5 Top Tips For Long, Strong Nails

My hands and my nails have to be the one part of my body that I actually like and take care of the most. My nails particularly are my pride and joy; I once got stopped in McDonalds by a woman who just wanted to compliment me on them! 

And so my friends, here are the 5 steps I take to keep my claws super duper long and healthy.

1. Regular Clipping & Filing

I always notice how much faster my nails grow after a good clipping and filing session. Regular clipping makes sure that I get rid of any weak areas if that makes sense. You use your nails to pick things up and open various objects so the ends get weaker as time goes on. I like to think of my nails like my hair, you have to trim them regularly to get rid of the dead ends. When it comes to filing, I like to make sure that I've got a good rough filer, it just makes life a lot easier and quicker. 

2. Take Care Of Those Cuticles

This is a step that I used to be a bit lazy with but now I try and keep on top of it. Grab yourself a good cuticle trimmer, you can get one like mine in the above picture. With this one you simply push your cuticles down then drag it across to trim off the cuticle. I prefer this tool as it means I'm not cutting the cuticle off completely. Just a little trim is all the cuticle needs, it doesn't need to be amputated completely so just chill when it comes to trimming k'? I also use my Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Skin Protectant to keep them moisturised, I like to use this at night before I go to bed.

3. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!

I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I moisturise my hands. I have hand moisturisers in my handbag, in my makeup draws, the bathroom, on my bedside table, I could go on but I won't. I can't stand the feeling of dry hands and my nails always looks so much healthier with regular moisturising. Remember that your nails are a part of your body and your entire body needs all the moisture it can get! 

4. Buffy The Nail Ridge Slayer

My HG of nail techniques, buffing my nails always encourages them to grow long quickly. I use a Leighton Denny buffing block to buff mine. It allows you to buff out any nasty ridges in the nails and polish them off so they look all shiny and lovely. Apart from the cosmetic benefits, buffing also stimulates the circulation in and around the nail and increased blood flow to the nails makes them happy, healthy and encourages them to grow. Make sure you don't buff too vigorously though otherwise you'll end up with very sore fingers, ouch! 

5. Strengthen Those Nails

This is a last resort for me, but one I definitely use. I prefer to use the top 4 steps to keep my nails healthy and strong, but occasionally they need just a little extra help. Applying a nail strengthening nail polish just helps tied me over if I haven't got enough time to sit down and give myself a proper manicure. I tend to use this if I have a slight break in my nail, yes; I'm guilty of 'gluing' my nails together with nail strengthener until I have time to give it a chop. Don't pretend like you don't do it as well! 

How do you keep your talons healthy?