Proper nail care can have a large impact on your overall health and wellness, and understanding the different types of nails and the nail system as a whole can make it easier to get the care you deserve.
There are several steps and approaches you can take to ensure your nails are healthy, strong, and guaranteed to stay in great shape for years to come, and knowing your nail beds is just one of them.
Whether you’ve been taking care of your nails for years or you’re just trying out the manicure game, Nailboo has what you need to take the next step with care. Not only do we carry easy-to-use nail dip polish kits for getting salon-quality manicures without the cost, but we’re also sharing what we know about caring for your nails, cuticles, nail beds, and more. Explore our growing library of guides and tutorials to get started.
What Are Long Nail Beds?
There are a couple of main features of your nail, and knowing the needs of your fingernails and cuticles can make it easier to find the best products and ensure your nails are treated properly.
One of the most essential features of the nail is the nailbed, which is where the nail rests on the finger. The nail bed is actually a layer of tissue and the hard surface of the nail itself and the surrounding cuticle help to protect the vulnerable nail bed.
When the nail extends beyond the cuticle at the tip of the finger, it is no longer covering the nail bed. Damage to the nail can cause damage to the nail bed below, so it’s always important to take proper care of your nails and watch for any signs of damage that may lead to complications down the line.
Every individual has their own fingernails, nose, and ears, and the nail bed is no different. Each person is going to have their own unique nail bed, which means some nail beds may be shorter and some nail beds may be longer. The more you know and understand about your nail bed, the easier it will be to care for and even to style.
Traditionally, nail beds are at least twice as long as they are wide. This is a common standard for many beauty aesthetics, but don’t worry if your nail beds are longer or wider. While you may want to try out different styles and colors to get a fit you really love, there are few medical conditions associated with long nail beds.
What Does It Mean To Have Long Nail Beds?
Because nails and nail beds are known to have a two to one ratio, any nail bed that is more than 50% longer than it is wide is considered a long nail bed, and that can be a good thing. While we have some control over the length of our nails as they’re growing out or the types of acrylics or gel nails we have applied to match our nail style preference, we can’t change the length or shape of our nail beds.
Like longer nails, longer nail beds can help to provide a slimmer look to the finger, which many individuals prefer. Of course, there are many different ways to adorn and care for your nails, depending on what kind of nail bed needs you have. Here are a few other things to consider when it comes to having long nail beds.
You Can’t Change the Shape of Your Nail Bed
You can grow out your nails or apply your preferred acrylics or gels, but the shape of your nail bed is the result of genetics, just like the shape of your fingers or hands. There are certain styles you can try out or colors that can help to slim down or shorten the appearance of your nail bed, but it will remain the same shape and size below the surface.
You Can Make Your Nail Beds Appear Longer
While you can’t change the shape of the nail bed, there are steps you can take to change the nail beds appearance and to provide the look of longer nail beds.
Remember to always use the right tools for the job and to avoid any behavior that might lead to abrasions or damage. Pushing your cuticles back is one of the most effective ways to extend the look of the nail without much risk.
Injuries Can Affect the Nail Bed
There are many reasons that proper nail care is such an essential step in protecting your overall health. While the nail’s surface is hard, the nail bed below is soft and vulnerable. If you have damaged your nail or suffered an accident on or around the nail bed, it can impact the health of the nail and maybe even the length over time.
Damage can also come from infections or from biting or picking at the cuticles surrounding the nail.
Your Nails Can Separate From the Nail Bed
This isn’t exclusive to individuals with long nail beds, but longer nails always contribute to a higher risk of damage or irritation.
While separation may not indicate anything more serious, it can be painful and is often manageable with medical care and treatment. If you notice that your nail is beginning to pull away from the nailbed below the surface, speak with your doctor to get the care you deserve.
Long Nail Bed Management and Care
A little bit of nail care today can make all the difference tomorrow, especially when it comes to longer nail beds. While you can visit the salon to get the nailcare you need, most of these nail bed management care tips and tricks can be managed right at home with the tools you already have.
Here are some of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when managing long nail beds and keeping your nails safe and healthy for a long time to come.
Be Gentle on Your Nails
Everyone’s nails are different and you have many options when it comes to adhesive nails and nail add-ons, but you want to make sure you’re not putting too much weight or pressure on the nail.
