When your nails are weak, it can certainly be frustrating. They break easily, they won’t grow long, and they may even chip or split. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to strengthen your nails at home using natural ingredients and methods. Here are our top 8 DIY nail strengthening methods that you can easily do at home!
Why You Need to Strengthen Your Nails
Before we dive into the best nail strengthening methods, it’s important to understand why it’s important to strengthen your nails in the first place. Weak, brittle nails are not only unsightly, but they can also cause pain and discomfort. Cracking or splitting nails can lead to infections and may make it difficult to perform simple tasks such as typing or cooking. Strengthening your nails can prevent these issues and help you maintain healthy, beautiful nails.
Additionally, strong nails can also be an indicator of overall health. Nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions can all affect the health of your nails. By taking steps to strengthen your nails, you may also be improving your overall health and well-being.
Understanding Nail Structure and Growth
To truly understand how to strengthen your nails, it’s important to understand the structure and growth of nails. Nails are made up of layers of a protein called keratin. The visible portion of the nail is called the nail plate, and it grows from a small structure called the nail matrix. Healthy nails grow about 3mm per month, and nail growth is influenced by factors such as age, diet, and overall health.
In addition to these factors, nail growth can also be affected by external factors such as trauma, medications, and exposure to chemicals. Trauma to the nail, such as hitting it against a hard surface, can cause the nail to grow abnormally or even stop growing altogether. Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can also affect nail growth and cause them to become brittle and weak. Exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning products or nail polish remover, can also weaken the nails and make them more prone to breakage.
Common Causes of Weak and Brittle Nails
There are many reasons why nails can become weak or brittle. These include:
- Excessive use of nail polish remover or harsh chemicals
- Frequent exposure to water or moisture
- Poor nutrition or vitamin deficiencies
- Medical conditions such as thyroid disease or anemia
- Age-related changes to nail structure or growth
By understanding what causes weak nails, you can take steps to prevent further damage and improve their strength.
One additional cause of weak and brittle nails is trauma or injury to the nail bed. This can occur from a variety of sources, such as hitting your nail against a hard surface or wearing shoes that are too tight. When the nail bed is damaged, it can affect the growth and strength of the nail. It is important to protect your nails from injury and seek medical attention if you experience any pain or swelling.
Top Ingredients for Effective Nail Strengthening
When it comes to strengthening your nails, there are many effective natural ingredients that you can use. Some of the most popular ingredients include:
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Vitamin E oil
- Aloe vera gel
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Biotin-rich foods
- Essential oils
We’ll explore each of these ingredients in more detail below and show you how to use them to strengthen your nails.
Garlic is a powerful ingredient that can help strengthen your nails. It contains sulfur, which is essential for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up your nails. To use garlic for nail strengthening, crush a few cloves and mix them with olive oil. Apply the mixture to your nails and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
Another effective ingredient for nail strengthening is biotin-rich foods. Biotin is a B vitamin that is essential for healthy nails. Foods that are high in biotin include eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Adding these foods to your diet can help improve the strength and appearance of your nails.
#1 DIY Method: Homemade Garlic Nail Strengthener Recipe
Garlic is a powerful natural ingredient that can help strengthen nails and prevent fungal infections. To make a garlic nail strengthener, you’ll need:
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil
Mash the garlic and mix it with the olive oil. Rub the mixture onto your nails and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat your nails dry.
Garlic contains high levels of allicin, a compound that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. This makes it an effective natural remedy for nail infections and other nail-related issues. In addition to using garlic as a nail strengthener, you can also consume it in your diet to promote overall nail health. Adding garlic to your meals or taking garlic supplements can help improve the appearance and strength of your nails.
#2 DIY Method: Lemon and Olive Oil Nail Soak
Lemon and olive oil are another powerful combination for strengthening nails and preventing fungal infections.
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Mix the lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl and warm the mixture slightly. Soak your nails in the mixture for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
In addition to strengthening nails and preventing fungal infections, lemon and olive oil nail soak can also help to brighten and whiten your nails. The citric acid in lemon juice can help to remove stains and discoloration, while the olive oil moisturizes and nourishes the nails.
For an extra boost of hydration, you can add a few drops of vitamin E oil to the mixture. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect and repair the nails, leaving them looking and feeling healthy and strong.
#3 DIY Method: Vitamin E Oil and Aloe Vera Gel Treatment
Vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel are both great for moisturizing and strengthening nails.
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 1 tsp aloe vera gel
Mix the vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel together and massage onto your nails and cuticles. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
This treatment is also great for promoting nail growth. Vitamin E oil contains antioxidants that help to repair and protect the nails, while aloe vera gel contains enzymes that promote healthy nail growth. For best results, use this treatment once a week.
#4 DIY Method: Coconut Oil and Honey Nail Mask
Coconut oil and honey are both excellent for moisturizing and strengthening nails.
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp honey
Mix the coconut oil and honey together and warm the mixture slightly. Apply the mixture to your nails and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Not only does this nail mask provide moisture and strength to your nails, but it also has additional benefits. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent nail infections. Honey, on the other hand, has natural antibacterial properties that can help keep your nails healthy and clean. So, not only will your nails look great after using this DIY nail mask, but they will also be healthier and less prone to infections.
#5 DIY Method: Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
Apple cider vinegar is a natural antifungal and can help prevent infections and strengthen nails.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups warm water
Mix the apple cider vinegar and warm water in a foot soak basin. Soak your feet (or just your hands if you prefer) for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
It is important to note that apple cider vinegar foot soaks should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment for fungal infections or other foot conditions. If you have persistent foot problems, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
#6 DIY Method: Biotin-Rich Foods for Stronger Nails
Biotin is a B vitamin that’s essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Eating biotin-rich foods can help strengthen your nails from the inside out.
Some great biotin-rich foods to include in your diet include:
- Eggs
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Avocado
- Sweet potatoes
In addition to incorporating biotin-rich foods into your diet, there are other dietary changes you can make to promote stronger nails. Consuming foods high in protein, such as lean meats and legumes, can help strengthen your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle.
It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can cause your nails to become weak and brittle, so make sure you’re getting enough fluids to keep your nails healthy and strong.
#7 DIY Method: Essential Oils for Nail Health
Essential oils are natural oils derived from plants that can have powerful health benefits. Some essential oils are great for strengthening nails and preventing infections.
Some effective essential oils for nail health include:
- Tea tree oil
- Lavender oil
- Lemon oil
To use essential oils for nail health, simply add a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil and apply to your nails and cuticles.
#8 DIY Method: Lifestyle Habits for Stronger Nails
Finally, there are simple lifestyle habits that you can adopt to promote healthier, stronger nails.
Some habits to try include:
- Wearing gloves when doing dishes or cleaning
- Avoiding biting or picking at your nails
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Taking breaks from nail polish and allowing your nails to breathe
How to Apply and Use Nail Strengtheners Safely
When using DIY nail strengtheners, it’s important to follow safety precautions to prevent any adverse effects.
Some safety tips to keep in mind include:
- Perform a patch test before trying any new ingredients
- Use ingredients in appropriate amounts and dilute as needed
- Do not overuse nail strengtheners as they may cause damage to your nails
- Avoid using any ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction
Other Tips to Keep Your Nails Healthy and Beautiful
In addition to using DIY nail strengtheners, there are other tips to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.
Some tips to try include:
- Moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly
- Get regular manicures to keep your nails looking their best
- Avoid exposing your nails to excessive heat or cold
- Use a nail file to keep your nails at a healthy length
By adopting these tips and using DIY nail strengtheners, you can improve the health and appearance of your nails and prevent further damage!
