Are you troubled with brittle nails and wish to have longer and healthier nails? Brittle nails can be a frustrating issue, causing discomfort and hindering daily activities. What if I told you you can achieve so without having to spend extra on salons? The key lies in the natural ingredients found in your kitchen. These ingredients like coconut oil and green tea can help in promoting healthier and more resilient nail growth.
Kitchen Ingredients To Strengthen Your Nails
Olive Oil
Olive oil is not only beneficial for cooking but also for nail care. It contains vitamin E and antioxidants, which penetrate the nails, moisturising and strengthening them from within. To apply, warm up a small amount of olive oil and rub it into your cuticles and nails. Let it stay on your nails for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another ingredient that can be used to strengthen your nails. Its high content of fatty acids helps nourish and hydrate brittle nails, reducing the risk of breakage and splitting. All you need to do is apply coconut oil to your nails and massage gently to allow it to absorb fully.
Also Read: Nourishing Skin: Here's How Massaging Your Face With Coconut Oil Can Promote Skin Health
Lemon Juice
The acidic nature of lemon juice makes it an effective remedy for strengthening nails. Lemon juice helps eliminate yellow stains on nails while promoting overall nail health. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and warm water in a bowl and soak your nails in the solution for 10-15 minutes. Follow up with a moisturising hand cream to prevent dryness.
Garlic
Garlic contains selenium, a mineral known for its role in promoting nail strength and growth. Also, garlic has antifungal properties that can help combat nail infections. Start by crushing a clove of garlic and mix it with a few drops of olive oil to create a paste. After applying this paste to your nails, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in maintaining nail health. These essential fatty acids help prevent nail brittleness and promote flexibility. Start by adding flaxseed oil into your diet in salads or smoothies, or take it as a daily supplement to strengthen your nails from the inside out.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent treatment for brittle nails caused by fungal infections. Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes in a bowl filled with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry, then apply a moisturising lotion.
Also Read: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Causing Damage To Your Teeth? Expert Explains
Biotin-Rich Foods
You must be familiar with this essential nutrient i.e. biotin, also known as vitamin B7. Include biotin-rich foods, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains into your diet to strengthen brittle nails from the inside. Additionally, you can take biotin supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional to support nail health.
A study involving 35 individuals with brittle fingernails discovered that administering 2.5 mg of biotin daily for a duration spanning from six weeks to seven months resulted in symptom improvement for 63% of participants.
Green Tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that promote nail strength and growth. Brew a cup of green tea and allow it to cool before soaking your nails in it for 10-15 minutes. The antioxidants in green tea help repair damaged nails and protect them from environmental stressors.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any nail disorder to get the necessary treatment.]