Many people mistakenly believe that weak, brittle nails are caused by dietary deficiencies, but the Mayo Clinic says diet affects nail health only in a few rare instances of serious malnutrition. Instead, people usually get weak nails because of their behavior, such as biting or pulling at nails, using nails to perform difficult tasks or letting nails get too dry. If your nails are suffering from use and abuse, a simple home remedy can make them strong and healthy again.
Step 1
Combine 6 tbsp. olive oil and 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice in a glass jar.
Step 2
Close jar so that its lid is secure, then shake the jar vigorously so that the lemon juice and olive oil are completely mixed.
Step 3
Soak your fingertips or toes in the lemon-olive oil mixture for five to 10 minutes. Shake or pat your fingers dry, but don't rinse them so that the mixture can continue to penetrate your nails.
Step 4
Soak your nails once a day for best results.
Tips and Warnings
- You can double or triple the recipe to make more nail strengthening solution. In addition to using this homemade remedy, you can also protect weak nails by keeping them clipped short to reduce breakage. Applying a rich moisturizing cream to feet and hands at night and sleeping with socks and gloves also helps hydrate and strengthen nails. Using nail polish may help strengthen nails, but be wary of using nail polish remover more than once a week, because it can harm nails. Consider taking a biotin supplement. The Mayo Clinic says that 2.5mg of biotin every day may be beneficial for nail strength.
- In some cases, weak nails may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. If your nails become weak, yellowed, pitted, ridged or curled after being normal in the past, see a doctor for diagnosis.
Things You'll Need
- 6 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice, fresh-squeezed
- Glass jar with lid
References
- "Natural Beauty at Home: More Than 250 Easy to Use Recipes for Body, Bath and Hair"; Janice Cox; 2002
- Mayo Clinic: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong
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