Shockproof Nails: How To Grow Long, Strong, Natural Nails.. Fast!
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Do you have weak nails, brittle nails, or nails that just won't grow?
Or maybe, your nails grow just fine, but keeping them all one length is the struggle. That heartstopping moment you catch one on the dishwasher door or dresser drawer can bring a tear to any woman's eye. Yep, you're gonna have to file all of them down!
I know it well.. Growing your nails can be a heartbreaking affair.
But, this was before I discovered 'the magic formula'. I know, it totally sounds like a late-night infomercial. But, it truly works. This formula will grow your nails to ridiculous lengths and make them unbreakable —within reason.
Meaning you will be able to maintain long, natural nails that are all the same length. An accomplishment that is more challenging than growing them!
How does it work?
The key to strong, healthy nails is ritual. It's a known fact that the health of your skin, hair, and nails will greatly improve with a regular routine. But, if you can turn your routine into a ritual, magical things will begin to happen. I've seen it in my client's skin (and my own) and as you can see, my nails too!
What's the difference between a routine and a ritual?
The difference between a routine and a ritual is the mindset behind the action. While routines are actions that just need to be done, —like brushing your teeth or making your bed, rituals are considered more meaningful practices with a true sense of purpose.
Therefore, if you want to grow strong, healthy nails avoiding splits and cracks that lead to breakages turn this nail routine into a ritual.
FIVE STEP MAGIC NAIL FORMULA
1. NAIL STRENGTHENER/HARDENER
Nutra Nail Mineral Collection POWER GROWTH is a great product if you have very short nails that won't grow. As soon as your nails start to grow the most important thing you need to do is get yourself a Three-Free Nail Hardener. This is the formula I follow that gives me unbreakable results.
After doing your 7-Step Perfect DIY Manicure;
apply nail hardener to your nail, the back of your nail, and the free edge (it's super important to paint the back and free edge!)
use this method to apply nail hardener three times that day for the next three days
apply two coats a day for the next two or three days
apply one coat of nail hardener a day till your next manicure
The trick is to give your nails as much protection as possible by building up a safety guard of nail hardener/strengthener. This will keep your nails from weakening throughout the day from general wear and tear like water, detergents, and knocks.
Yes, they will begin to resemble fake nails.. But, it's a small price to pay for shockproof nails!
After 7-10 days, you're going to start all over again with your 7-Step Perfect DIY Manicure. Stick to your ritual as waiting longer than 10 days between manicures can lead to breaks.
2. CUTICLE OIL
Dry nails are brittle nails. They need moisturizing too! Massaging oil into your cuticles for a few minutes a day can transform brittle nails. Keeping them nourished and hydrated will instantly stop chipping and splitting.
Make your own organic DIY cuticle oil full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and essential fatty acids —all vital for healthy nail growth.
Or, you can just buy one. I recommend Simon + Tom Nails + Cuticles Oil Saviour. It's free from drying, synthetic ingredients like alcohol or perfume.
*Magic tip: Always oil the hyponychium —the skin just under the free edge of your nail as this will strengthen them preventing brittle, cracked nails.
3. MASSAGE/BALAYAM YOGA
Just like hair growth is increased with scalp stimulation, so too are your nails! The area beneath the cuticle under the nail bed is called the matrix. This is where cells are keratinized to form layers of the fingernail. Any stimulation to this area is fantastic for nail growth!
In fact, you'll see results within days if you spend a couple of minutes twice a day massaging cuticle oil into this area. Especially if you use the "nail rubbing technique" known as balayam. This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of rubbing the fingernails together to stimulate blood flow to the scalp to aid in hair growth.
I personally find this much more beneficial for my nails than my hair. I do balayam anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes a day. It's a great way to absorb all the nutrients from your cuticle oil while stimulating nail growth.
4. VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS FOR NAILS
A balanced diet is key for healthy nail growth. Fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, protein-rich meat, and oily fish are just some of the nutrient-rich foods we should consume daily. But, who eats like this every day?
To be honest, there's no way my nails would be so healthy without supplements.
Pycnogenol/Pine Bark Extract
The first supplement I take for my nails is Pycnogenol/Pine Bark Extract. Continued research shows that pine bark extract contains powerful phytochemicals (plant nutrients) that hold tissue-repairing properties. It also stimulates blood flow which brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to cells.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
If your nails bend or break easily, you could be deficient in Omega-3 fatty acid. Essential fatty acids nurture the cells in the nail bed, prevent inflammation and encourage the absorption of nutrients to promote healthy growth. I notice a big difference in my skin, hair, and nails when I take essential fatty acids, either plant-based or fish. Aava Labs Omega-3 Fish Oil has the correct ratio of omegas. Plus it's non-GMO and wild-caught through sustainable fishing.
5. DON'T USE YOUR NAILS AS TOOLS!
This step is just common sense. Don't use your nails to; open cans, remove sticky labels, get keys on or off the keyring, type.. or any of the other things you may be guilty of. Using your nails as tools will weaken them, creating tiny splits and tears that lead to breaks.
The moment I made a conscious effort to stop using my nails as tools, they stay the same length. And lastly, never, ever do the washing up (or any housework) without rubber gloves!!
Treat your nails with love and they will grow long and beautiful.
If you're here in lockdown and need to remove your gel or acrylic nails, click here!
PRINTABLE SKINCARE PLANNERS
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