To help you learn how to grow nails faster, I spoke with Santa Monica NAU sophomore Meghan, who can grow nails a foot and a half in less than five minutes. She’ll help you shave, stretch, and fluff in under six. And no, this isn’t a Powerpoint video; this is her recommended steps for your nails, broken out by style.
“Nails are probably the most useless part of your body — I mean, unless you’re a firefighter!” she told me. At the time of our chat, she was just getting off of a 10-hour overnight hair and makeup session and had no idea how to shape her heels. Thankfully, Meghan taught me all about lightening up with a few quick tips that will prevent your manicure from squishing in your hand.
1. Apply a nail polish that is meant to be treated as a basic “one-coat polish” from time to time. For Meghan, this is Essie’s Apply and Paisley. “[It] is one of the easiest nail polishes for beginners to apply,” she said. “I’d recommend that you keep one of these under your pillow at night.” Meghan recommends applying a one-coat polish once every four to six weeks.
2. Consider what type of nail polish “sticks” best. If it sticks, apply a second coat of polish. In the same way you would apply another color of nail polish, Meghan recommends alternate layers of polish with an opaque color and a light, creamy color. If it doesn’t stick, you may want to continue a two-step process. “I like to try and go from yellow to burgundy while having a base coat and applying a clear top coat,” she explained.
3. Add some moisture to your nails with a hydrating solution. Meghan preferred Espresso Nail Multi-Action Apricot Hydrating Baking Soda ($2). “It really gives your nail bed enough hydration, so you get that perfect cuticle right away,” she explained.
4. Apply extra care to your nails after they’re done with a polish. Meghan makes her nails dry with even heat. “If I’m going to be in public and see someone, I like to look at them to see if they have dirty nails, so I take off my polish first,” she revealed.
5. Brush off your remaining polish. Never, ever touch your manicure with your hands if you can help it. Even if your polish is slightly smudged, you can never remove too much — or your pedicure and your nails will both get worse. After you remove the polish, massage your nails with your fingers for five minutes to remove excess dead skin. “Nails don’t absorb any more, so you are leaving them dry instead,” Meghan said.
6. Dry your hands after your polish is removed. It’s also a good idea to dry your hands by rubbing them with a dry cloth, which reduces odors and helps strengthen your nails.
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