12 Ways To Banish Brittle Nails Forever (We Love #7!)

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Who doesn’t want beautiful, naturally glossy nails? Cracked, chipped, brittle-looking nails can spoil a first impression for both men and women. The most common causes of weak nails are long term use of dark nail polish, frequent exposure to water, and aging.

Sometimes weak nails are a sign of disease such as psoriasis, eczema or psoriasis, anemia, hormone problems, thyroid disorders, lupus, jaundice, and even lung disease.

Of course, having weak, brittle nails isn’t always a sign of disease. Sometimes they’re simply caused by exposure to chemicals, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, frequent use of nail polish remover, or trauma.

Split, cracked, weak and dry nails are not only unsightly, they can cause a great deal of discomfort. The good news here is that you don’t have to live with brittle nails. You can treat these problem nails at home with the best 12 treatment methods we have listed below.

Keep reading and you can have longer, stronger, more attractive nails in a matter of days!

1. Think Oil, Not Water

Regular oil treatments will help to keep your nails well-hydrated. When your nails are soaked in moisturizing, natural oils such as jojoba, olive, coconut, grape seed, and argan oil, they become stronger and healthier. Don’t even bother buying those alcohol-based oils that claim they are made just for nails. Anything that contains alcohol is going to dry out your nails. Soaking your nails regularly in one of these oils will help to keep them hydrated and will make them stronger.

2. Biotin Supplements

This natural compound is important for strong, healthy nails and is rather effective in treating even the most brittle nails. Swiss researchers conducted a study, published in the journal Cutis, and found that subjects with brittle nails had a 25 percent increase in the thickness of their nails after consuming 2.5 mg of biotin each day during the six month study period. Biotin is found naturally in foods like bananas, milk, soybeans, cereal, egg yolks, cauliflower, fish, and lentils. You can also take a supplement.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a long-standing remedy for improving the health of brittle nails. Apple cider vinegar is full of nutrients that your nails need, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. In addition, apple cider vinegar contains acetic and malic acid, which kills nail infections. To use, mix equal parts water and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, and soak your nails in this solution for five minutes. Immediately after, gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick. Use a fresh solution each day, and you should begin to see improvements in your nails in as little as two weeks.

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4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is full of it! Saturated fats, that is, and these are terrific for moisturizing nails. Coconut oil is also antibacterial and anti-fungal, so it will kill any infections your nails might be harboring. Slightly warm a tablespoon of coconut oil and then rub well into each nail. Massage gently for a minute or two to allow the coconut oil to penetrate and improve blood circulation. Repeat this process daily for best results. An alternative method is to mix a quarter cup of coconut oil and a bit of lemon juice in a small bowl and soak your nails in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes before bedtime.

5. Blackstrap Molasses

If you lack iron, one of the side effects is that your nails can become weak. Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron. It also contains other nutrients your body needs. This method is quick and easy: Simply mix one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses into one cup of hot water or hot milk and drink twice a day. Repeat daily for three to four weeks.

Please note that this remedy should not be used by diabetics.

6. Vitamin E Oil

One of the major underlying problems resulting in brittle nails is a lack of moisture. Vitamin E oil is a great remedy for keeping your nails well-hydrated. It will also strengthen and nourish the nails and cuticles at the same time. To use this method, break open a vitamin E capsule, and apply the oil directly to your nails before going to bed. Do this every night before bed, and you should see results in 10 to 14 days!

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7. Eat This!

Unsaturated fats will give you beautiful skin, hair, and nails all in one fell swoop. Brittle nails sometimes mean that you are not eating enough of the healthy fats your body needs. So give yourself permission to start eating foods such as avocados, salmon, nuts and seeds. These foods will give your body the essential fatty acids that it needs. You can also eat a tablespoon or two of coconut oil to get the fats your nails are craving.

8. Horsetail

Horsetail contains silica, a vital mineral for strong, and healthy hair and, of course, nails. If you have those white spots on your nails, horsetail can clear up that problem. You can soak your nails in horsetail tea, and/or drink two or three cups of this tasty tea each day to help repair your nails from the inside out!

9. Beer

Of course, if you drink enough beer you might not notice your nails at all, but beer is actually an effective home remedy for weak nails. It contains plenty of biotin, potassium, selenium, and phosphorous, which your nails need to be strong and healthy. To use this method, heat about a quarter cup of olive oil and then mix in half a cup of beer. Soak your nails in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove your fingers from the solution and rub the oil into the nails. Repeat this once or twice a week for stronger nails in two to four weeks.

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10. Tea Tree Oil

If you are plagued by nail infections or nail fungus, then tea tree oil is the answer for you. This oil is a powerful antiseptic and an anti-fungal that naturally kills infections. Tea tree oil is also the answer for those ugly, discolored nails. In a small bowl, mix half a teaspoon of vitamin E oil with two or three drops of tea tree oil. Rub this solution on to the nails, and massage it in well. Leave on for 30 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Do this twice a day for stronger, beautiful nails in three to four weeks.

11. Lemon Juice

To strengthen and whiten your nails at the same time, lemon juice is another excellent choice. Mix one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and three tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl. Warm it gently, and then apply to your nails using a clean cotton swab. Do this every night before bed. Repeat this procedure each night until you begin to see results, usually in two to four weeks.

12. Sea Salt

With so many healing minerals, sea salt makes another perfect remedy for those weak, brittle nails. This will also make your nails beautifully shiny without polish. Be sure you are using sea salt, not plain table salt. Mix two tablespoon of fine grain sea salt in small bowl of water. Add two drops each of lemon essential oil, myrrh essential oil, and wheat germ oil. Soak your nails in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse with warm water. Repeat three times each week, and you should see results in as few as 10 days!

Extra Tips:

Wear rubber gloves to protect your nails any time you use water or chemicals.
If you can’t use gloves, rub thick cream or petroleum jelly over the nails to act as a barrier.
Avoid using artificial nails when your regular nails are weak, as this can lead to further breakage and fungal infections.
Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as these dry out your nails.
Use only fortified nail polishes.
Take a break from wearing nail polish once in a while.
Allow your nails to get natural sunlight each day to nourish them with plenty of healthy vitamin D, which will make them stronger.

References:

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lpi.oregonstate.edu

Hsph.harvard.edu

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