Natural and good-looking nails not only are the indicator of your polished look. They also indicate our health. As long as nails are clean, in good condition, and with natural color, you are good to go. But what happens when they start to break, lose their shape, or won’t grow?
Believe it or not, many natural remedies can be found right in your kitchen. From lemons and baking soda to olive oil and garlic – all these things are great for brittle nails and nails that need straightening and boost.
What To Use if Your Nails Are Brittle?
Brittle nails – is there anything worse? They can be caused by a lack of moisture, repeated washing, and drying of your hands, as well as using detergents and toxic nail polish removers.
Alongside, brittle nails also show that your body might need more iron. These are natural care tips that work perfectly on dry, brittle nails.
1. Cucumber
Using cucumber for your brittle nails is the best and the easiest way to solve the problem. Cucumbers are enriched with A, E, B1, B2, B3, and C, as well as calcium and iron. Since iron deficiency can cause brittle and dry nails, this is an excellent remedy to use to improve it.
You can simply make a cucumber extract juice and soak your nails in for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Dead Sea Salt
Dead sea salts contain many beneficial ingredients that are perfect for improving nail health. You can dissolve a teaspoon or two in warm water and add oils such as jojoba or olive oil. Then make sure your hands are soaked in for at least 15 minutes. Rinse them off and use a hand moisturizer.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
You can soak your nails into apple cider vinegar for a healthy boost. The cider helps brittle nails become hydrated but also discolored nails to become healthy-looking again. You should soak your nails daily to prevent bacteria and yellowing.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil is a beneficial natural remedy that effectively cures brittle and discolored nails. Massage a mixture of tea tree oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, or Vitamin E into your hands and nails. Repeat daily for the best possible results.
What To Use To Fight Bacteria?
Unfortunately, nail fungus and bacteria can attack any of us. The infected nails can become yellow and discolorated, and they can even become painful. Try some of these natural products that have antifungal features.
5. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. If you use it topically, make sure you buy pure lavender oil and not a mixture of essential oils. You can simply apply lavender oil to your nails by using cotton balls. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes and wipe it off with a paper towel.
6. Oregano Oil
The essential oil produced by oregano is very effective in treating fungus and bacteria on nails. However, since the oregano oil is very strong by itself, you should mix it with a carrier oil such as olive or sunflower oil.
You should make a mixture of 6:1 – six parts carrier oil and one part oregano oil. Apply it to nails and leave for at least 15 minutes. Wipe off with a paper towel. If your nails are seriously damaged, repeat the process three times a day.
7. Garlic
Garlic contains active compounds such as ajoene and allicin that fight against fungus and bacteria. If you want to heal your nails, make a mixture of carrier oil and smashed garlic and apply it to your nails. You can put a bandage around the nails and leave the mixture to stay for about 30 minutes. Rinse your hands with lukewarm water afterward.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be found in any kitchen, and it has great antibacterial properties. It is practically used to dry out the infection and limit the growth of fungus. Use it as a paste – mix water with baking soda and apply to your nails. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off.
What To Use To Straighten Nails?
Here are some of the natural remedies to straighten your nails. All these ingredients are completely safe and can be found in any supermarket. After all, you probably already have them in your kitchen.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes can straighten, as well as fight against brittle nails. They are rich in antioxidants and protein, vitamins A, C, and B7 (also known as biotin). All these are essential for healthy nails, hair, and skin.
You can make a mixture of tomato and carrier oil and dip your nails in it, or simply include more tomato in your daily diet.
10. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of those things that serve you well in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Coconut oil is great for nails, hair, face, and body. You can simply rub it on your nails, leave it to stay overnight or massage it using warm coconut oil.
11. Almond Oil
Like coconut and lavender, almond oil contains nutrients and antioxidants perfect for straightening brittle and dull nails. This oil will prevent your nails from breaking and make them look healthy and shiny.
You can use almond oil by mixing it with lemon juice. Soak your hands in the mixture and leave it for about 2 minutes. You will certainly notice a huge difference.
12. Lemon and Olive Oil Mix
Both lemon and olive oil are perfect for brittle nails, and they do miracles in healing and straightening nails. Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer, while lemon contains the antioxidant vitamin C that encourages nail growth.
Mix three parts olive oil and one part lemon juice. Soak your hands in solution for 10 minutes. If you want to achieve the best results, repeat this process daily.
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