15 Natural Ways to Strengthen and Grow Healthy Nails

Taking care of your nails is an essential part of maintaining overall hand health. While there are plenty of store-bought products available, natural home remedies can be just as effective in strengthening and promoting nail growth. Many of these remedies are simple to incorporate into your daily routine and use ingredients you likely already have at home. From oils to vitamins, each remedy offers unique benefits to help nourish and protect your nails.

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Olive Oil

Olive oil is known for its nourishing properties, making it a great option for strengthening nails. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can deeply penetrate the nail and surrounding skin, helping to moisturize and promote growth. The healthy fats in olive oil help to improve nail elasticity, preventing breakage and splitting.

To use, simply warm a small amount of olive oil and massage it into your nails and cuticles. For best results, do this every night before bed and leave the oil on overnight to deeply moisturize and strengthen the nails.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular natural moisturizer that is beneficial for nails. It contains fatty acids, which are helpful in hydrating and strengthening nails, preventing dryness and brittleness. Coconut oil also has antifungal properties, making it effective for keeping fungal infections at bay, which could otherwise hinder nail growth.

Apply warm coconut oil directly onto your nails and cuticles, massaging gently for a few minutes. Do this routine a few times a week to keep your nails healthy and hydrated.

Biotin

Biotin is a B-vitamin that plays a key role in supporting the health of hair, skin, and nails. A deficiency in biotin can lead to weak and brittle nails, so supplementing your diet with biotin can improve nail strength and encourage growth. You can find biotin in foods like eggs, nuts, and avocados, or consider taking a supplement.

While biotin can help with nail growth, it’s important to ensure you are also maintaining a balanced diet. Incorporating biotin-rich foods into your meals can support the growth of both your nails and hair.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is not only refreshing but also an effective home remedy for nails. The vitamin C in lemon helps to promote collagen production, which is essential for nail growth. Additionally, lemon’s acidic properties help to remove stains, leaving nails looking cleaner and brighter.

To use, simply rub fresh lemon juice directly onto your nails and allow it to sit for a few minutes before washing it off. This remedy can be used a few times per week to maintain healthy nails.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that supports overall nail health. It helps to repair damaged nails and improve circulation to the nail beds, which can encourage faster growth. Vitamin E oil is especially useful for treating dry, cracked cuticles and nourishing the nails.

To use, apply vitamin E oil directly to your nails and cuticles, massaging gently. Use this remedy daily to improve the appearance and health of your nails.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is widely known for its antiseptic properties, making it ideal for treating fungal infections and keeping nails healthy. It can help reduce the risk of infections that may hinder nail growth, while also strengthening the nail by preventing damage and breakage.

Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, and apply it to your nails. Repeat this process regularly to maintain healthy nails.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its soothing and healing properties, making it a great option for nails that are damaged or prone to splitting. Aloe vera gel can help nourish and hydrate the nails, promoting growth and strength. It also helps to repair any damaged skin around the cuticles.

To use, extract fresh aloe vera gel from the plant and apply it directly onto your nails. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off to allow the gel to penetrate the nails.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that can help strengthen nails due to its rich supply of minerals. It contains acetic acid, which helps to balance the pH of your nails, preventing infections and improving nail health. The vinegar can also help remove any fungal infections that might be slowing nail growth.

Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and soak your nails in the solution for about 10 minutes. This treatment can be done a few times per week for optimal results.

Honey

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. This makes it ideal for keeping your nails and cuticles hydrated, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. Honey also contains essential nutrients that can help promote the health of your nails.

Simply apply raw honey to your nails and cuticles, massaging gently to increase blood circulation. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off. Regular use will improve the overall health and appearance of your nails.

Garlic

Garlic is packed with sulfur, which is known to strengthen nails and prevent them from becoming brittle. It also has antifungal properties, helping to keep your nails free from infections. Regular use of garlic can encourage nail growth and improve their strength.

To use, crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with olive oil. Massage this mixture onto your nails and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing off.

Castor Oil

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which helps to promote healthy nail growth by improving blood circulation to the nails. The oil also hydrates and nourishes the nails, making them stronger and less likely to break. Regular use of castor oil helps prevent nail damage and keeps nails looking shiny.

Apply castor oil directly onto your nails and massage it into the nail bed. Use this treatment every night to encourage growth and improve strength.

Salt Soak

A warm salt soak is a simple yet effective remedy for strengthening your nails. The minerals in salt help to improve circulation, while the warm water soothes and softens the cuticles. This treatment helps to keep the nails hydrated and nourished, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle.

To use, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and soak your nails for 10–15 minutes. Repeat this treatment a couple of times a week for the best results.

Avocado

Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them great for improving nail health. They provide essential moisture to dry and brittle nails, helping to restore their strength and prevent breakage. Avocados also help to stimulate collagen production, which is essential for healthy nail growth.

To use, mash a ripe avocado and apply it directly onto your nails. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing off to nourish and hydrate your nails.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract contains antioxidants that help to fight free radicals, which can cause nail damage and slow growth. It also promotes healthy circulation, allowing more nutrients to reach the nails and encouraging stronger, faster nail growth. This extract is especially useful for people with nails that are prone to breaking or splitting.

To use, mix a few drops of olive leaf extract with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil. Massage the mixture into your nails daily for best results.

Green Tea

Green tea is packed with antioxidants that help to protect and nourish your nails. The polyphenols in green tea can promote healthy nail growth by improving circulation to the nail beds. Green tea also helps to prevent infections that could damage the nails and hinder growth.

To use, steep a green tea bag in hot water and let it cool. Soak your nails in the cooled tea for about 15 minutes, repeating the process twice a week for the best results.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.