevent nail biting

1. Give yourself a manicure. If you notice that your nail has a rough edge, you may be tempted to bite that nail off. This is why it is a good idea to keep your nails manicured when trying to stop nail biting. You are less likely to bite your nails if they are clean, neatly trimmed and painted, even if you have only used clear nail polish.
   • Try to give yourself a manicure at least once a week. Trim, file and polish your nails, then apply a coat of nail polish.
   • You can also buy a special nail polish that is designed to help you stop biting your nails. Such nail polish tastes bitter when you bite your nails.
2. Control stress. When you're stressed, you're more likely to bite your nails. However, by controlling your stress, you may be able to reduce the urge to bite your nails. Some strategies you could try include:
   • Get more exercise by, for example, walking, running, cycling, dancing and swimming
   • Do yoga exercises
   • Meditate
   • Do breathing exercises
3. Look for ways to keep your hands busy. If your hands have nothing to do, you are more likely to bite your nails. However, keeping your hands busy most of the time will make you less likely to bite your nails. Some activities you could try include:
   • Playing an instrument
   • Knitting or crocheting
   • Making jewelry
   • Boil or bake
4. See a therapist. If your attempts to stop nail-biting have failed, you may want to see a therapist or psychologist for help. A therapist can help you get to the root of your nail biting problem and find ways to stop your behavior.