Men: Here’s How to Expand Your Nail Beds

Guys, when was the last time you looked at your nails? Look down right now. If the tip of your nail is well below the end of your finger, it’s time to consider expanding your nail beds. Our fingers rely on our fingernails to protect the tips of our fingers. They help with tactical precision and increase the sensitivity of our fingertips.

Over time, if your nail beds are continuously damaged, they start to recede, leaving your fingertips unprotected.

Common Causes for Small Nail Beds in Men

Guys, don’t worry, small nail beds don’t signify a significant problem. If you’re looking to grow your nails out, though, you need to identify the root cause of small nail beds.

Common causes for small nail beds in men include:

• Over-clipping. Repeatedly trimming nails too short can damage the skin underneath, damaging the growth of nail beds.
• Minor injuries to your nail beds. Activities that lift your nails away from your fingers cause damage to your nail beds.
• Biting your nails. Similar to over-clipping, nail-chewing can cause damage to the skin beneath, leading to smaller nail beds.
• Letting dirt accumulate under your nails. Do you work outside or in your car a lot? Maybe you forget to clean under your nails sometimes. We all do. Letting dirt build-up under your nails is another way to damage your nail beds.

How to Expand Your Nail Beds

Now that you know common causes of small or damaged nail beds, you’re on the right track to fix the problem. Once you’ve identified the cause, or causes, of your nail bed damage, you can take the right steps to repair them.

Tips for expanding your nail beds include:

• Put the clippers down. Stop over-clipping your nails and try a file instead. If you can’t stay away from the clippers, wait until your nails have reached at least the end of your fingertips. Be sure not to cut them too short.
• Try not to pry at things with your fingertips. Try to switch your grip so that you’re using the cradle of your hand. Use a tool like a wrench or a bottle opener to do the job for you, depending on what you’re trying to open.
• Stop nail-biting. Nail-biting can be one of the hardest habits to quit. There are bitter sprays that you can apply to your nails to remind you each time you try to chew.
• Use a nail brush in the shower. Make sure you get all that dirt out from under your nails, gently. Digging at the dirt with a sharp tool can cause even more damage and prevent your nail beds from repairing themselves. Try a soft-bristled nail brush in the shower instead.
• Moisturize. Dry, cracked skin can damage nail beds. Be sure to moisturize. Use cuticle oil to keep your nails healthy.

Have Patience

Chances are that if your nail beds are damaged that it’s been happening for some time. Have patience when trying to expand them again, guys. Nothing happens over-night, and nail care is no exception. It may take a month or so, but you’ll get there, and your nails will thank you. Remember, there’s a lot your nails are trying to tell you. Listen closely.