How To Get Longer Nail Beds For Beautiful Nails
Having long, beautiful nails is a goal for many people. But what if your nail beds are short or uneven? Getting longer nail beds can help your nails grow out stronger and more evenly for a prettier manicure.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Soak nails in water, gently push back cuticles with a tool, use cuticle oil daily, and get professional manicures to encourage growth and proper shaping over time.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about safely and effectively getting longer nail beds for gorgeous nails.
Understand What Nail Beds Are
Definition and location on nail
The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate. It extends from the base of the nail plate to the tip of the finger or toe. The nail bed contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes which produce pigment that gives color to the nail plate.
Difference between nail plate and nail bed
The nail plate is the hard, translucent part of the nail that we see. It is made up of compacted keratin. The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate containing the blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes.
While the nail plate protects the delicate nail bed underneath, the nail bed provides nutrients and pigmentation to the nail plate through the matrix.
Why nail bed length matters for growth
The length of the nail bed determines how much nail plate can be supported on the finger or toe. A short nail bed gives less surface area for nail growth, resulting in shorter nails. Longer nail beds allow more nail plate to be grown out to the fingertip before growth has to be trimmed.
Having long nail beds is desirable for maximizing nail length and shaping abilities.
Some key facts about nail bed length:
- Average nail bed is about 5-6mm from cuticle to fingertip
- Long nail beds are 7mm or longer
- Short nail beds are 4mm or less
Increasing nail bed exposure allows for longer, stronger nail growth. Nail procedures like backfills and grafting can help lengthen short nail beds for better growth potential.
Soak Nails in Water Before Pushing Back Cuticles
Softens cuticles for safe removal
Soaking your nails in water for 5-10 minutes before pushing back your cuticles helps soften them, making the process easier and safer. The warm water causes the cuticles to become more pliable, reducing the risk of tearing or damaging them when pushed back.
According to dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology, cuticle care should always begin with soaking to allow for gentle removal.
Avoid cutting cuticles
Pushing back the cuticles after soaking is preferable to cutting them. Cutting can lead to infections and hangnails. The Nail Care HQ experts recommend always using a cuticle pusher rather than nippers or scissors, as this reduces the chances of damaging the nail bed.
Be gentle and take your time when pushing them back after soaking. Never tear or rip off hangnails, as this can be painful and lead to further tearing.
Use cuticle remover product if needed
For especially stubborn cuticles that don’t soften enough through soaking, you can apply a cuticle remover product before pushing them back. These products contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids that help break down the “glue” between the cuticle and nail plate.
According to nail care brand Essie, cuticle remover can make the pushing process easier. But take care not to get these chemicals on the skin around the nails, as they can cause irritation. Always soak and push back gently first before trying chemical removers.
Gently Push Back Cuticles
Having beautiful, healthy nail beds is key to achieving gorgeous nails. An important part of nail bed care is gently pushing back the cuticles. Here’s how to do it properly:
Use a cuticle pusher tool
Invest in a cuticle pusher tool, which has a rounded, spoon-shaped end designed specifically for safely pushing back cuticles without damaging the nail bed. Metal and plastic cuticle pushers are available at beauty supply stores or online for just a few dollars.
This tool is gentler and safer than using your fingers.
Be gentle to avoid damage
When using the cuticle pusher tool, be very gentle and don’t force it. Avoid tearing or injuring the cuticles in any way. Damaging the cuticles can allow bacteria and fungi to enter and infect the nail bed, possibly leading to painful problems like hangnails or infection.
Here are some tips for safe cuticle pushing:
- Soak nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes before pushing back cuticles – this softens them and makes the process easier.
- Gently glide the cuticle pusher along the nail, beginning near the base and moving toward the tip.
- Apply light, consistent pressure – don’t jab.
- Stop if you meet any resistance or pain.
Don’t cut cuticles
It can be tempting to nip off hangnails or overgrown cuticles with nail clippers or scissors. However, cutting cuticles is risky and can damage the nail bed. The cuticle is actually part of the nail matrix and snipping it can disrupt nail growth.
Instead, schedule professional cuticle care at your nail salon. The technician can safely trim excess cuticle growth without harming the nail bed. Or, simply push back cuticles regularly with the proper tool.
With careful, gentle cuticle pushing 1-2 times per week, you can reveal beautiful, extended nail beds. Just take it slowly and avoid damaging the delicate nail area. Hands and nails will look healthy, well-manicured and ready for polish application.
Apply Cuticle Oil Daily
Applying cuticle oil daily is one of the best ways to get longer nail beds for beautiful nails. Here’s why you should make cuticle oil part of your regular nail care routine:
Keeps Cuticles Moisturized
The cuticles are the thin skin around the base of your nails. When cuticles become dry and damaged, they can split and peel – which shortens your nail beds. Using cuticle oil hydrates the cuticles, keeping them soft and flexible.
This prevents hangnails and other cuticle damage that can shorten your nail length.
Stimulates Growth
Many cuticle oils contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that condition the nail beds and stimulate growth. For example, oils with vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, and essential fatty acids nourish the nails. Jojoba oil and sweet almond oil are also great for promoting healthy nail growth.
Look For Vitamins and Natural Oils
When shopping for a cuticle oil, check the ingredients list. The best cuticle oils contain vitamins and natural oils like:
- Vitamin E – powerful antioxidant that protects nails
- Vitamin A – helps stimulate keratin production for growth
- Biotin – B vitamin that aids keratin formation
- Tea tree oil – antimicrobial and conditioning for nails
- Coconut, olive, or jojoba oil – nourishes nails and cuticles
- Lavender oil – antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
- Lemongrass oil – antifungal to prevent infection
Apply just a drop or two of cuticle oil around each nail 1-2 times per day. Gently massage into the nail beds and cuticles. This helps boost circulation and allows the oils to penetrate. Plus, daily massage stimulates the matrix cells in your nail bed – encouraging growth.
Be patient, as it takes time to see results. But with consistent use of cuticle oil, your nail beds can gradually lengthen and extend – giving you beautiful, long nail beds!
Get Professional Manicures
Experts shape nails properly
Getting regular professional manicures every 2-4 weeks helps shape the nails properly as the technicians have specialized tools and techniques. They remove excess cuticles carefully, file and buff the nails into the desired shape whether squoval, round, square or another requests by clients.
Overtime with their expertise, the free edge becomes consistent and the whites of the nail beds can grow to show nicely.
Remove cuticles safely
Attempting to remove cuticles without proper training risks tearing skin or damaging the nail matrix. Professional manicurists soak the nails first to soften cuticles, then gently push them back with a cuticle pusher.
For any remaining pieces, they safely nip them using precision cuticle nippers without nicking the nails or skin, helping prevent hangnails.
Encourage even growth over time
Well-shaped nails set by technicians lay the foundation for proper growth over the weeks between appointments. As new nails generate from the matrix underneath, they can fill in evenly with guidance from the shaped free edge.
Regular manicures ensure nails grow straight rather than becoming ingrown or distorted. This in turn lengthens the visible nail beds for a tidy appearance.
Conclusion
Getting longer, evenly shaped nail beds is possible with some simple at-home techniques and professional help. Just remember to be patient and gentle as you encourage cuticle growth. With proper care over time, you’ll start seeing beautiful, long nail beds for stunning nails.
