No matter whether you wear nail polish or not, or if you like your nails long or short, strong and shiny nails always look good and indicate that you are in good health in general. However, some of us are luckier than others. Thankfully, there are ways you can continually improve your nails, making them better and stronger. Here are 10 natural remedies that you can try to help strengthen your nails:
1. Vitamin E
This oil improves the nail condition as well as the nail bed. Vitamin E helps repair and straighten damaged and brittle nails, as well as healing the cuticles. It also improves blood circulation and nail growth.
What to do: Apply the Vitamin E directly onto your nails and nail beds.
2. Coconut oil
This antioxidant protects the nails from the negative effects of free radicals. Coconut oil also has very good antibacterial and antifungal characteristics.
What to do: Apply warm coconut oil on the nails and the skin around them, massaging until absorbed.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider is an excellent ingredient to help straighten nails, soften cuticles and it also helps the nails to grow faster.
What to do: Just add one tablespoon to a glass of warm water and soak it for a few minutes. You may also repeat this daily until you are happy with the results.
4. Tea tree oil
This is a very strong antiseptic and antifungal agent. Dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil, before applying it to your skin and nails. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.
What to do: Combine two drops of tea tree oil with 1/2 a teaspoon of olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil. Apply to the nails and skin around them, massaging for a couple of minutes.
5. Lemon juice
Lemon is high in Vitamin C, this accelerates collagen production which makes nails stronger. The lemon juice also contains alpha-hydroxy acid which lightens the nails and heals any micro-cracks in them.
What to do: Simply squeeze half a lemon and mix with 1 cup of warm water, soaking for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Olive oil
This fantastic ingredient is great for moisturizing and nourishing the nails. It is high in Vitamin E, which repairs any damage to the nails and stimulates their growth.
What to do: Apply warm olive oil to the nails and massage for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Egg yolk and honey
Egg yolk contains a high amount of Vitamin A and fatty acids which makes it effective for strengthening weak, thin and brittle nails. It also helps to smoothen and moisturize the cuticles. You can add some honey too as it contains antifungal properties.
What to do: Mix one yolk with 1/2 a teaspoon of warm honey then apply the mixture to the nails and the skin around them, leaving for 15 minutes before rinsing.
8. Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is high in fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants which makes this oil really effective for boosting nail growth.
What to do: Apply flaxseed oil on the nails and massage for a few minutes.
9. Almond oil
Almond oil is high in vitamins A, B and E. It repairs, moisturizes and nourishes the nails, softening the cuticles.
What to do: Apply warm almond oil to your nails and the skin around them, massaging for 2 to 3 minutes. Almond oil can also be used as a carrier oil.
10. Jojoba oil
