How to Strengthen Your Nails

Brittle nails are both annoying and unsightly, but in today's article we've got a massive variety of natural treatments for you to try

Brittle nails are both annoying and unsightly. It’s so frustrating when they break at the slightest touch. They often don’t even grow past the tips of the nails. All of these very common problems can be a thing of the past with these natural remedies and tips on how to strengthen your nails naturally!

Homemade recipes for stronger nails

If you’re the type of person whose nails break, tear, or catch easily, then you should try out one of these remedies to strengthen your nails naturally. All are very effective and worth trying.

• Raw onion nail strengthening treatment: It’s true that the smell of an onion is unpleasant and it can sting your eyes. However, it must be said that this remedy is effective at strengthening nails. Moreover, nothing is more depressing than the sight of ugly hands and nails. Firstly, cut an onion in half, make a hole in the center, and insert the fingertips and nails in the hole for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, wash your hands (the smell can really stick, so it’s better to do this at night or at the weekends).

• Natural oil strengthening treatment: Almond oil is best, but all essential oils are very good for this treatment. Firstly, mix two tablespoons of almond oil with two tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl. Use a cotton ball to “paint” the nails and let them absorb the oil. Repeat three times per day, and you have a great treatment to strengthen your nails.
• Hardening garlic treatment: Garlic can smell as unpleasant as onions, but nobody said beauty comes easily! Firstly, chop a few cloves of garlic and put them in a glass of water. Then dip the fingertips and nails in the mixture for 20 minutes. Repeat twice a day.

Rosemary and Aloe Vera

• Rosemary strengthening remedy: For this recipe you’ll need two tablespoons of rosemary and a cup of water. Boil the ingredients for five minutes and remove from heat, letting it cool for a few minutes. Finally, pour the mixture into a bowl and dip your nails for 20 minutes. Repeat twice per day.
• Aloe Vera revitalizing treatment: Aloe Vera has many uses, as you probably already know. In this case, aloe vera helps to improve the condition of the nails in no time. You’ll need one tablespoon of aloe vera gel and three drops of olive oil. Mix until they are well blended. Soak a cotton ball with the mixture and smooth it onto the nails. Let it absorb, and repeat as often as you think is necessary.

More treatments to strengthen your nails

• Cucumber lotion for brittle nails: Liquefy several cucumbers without removing the peel. Then place the juice in a container and dip your fingertips in it every day for one week.
• Horsetail lotion for weak nails: All you need to make this infusion is a handful of horsetail per cup of water. Warm it slightly and soak the nails in it.
• Wheat germ remedy: Heat four tablespoons of wheat germ oil mixed with water for several minutes. Then remove from the heat, let it cool and add a few drops of lemon juice. Soak your fingertips in this mixture for ten minutes.
• Olive oil, honey, and egg remedy: These are three highly nutritious items with excellent properties. Mix one tablespoon of olive oil, one of honey, and one egg yolk in a bowl until a smooth paste is formed. Gently massage the mixture into each nail. Leave on for a half hour and then rinse with a little water.
• “Express” solutions for nails – Firstly, soak the nails in lemon juice twice a day; secondly, rub them with a clove of garlic; thirdly, apply a cotton ball soaked in decolorized iodine and allow it to dry completely; and, finally, dip your nails in apple cider vinegar every day, preferably before bedtime.

Tips for beautiful and strong nails

Aside from any of the home remedies described above, it’s good to remember (and practice) the following tips to strengthen your nails and keep them strong:

• Use a nail polish remover that doesn’t contain ingredients that damage the health of your nails. While acetone is an effective nail polish remover, there are healthier options.
• Eat plenty of dairy products and foods that contain calcium, protein and vitamins A and E, plus drink 8 glasses of water per day. Note that brittle nails can indicate a high degree of stress or poor nutrition.

• Don’t let your hands stay wet for too long. When washing clothes or dishes, wear gloves; don’t stay long in the shower or leave your hands in hot water. Use protection for your hands when gardening or cleaning the home.
• File your nails regularly, and keep them squared and always in the same direction. It’s better to use a non-metal nail file. Apply a hardening solution to nail polish (you can make your own by adding a clove of crushed garlic to a transparent glaze).
• Remove nail polish completely, using nail polish remover, soap and warm water. Dry with a cotton towel and massage the nails with olive oil.
• Don’t use your nails to open cans or other containers – use an appropriate tool.
• Don’t bite your nails because in addition to slowing the growth, they peel when they’re in constant contact with saliva.