A Simple 3-Step Routine For Longer, Stronger Natural Nails
Beginner-friendly tips ahead.
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Beauty & Health Editor
Beauty & Health Editor
Hannah Frye is the Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including beauty, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously worked for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.
Image by Lumina / Stocksy October 23, 2024 Nail envy is a real thing, and I say that from experience. Some people are simply blessed with lengthy, sturdy nails that never bend, split, or chip. If this is you, then I suggest you add that to your gratitude journal tomorrow. For the rest of us, keep reading. The following tips are your primer to encouraging healthier natural nails from here on out: 1. The first order of business is to find a great cuticle oil (our favorites here). Before you say cuticle oil is a frivolous beauty endeavor, I'll remind you that dehydrated, frayed cuticles can lead to damaged nail beds and infection if they're left untreated. Plus, if your nail beds are left out to dry, then your tips may follow suit. So yes, this step is essential. But picking the product is the easy part. The harder to-do is remembering to apply it daily. To ensure you keep up with this task, put your cuticle oil on your nightstand, by your desk, or on another easy-to-see surface you look at every day. A consistent, well-rounded supplement routine will support your overall health and trickle down to beauty-centric areas like your hair, skin, and nails. Specifically, your nails consist of keratin, so it's important to make sure you're getting your fill of keratin-building amino acids. Two of the most popular are biotin and collagen—both of which have been researched relating to nail health. In terms of collagen, another study showed that when patients took collagen daily for 24 weeks, their nail health was better maintained3, including faster growth rates, reduced breakage, and improved appearance. 3. Now let's address the elephant in the room: nail picking (or for some, biting). This habit is complex and oftentimes a response to triggers that cause feelings of anxiousness, boredom, etc. In order to kick the habit, start by subbing in a different activity that's not harmful to your nails but still provides a positive feeling of relief. Below, some ideas to get you started. Utilize these activities when you feel the temptation to pick coming on: 
Use cuticle oil 1x a day (at least)
Sub-out your nail-picking habit
The takeaway
If you're sick with nail envy, consider these the stepping stones to achieving healthy tips of your own.
Keep cuticle oil on hand, commit to your supplement routine (ideally containing collagen and biotin), and do your best to sub in other activities for nail picking. Here ares even more ways to keep your nails strong if you've checked the boxes above.
