growing out nails

futuremrsjdmartin

I'm a life long nail biter and I hate fake nails so I am trying really hard to grow out my nails for the wedding. So far so good but my nails are breaking and cracking and I don't know what to do to keep them growing without cracking. Any suggestions? I really do not want to have to do fake nails.

chilover27

You can try the OPI gel it goes over your natural nail makes them hard mine usually last 23 weeks depending. I use to get the acrylic nails this a lot different and better in my opinion.

CFM102012

Get a nail strengthener. There is also a vitamin supplement that is supposed to help hair and nails but I don't know how much it actually works. 

tamrahelmer

I had the same problem months ago and found a post on the wedding beauty board. It was a girl who had the same problem and recommended using Hard as Hoof nail strengthener. It is a cream that you rub into your nail bed, nail and under the nail. I've been using it for two months and it seems to work if I use it constantly.

I've also been taking biotin which is a supplement that helps hair and nail growth as well.

achiduck

There are special polishes you can get to help your nails grow strong - Sally Hansen makes one. My Dad has brittle nails and he swears by Jello. When they start breaking he eats a crap load of Jello and swears that the gelatin helps. 

Also, you can shellac put on (the gel that a PP was talking about). It goes on like nail polish but cures under a UV light and is not fake (I hate fake nails too). 

aimeek420

Hard as Nails from Sally Hansen is a clear coat you can put on for a strengthener too.

xxjen015

I second the gel nail polish. I got mine done for a wedding I was in two and a half weeks ago and i love them! It makes them feel really strong without feeling fake and still look fabulous two and a half weeks later

NRod70

I'm old school and swear by Sally Hansen Hard as Nails.

thale0924

I am a horrible biter! Especially when Im stressed.  Ive been trying to just file my nails/buff them so theyre smooth and I have nothing noticable to bite.  Along with Biotin it seems to be working?  I am looking for that hard as hoof stuff...but cant find it!   Also I LOVE the idea of eating jello.

annanoel21

I do nails. The best thing you can do is go get you a shellac/gelish manicure. Also use cuticle oil. You need to use it atleast 1 time a day to start out, but for them to be really healthy use 23 times a day. Also find a reputable salon to get them done... most nss shops aren't cleaning tools properly and don't use high grade products

erikaphoebus

First of all...I do LOVE the shellac...I have been doing it since we started talking about getting engaged. And it certainly will keep them strong and a bit thicker (more naturally looking). I still feel that using the shellac long term still dries out and thins your nails...that could be in how patient or impatient my nail tech is when "soaking" and "scrapiong" them off. If you are absolutely against any of that, I swear by Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Niracle...it's in a gold bottle and is THE BEST!!!! I'm getting married in 5 weeks and just broke 3 nails on my right hand!!! Of all things to stres about, huh!?!?! Good luck! You'll be beautiful anyway!!!

erikaphoebus

OMG!! So much for proof-reading!!!

Sally Hansen Nailgrowth MIRACLE...not Niracle :-)