With longer nail beds, your nails can grow longer before breaking or becoming brittle, but it also means there’s more possibility for adhesive nails to pull or crack, which can lead to separation and damage over time. Always try out the nails you love with care and ease into your next set.
Protect Your Cuticles
Your cuticles make up the outside of your nail and nail bed and are essential for keeping your nail bed safe. The nail protects most of the vulnerable nail bed below, but microabrasions and damage can cause irritation of the nail bed.
When you take proper care of your cuticles by applying the right products and protecting them from the cold or environmental damages, you’re also helping to protect your long nail beds.
Always Use the Right Tools
It’s always essential to use the right tools when it comes to at-home nail care, but especially when managing and protecting your nail bed. Longer nail beds can require more protection.
The right tools can help to protect your nail beds from possible damage or bacteria and also ensure that your nails continue to grow strong and healthy. If you’re pushing your cuticles back to make the beds look longer or cleaning under the nail, equip your manicure kit for the job.
Avoid Nail Damage and Picking
One of the most important steps you can take when it comes to keeping your cuticles safe and protecting the nail bed below is to avoid picking or biting at the cuticle.
This can introduce a lot of bacteria to the exposed nail bed, which can lead to other medical conditions when not properly addressed. Picking at the cuticles surrounding the nail beds can also be painful, so try to find a way to keep your fingers busy with tasks or crafts.
It’s also important to protect your fingers and hands when playing sports, learning instruments, or just going about your day. Acute damage from an injury can permanently change the shape of your nail bed, so always take care.
Always Remove Your Nails Properly
Some polish can come off with a simple nail polish remover and other types of nails have a more involved removal process. Acrylics need to be taken off by a professional nail technician, and the dip nail polish available in kits here at Nailboo should be removed with acetone. When we don’t remove our polish or nails properly, we run the risk of pulling on the nail and maybe even separating it from the nailbed below. Proper removal takes time and patience, but it’s worth the extra effort.
Pay Attention to Your Nail Beds
Not only can healthy nails contribute to our overall health and wellness, but our nails can also end up telling us a lot about what is happening in the rest of our body, as well. If you notice that your nail bed has dark lines or damage, it may be the result of excess sun exposure and should be checked out by a medical professional.
Different color nail beds and changes in the visible surface of the nail bed should be discussed with your doctor.
Allow Your Nails a Chance To Breathe
If you’re worried about the weight of your new nails on your nail bed, or you’ve simply had your nails on for a while, it may be time to take a break. It’s always a good idea to give your nails a few days before applying the next set, and this can be helpful for reducing the pressure on your nail beds, as well.
Find a Look You Love
You can work to lengthen the appearance of your nail beds with simple tips and tricks like pushing the cuticle back and cleaning below the surface of the nail, but you can also play around with the existing size of the nail and the nailbed, as well.
There are many different colors and styles to try out for your next manicure and you’re sure to find a look that flatters your fingers and makes you feel confident in your own skin.
Explore the many available manicure designs and ideas or begin making a look all your own that celebrates your nails.
Conclusion
Every person is going to have different nails and different nail needs, and knowing what to look for when it comes to your next manicure can make all the difference. The nail and surrounding finger have a few key features that can contribute to your health and the overall style of the manicure.
One of them is the nailbed, the skin below the surface of the nail that extends to just before the fingertip.
Some nail beds are going to be longer than others, and nail beds are traditionally considered long if they’re more than 60% longer than the width of the nail. When it comes to caring for your long nail beds, you always want to make sure you’re using the right nail sets for the job, that you don’t bite at or damage your cuticles, and that you remove your nail polish properly. These steps and more can help to protect the nail bed below.
Nailboo is here to provide the information and support you need to ensure your long nails and nail beds remain strong and healthy. We carry easy-to-use dip kits for a perfect polish every time, and we’re sharing our experiences and expertise when it comes to nail protection and care. Get the manicure you and your nails deserve with Nailboo.
Sources:
Tips for Healthy Nails | American Academy of Dermatology Association
Cutting Your Cuticles: Harmful or Helpful? | South Texas Foot and Ankle Care
Melanonychia | Derm Net NZ
