Who does not want to have beautiful nails? However, brittle nails can make you look ugly. If your nails are weak and brittle, they will easily crack or chap. This is a commonly observed issue that affects both males as well as females.
Causes
There are five main things that causes brittle nails –
1. Aging
2. Long use of nail polish
3. Frequent exposure to water.
4. Frequent use of nail polish remover
5. Nutritional deficiencies
Other causes
Brittle nails can also be linked with diseases like anemia, fungal infection, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, lung conditions, eczema, lichen planus, endocrine disorders and alopecia areata. Other causes are nutritional deficiencies, exposure to chemicals, dehydration and very dry environment. Brittle nails can also be a symptom of health issues like jaundice, heart disease, hepatitis.
Simple home remedies to strengthen weak, brittle nails
A lot of discomfort is caused by nails that are dry, splitting, or cracking. But, brittle nails can be easily handled using simple remedies at home that strengthen nails.
1. Vitamin E oil with Tea tree oil
Mix one teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 4-5 drops of tea tree oil. Rub this mixture on your nails and gently massage for 5-6 minutes and leave it on for more 30-40 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water, pat dry and apply mild moisturizing lotion. Repeat this twice a day for 3-4 weeks to get rid of brittle nails.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is considered to be good for nails. Make a mixture of raw and undiluted apple cider vinegar and water in equal amounts, in a bowl. Soak your nails in this mixture for some time. As soon as you take your nails out, gently push back the cuticles. Repeat this method every day for stronger nails.
3. Coconut Oil
Take a tiny amount of coconut oil and warm it by rubbing it between your palms. Apply the oil on the surface of each nail and gently, but thoroughly massage for 5 minutes. The rubbing action improves the circulation of blood and keeps nails full of moisture. This method should be repeated 2-3 times every day.
4. Coconut oil with lemon juice
Another remedy that can be tried at home is to make a mixture of ¼ cup of tepid coconut oil with some drops of lemon juice. Mix these well in a small bowl and soak your nails for 10 minutes in it for 10 minutes, just before bedtime. It is recommended that you cover your hands with gloves while sleeping to get maximum benefits.
5. Peppermint, wheat flour mask
A very effective remedy that can be tried at home involves pouring a cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of chamomile tea and 1 tsp of peppermint tea. Allow the mixture to steep for one-and-a-half hours. Next, remove the herbs using a strainer. Then, add ½ teaspoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of wheat flour. Thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Apply this mixture to your nails and allow it to soak in for ½ an hour. Rinse off with water.
6. Olive oil and Lemon juice
Take 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix these well in a small, microwavable bowl. Heat the mixture in a microwave until it feels warm to the touch. Dab this mixture, using a clean cotton ball, on your nails before bedtime. Ensure that you put on gloves before sleeping.
7. Lemon juice and argan oil
Dip your nails in a solution of fresh lemon juice and argan oil (1 tablespoon each) for 20 minutes.
8. Sea Salt
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add 2 tablespoons of fine grain sea salt in it. To this, add 2 drops each of frankincense, wheat germ oil, myrrh, and lemon essential oil. In this mixture, dip your nails and keep them for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Pat dry and liberally apply hand cream. This remedy should be repeated 2-3 times a week to see visible results.
9. Vitamin E oil
Open a capsule of vitamin E and empty it in a small bowl. Put this oil on your nails before bedtime. Gently massage the oil into the nail for 5 minutes. This will help boost blood circulation to the nail bed. After 1-2 weeks, you will notice that your nails have become stronger.
