Managed to grow my nails. What do I need to do to keep them?

[Juniper68]

I used nail envy and have got my nails to a decent length. Not too long as not allowed long at work (h&s)
What's the best way to keep them? Would gel polish done professionally be best? Never had a full set of nails before. I once had false ones years ago but didn't like them.

Well done for getting your nails into good condition!
My nails grow in a cycle. They split and break and I file and look after them and then they will grow long and look good for a while before they split and break again.
Try the gels and see if it works for you. Everyone's nails are different. When mine are in good shape I paint them myself. If I am going on holiday I get gels as they will last for the duration.
If you are not allowed to have long nails at work, will they allow gels though?

Thanks. I might be getting mixed up? Is there a varnish that is stronger than others? I don't want them longer.

I don't like gel nails, they weaken and dry out your nail underneath, which always look shabby when you take the gels off. So people get stuck in a cycle of gel nails.

Carry a nail file everywhere. That's it. And keep them filed. When one breaks, or you bite it, file it into shape.

Your nails will get stronger the longer you do this.

Spoken as a former nail biter who occasionally relapses.

Cheers. Yes I've been using an emery board regularly. I got some cuticle oil too.

I massage coconut oil into mine in between painting them. Stops them getting dry from the polish and remover. Good for cuticles too.

Definitely this!

I swear by this:

Creative Nail Design Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner 7.3 ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0037MIMLW/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_5E3M8Q5QKH5A3AJSCT1J

The best nail oil ever.

I swear by the Simon & Tom nail oil. My nails were really flaky before but v strong now

I use any of the Sally Hansen products, miracle growth/strengthener to keep mine in good condition whatever the length. It definitely helps keep them strong and healthy looking

Mine always split halfway down the nail bed and frequently have pits and dents in them (Psoriasis). The only way to keep them is to have gel on, as they're always going to split before they've got far enough up to do anything about it; this isn't as a result of using gel, it's what they do naturally blasted immune system.

At the point I first started letting them grow, they were also weak and it wasn't until they needed to be shortened to avoid the witch like talons look that the nails began feeling stronger - they'd still split down the side, but they were strong nails with a split rather than weak ones.

So I wouldn't discount gels completely, as long as you remember to not use your nails as a tool and never, ever pick at the gel once it starts growing out.

Thanks everyone. I'll get some oil.