New Tricks to Growing Long Fingernails

                                                   New Tricks to Growing Long Fingernails

There are some sensible, but uncommon ways to growing out your natural fingernails.  And this
blog, I will tell you and challenge you with a 30 day challenge to starting to grow your nails 1/2 cm in one month.  Your nail grows naturally 1/10th cm. everyday.  However, the other challenge is keeping your long nails. 

In the winter months, I highly recommend trimming your nails down (if you have read my other blog posts) because your nails can become too long and become weakened.  But more importantly, the wintry, dry air wreaks havoc on your nails.  So if you trim them, they will be stronger so don't worry they will grow back. 

So anyways, let's get to the tricks of getting to longer, stronger nails:  Of course keeping your nails moisturized, oiled, clean and trimmed are a good start, but there is more that you can do that we don't really think of on a daily basis: 

1. The first trick is typing or playing the piano.  Yes, for those of you that use computers every day or may be interested in playing the piano, this helps your nails grow and become strong.  Why?  Because of the blood flow that the constant tapping encourages in the lunula of your fingernail bed, it causes this circulation to enhance the growth and strength of the nail unit.  So starting a blog or typing more comments, for instance, can help your nails to grow.
2. The next trick to try is to push back the skin at the tip of the finger behind the fingernail.  This pushing back of the skin tricks the nails into thinking that they are long and flowing.  I don't know why this works, but it does.  So make this part of your nail growing regimen.
3. The third trick is not really a trick, but it is just using a cuticle softener and conditioner/ remover along with a wooden orange cuticle stick used to push back your cuticles. You can get these items at your local pharmacy store like CVS or Walgreens or Sally's.  Apply the cuticle lotion, then let this sit for about three minutes, next push back the cuticles with the wooden orange cuticle stick,  next rinse your hands off with warm water.  Then add an herbal oil and/or use a hand and nail cream or lotion.  Your nails will grow strong and beautiful.
4. The fourth trick is soaking your nails in olive oil and/or whatever your favorite oil, for example  almond oil or any oil that smell good to you.  This is a good way to fortify and moisturize your nails. 
5. Another tip is during your house cleaning of the shower/tub.  Try using your knuckles instead of your fingernail tips for scrubbing hard to clean tub and sink surfaces.  This takes the pressure off of your fingers and fingernails and actually gives you more muscle power when you use your knuckles.  Try it, this works.
6. The last trick also is not a trick, but common sense, and that is gloves, gloves, gloves.  I can't emphasize enough the importance of wearing gloves for housework, dishes, and for traveling or for the wintery cold months.  This is very essential for your nails, whether long or short, in order to sustain your nails over a long period of time.  

So these are the tips and tricks for successfully growing and strengthening your fingernails.  These tips and tricks are tried and true.  So they do work if you work them.  So get your calendars and keep track, have fun with your nails. Don't get frustrated with a few breaks here and there.  And the first thing you should do is go out and buy some dish gloves, some warm gloves or mittens for outside (or even knit or crochet some if you are crafty), and get some work gloves for house work.  Remember gloves, gloves, gloves........

The biggest challenge to longer and stronger lasting fingernails is consciously thinking of ways to keep from breaking your nails in the first.  It is going to start with getting rid of bad habits that cause nail breakage in the first place.  But of course, breaks happen and sometimes are unavoidable, but you can limit the number of breaks by consciously thinking of alternative ways to do everyday tasks.

Hope these techniques help.  Stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and solutions for natural nail growing. 

Winterizing Your Fingernails

                         Winterizing Your Fingernails

Let's face it, winter and cold can wreak the most havoc on our fingernails.  To winter-proof your nails there four things you must do:

1.  First keep your nails trimmed down to a more manageable   
     length.  Long nails tend to weaken over time and with the   
     stress that the cold can add, shortened nails help to keep the
     nails strong and better able to cope with the bumps that they
     may encounter.

2.  Second, moisture is necessary to maintain your nails.  The cold 
     and dry air saps the moisture from your nails, so it is necessary
     to have some type of moisture product nearby either at a
     kitchen sink or in your purse.  My favorite is Mane & Tail 
     hand and nail cream.  This provides both moisture and protein 
     that will both keep your nails strong and lubricated at the same
     time.      There are also other good products at your local drug-
     store or anywhere they carry hand cream and lotion products.  I
     recommend products that contain protein and/or Vitamin E oil. 

3.  Third, you need a good pair of warm gloves to protect your
      nails from the freezing temps.  A good splurge on a pair of
     lined leather gloves will keep your nails protected and keep you
     looking stylish all at the same time.

4.   Lastly, you need to keep some oil next to your hand cream. 
     The oil will help to lock in your moisture products and Vitamin
     E will help to give your nails the necessary nutrients to stay
     strong and  continue to grow throughout the winter months.

Your nails will continue to grow through the wintry months, so
continue to trim and keep your nails at the manageable length, pre-
ferably 1/2 centimeter long, to keep your nails from growing too
long and weakening which will make them susceptible to breakage.