Short nails are convenient, but with all of the manicurists who specialize in lengthening and growing them out, it’s difficult to find the perfect solution. We spoke to several nail specialists to find out which tricks will help you get to your recommended length. Keep reading to learn what you should do to grow your nails out.
A tip from Deborah Lippmann to maximize your natural nail growth, or as she calls it, “guacamole nails.” Cut off any nails that are too small to grow fully to your desired length and pin the length with a clear coat. Use gel products to keep the nail growth extra long, like the Lamaze Fake Tan at Massage Envy, Deborah’s favored treatment. We love Deborah Lippmann’s Guacamole Nails ($29), a super-slight pink nail polish that stays on and gradually intensifies into a vivid red with each application.
Julia Mancuso, nail specialist and founder of nailcarebootcamp.com, recommends trimming your nails with a small razor to create a flat base so you can keep growing them out. “The base coat will set your nail down and lengthen them out,” she said. Julia uses a professional-grade flat file like Beauty Systems Group’s Stand tallien style ($29) so she can start with a length of up to 1.5 inches. We like to use a pointy heel to take maximum advantage of a slight curve in the nail, and add an additional 1-inch cuticle trim. Remember, a constant trim can shorten the length, so it’s best to trim them every day.
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Always pre-drink two glasses of water prior to any treatment, so your nail refeed is ready to go. If you’re planning to use a salon treatment, consult with the stylist as well as with your doctor before starting any treatments.
Tara Mullen, a nail specialist and owner of Australian nail salon Emma Grace, suggests super-long nails. We’re big fans of Emma Grace’s Greenhorns nail brand, which offers shades for every shape and color. “Our people are super smart when it comes to growing out their nails,” she said. “They know how to plan ahead and look at the options available to build up length.” Put your nails in a deep polish like Ardell ($35) to start growing them out, and this super-tough style has everything to do with nail growth.
If you still want to take the matter into your own hands, learn the proper way to apply a clear coat and the best way to shape your nails and also use a professional-grade flat file like Beauty Systems Group’s Stand tallien style ($29). Stop and rub lightly on the bridge of your nail, to create a naturally raised effect. Keep sharpened nails in a jar to create that last push — they’ll last for a decade, so it’s a great way to amp up your nail growth. “The nice thing about having a nail in a jar is you can tweak your shape each time you start to wear the polish, and keep it natural,” Tara said. Get your hands on Emma Grace’s Long Delayed Nail Color ($16) to keep growing in.
Jocelyn Davis, owner of Bronx Nail in New York City, loves the ways nail extensions can lengthen your nails. “There are 3D nails that can make your nails long enough to extend beyond 6″ and people who wear extensions can wear them for a long time — great for locking in long nail growth,” she said. They also deliver a softer, more natural effect, and let you keep on growing out your nails over time.
Be selective of how you’ll fill in your gap of longer nails in case you’re looking to repair or save space while you grow out your gap. We love Cutting For Beauty No Fold For, a two-step formula consisting of a super-lightening solution and silicone-based-base coat to create a matte finish with an airbrush base. We used it to create a rich-looking, canvas-like finish that we love with the Pure Makeup finish of RevitaGel ($20).
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