Grandma’s remedies for brittle nails: natural and effective solutions
Brittle nails can be a real headache, especially when you love taking care of your hands. Fortunately, our dear grandmothers had more than one trick up their sleeve to strengthen and beautify fragile nails. Today, Maryton walks you through discovering some natural remedies to get rid of ridged and brittle nails.
Oil baths to nourish brittle nails
Olive oil: the ally of strong nails
Olive oil is certainly one of the best natural remedies for brittle nails. Rich in vitamin E, it deeply nourishes and moisturizes nails and cuticles. For an effective treatment, soak your nails in a warm olive oil bath for 10 to 15 minutes every day. Guaranteed result: revitalized and more resistant nails.
Castor oil: to promote growth
Castor oil, known for its strengthening and regenerating properties, is also ideal for treating fragile nails. Gently massage your nails and cuticles with a mixture of castor oil and olive oil before going to bed.
The power of citrus fruits: lemon juice and cider vinegar
Lemon juice: whiten and strengthen
Lemon juice is another wonderful grandmother’s remedy to treat brittle nails. In addition to naturally whitening them, it strengthens them thanks to its high vitamin C content. Soak your nails in fresh lemon juice for about ten minutes twice a week.
Cider vinegar: to balance the pH
Cider vinegar is widely used for its many virtues, and it is excellent for nails too. It helps rebalance the pH of the nail and fight against fungus. Mix a tablespoon of cider vinegar with a tablespoon of water and soak your fingers in it for five minutes. Do it once a week and notice the difference.
Essential oils to help ridged nails
Tea tree essential oil: powerful antibacterial
Tea tree essential oil, also called tea tree, is a must-have for those suffering from fungal infections on the nails. A few drops mixed with olive oil can act as a protective and healing shield while strengthening brittle nails.
Lavender essential oil: soothing and restorative
For effective nighttime care, consider using lavender essential oil. Add a few drops of this oil to a neutral base like sweet almond oil, apply this mixture before bed and watch your nails become shinier and less vulnerable.
Some additional tips for maintaining your nails
Here is a list of practical tips for taking care of your nails on a daily basis:
- Regularly moisturize your hands and nails with a cream specifically designed for nails.
- Avoid harsh chemicals by wearing gloves when doing household chores.
- Limit the use of nail polish and remember to let your nails “breathe” for a whole week between applications.
- Use an electric nail file to file your nails instead of cutting them to avoid cracking, and always file in one direction.
- Use a natural keratin-based nail hardener if necessary.
Grandma’s remedies offer simple, natural and affordable solutions to strengthen and treat brittle nails. Whether it’s with nourishing oil baths, the use of powerful essential oils or a diet enriched with biotin, you now have all the cards in hand to proudly display healthy nails. Take care of your nails every day and they will repay you.