Most of time nails break down because of deficiency of calcium in the body. In such case you must increase consumption of milk and dairy products as they are a rich source of calcium. Commercially available calcium supplements- for example, Calcium D3 Nycomed can also be used. This drug provides the body with not only the daily calcium necessity but is also a great source of vitamin D. Additionally you should ensure that you do not use cheap nail polishes as the chemicals present in them damages the texture and enamel protection of the nails. Remember, while doing household work you must wear household gloves on your hands. This way your nails will be protected. Here we discussed some effective home based methods to strengthen nails naturally.
How to Strengthen Nails at Home
A number of home based remedies and ingredients can provide the desired results in order to strengthen your nails. Some of them are listed below.
1. Coconut oil for Strong Nails
Coconut oil contains saturated fat which helps to moisturizes your nails and get rid of nail infections naturally.(1)
You’ll need:
- coconut oil
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
How to apply:
- Take some coconut oil with your fingertips
- Apply directly on your nails leave it for 5 to 10 minutes
Repetitions: Do this method twice a day.
[ Read: How to Use Coconut oil for Nails ]
2. Olive oil for Strengthening Nails
Olive oil best remedy for strengthening nails. When you apply on your nails it will helps to moisturize the nails and soften nails and cuticles.(2)
You’ll need:
- warm olive oil
Preparation time: 3 minutes.
How to do:
- Take little bit of warm olive oil and apply it on your nails (top of the nail and Under the nails)
- Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes
- Finally wash off with water
Repetitions: Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day.
[ Read: Benefits of Olive oil ]
3. Sea Salt for Strong Nails
Sea salt fortifies and promotes the growth of the nail plate; in addition, it has anti fungal action, so the frequent use of salt baths is effective in avoiding any infections on the nails.(3)
You’ll need:
- 1 tsp of sea salt
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
How to do:
- Pour all the above mentioned ingredients in a heatproof bowl add some water to it and mix well
- Heat this mixture using a pan, once the mixture warm remove and let it cool down at room temperature
- Clean your hands and fingers properly, soak your nails for 5 to 10 minutes
Repetitions: Do this remedy once a week.
[ Read: Benefits and Uses of Sea Salt ]
4. Lemon Juice for Stronger Nails
Lemon is a good source of vitamin c which helps to prevent yellow nails and also keeps your nails healthy and strong.(4)
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- cotton ball
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
How to do:
- Mix olive and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl
- Slightly warm the mixture and let it cool until it is touchable
- Dip a cotton ball in this mixture and apply directly on your nails
- Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes
Repetitions: Do this method at least twice a week.
Note: Do not use lemon if there is an injury on your nail or on the skin around your nails. The acid content of lemon causes a burning sensation on the wounds.
5. Vitamin E oil Nails
Moisturizing property of vitamin E oil helps keep your nails strong and healthy.(5)
You’ll need:
- 1 vitamin e capsule
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
How to do:
- Break the vitamin e capsule and extract the oil in a bowl
- Apply vitamin e oil on your nails
- Gently rub the oil for few minutes with your fingers
Repetitions: Do this process daily once.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar for Strong Nails
Apple cider vinegar has various nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron that helps to keep your nails strong and health. and also antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar prevent nail fungus.(6)
You’ll need:
- apple cider vinegar
- water
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
How to do:
- Mix equal quantities of both apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl
- Stir well and soak your nails for few minutes in this mixture
Repetitions: Do this remedy once a day for few weeks.
7. Green Tea for Strengthening Nails
The antioxidants properties of green tea help strengthen nails naturally.(7)
You’ll need:
- cup of green tea
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes.
How to do:
- Prepare a green tea and allow it to cool
- Pour a cup of green tea in a bowl and soak your nails in it
- Soak your nails for about 10 to 15 minutes
Repetitions: Do this green teak 2 to 3 times a week.
[ Read: Green Tea for Weight Loss ]
8. Tea Tree oil for Nail Strength
The antiseptic and anti-fungal properties of tea tree oil helps to cure nails problems and also repair the damaged nails.(8)
You’ll need:
- tea tree oil
- warm water
Preparation time: 3 minutes.
How to do:
- Mix tea tree oil in warm water in a bowl
- Soak your nails in this mixture for few minutes
Repetitions: Follow this tea tree oil soak for twice a week.
9. Flaxseed oil for Strengthen Nails
Flax seeds are a good source of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and also being a rich source of some vitamins and minerals. Which helps to strengthen the nails and prevent nail breakage.(9)
You’ll need:
- flaxseed oil
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
How to do:
- Take some flaxseed oil in bowl
- Gently rub flaxseed oil on your nails for few minutes
Repetitions: You can follow this remedy daily before going to bed.
10. Egg Yolk for Nails
Egg yolk is a good source of vitamins and minerals which helps to strengthen your nails naturally.(10)
You’ll need:
- 1 egg
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
How to do:
- Break the egg and separate the egg yolk in a small bowl
- Apply egg yolk directly on your nails and gently massage for about few minutes
- Then wash if off with water
Repetitions: Follow this process twice a week for few months.
11. Grape Seed oil for Nails
You’ll need:
- few drops of grape seed oil
Preparation time: 2 minutes.
How to apply:
- Take grape seed oil with your fingertips
- Gently rub it on your nails and cuticles
- Leave it for few minutes
Repetitions: Do this remedy 2 times a day for few weeks.
12. Herbs to Strengthen Nails
Use herbs including chamomile, oak bark, juniper, etc to strengthen nails.
How to Use?
- Take 1 tbsp of any herb. You can use the leaves.
- Pour a glass of boiled water.
- Leave for half an hour.
- Apply it on your nails.
Repetitions: Do this method once a week.
13. Iodine to Strengthen Nails
Iodine has a warming effect that strengthens the nails. It allows for the enhancement of micro circulation in the fingertips.(11)
How to Use:
- Use a cotton swab soaked in iodine to remove the nail polish.
- It is not necessary to wash off anything.
- At night, the iodine is totally absorbed by the nails.
- Use this every time you remove your nail polish.
Note: Excessive use of iodine can cause yellowing of the nails.
All the mentioned recipes in this article promise a chemical-free method of protecting and strengthening your nails at home. This is one of the most important factors to look at while protecting nails from damage.
Best Nail Strengtheners
Scientific Evidence:
- The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24320105/
- The use of olive oil for skin health in a Saudi population: A cross-sectional study- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8991441/
- Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15689218/
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
- Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs and Treatment Recommendations in Brittle Nails: A Review- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6994568/
- Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Apple Vinegar of Different Cultivars- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8369171/
- Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7084675/
- Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418522/
- Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152533/
- Biotin- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
- Iodine and Iodine Deficiency: A Comprehensive Review of a Re-Emerging Issue- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9459956/
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