How To Grow Long, Healthy Nails That Will Last As Long As You

Warning: “lame” is in the eye of the beholder.

For the record, the words “lame” and “long nails” are not among the phrases that distinguish this publication from so many other publications. To the contrary, we’re all about natural nails in whatever shape and size your choice.

But, if you’re a woman who likes your nails to run deep and long, there are a number of tips and tricks that could prove useful for you.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best way to grow long, healthy nails:

Double index finger tip makes the top of the nails even longer.

You have a warm index finger tip and a cool index finger tip, so sometimes you can reach down and help to lengthen your nails by holding them in place.

For long nails, your index finger should be warm and your ring finger is cool. This means your index finger should be about 27.25 degrees and your ring finger should be about 25.25 degrees, according to Zofia Skog of Skog, Barlow & Company Nails. That means your index finger should be slightly taller than the ring finger. The more you build up the index finger, the higher your nails will grow.

What I recommend to clients is moving the index finger slightly higher and slightly further apart from the other fingers. I would also encourage people to hold a special device, which is a wooden vertical groove, in their hand to lift the index finger, so when they are moving it, it lifts the rest of the hand, as well.

Modify which fingers you hold them in.

If you are someone who likes long nails, it’s best to have your fingers in the position they are most comfortable with so they stay long, strong and beautiful.

Do not even think about placing your fingers in the middle of your palm.

Because the higher up the fingers, the longer the nails. I’ve seen clients with “cigar” shaped nails get an additional three to four layers of nail growing by basically having their hands in a 90 degree angle.

Gradually and little by little, you will reach the extreme of the best position. Go down the list and you will get to the last position.

Divide your hands into six separate zones.

Over time, the nails will grow in even more from the six different ways you can hold your fingers. Take a few minutes to count them out of ten.

Put your four index fingers on the side of your index finger and your two middle fingers on the corner of your index finger.

Here is a photo of me doing it.

After a few minutes, make sure your fingers have all been extended by at least 12 inches by making three cuts about four inches apart across the long finger.

Alternate with your middle and your ring fingers on the edge of your ring finger. You might also want to add your two short fingers onto the middle and ring fingers, once your middle fingers are extended. Repeat this one or two more times for each finger.

Maximize the angle of your fingers.

These lengths should come from your left side closest to your right. The longer the ring fingers (or middle fingers), the bigger the base of the nails.

More length or thicker bands in the hand?

It’s OK if there is more hair on the finger. It is growing and the whole point is that it stays in place.

Make sure your hands are straight and straightened out. It’s easier to hold a nail-pointed band than it is for your whole hand.