Home Remedies for Brittle Nails

Everyone strives to have beautiful nails, but brittle nails can spoil the beauty. Weak and brittle nails that can easily become cracked or chipped are a common problem affecting both men and women. There are three main factors that cause brittle nails – aging, long-term use of nail polish and frequent exposure to water.

Brittle nails can also be associated with some diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, lung conditions, psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, eczema, anemia, fungal infection, and endocrine disorders.

Other causes include exposure to chemicals, frequent use of nail polish remover, dehydration, excessively dry environment, nutritional deficiencies and some kind of trauma.

At times, brittle nails can be a symptom of other serious health problems like hepatitis, jaundice, lupus or heart disease.

Dry, cracking or splitting nails can cause lot of discomfort. However, you can easily treat brittle nails with simple home remedies that that will make your nails strong.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for brittle nails.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very nourishing for weak and brittle nails. The saturated fat in coconut oil works as a great moisturizer. It will also prevent many kinds of nail infections.

• Slightly warm some coconut oil and apply it on each nail. Massage gently and thoroughly for five minutes. This will improve blood circulation and keep the nails moisturized. Follow this remedy two to three times daily.
• Another option is to mix one-quarter cup of warm coconut oil and a little lemon juice in a bowl. Soak your nails in this solution for 10 minutes before going to bed. Wear gloves overnight for best results.

Follow either of these remedies for several weeks until your nails become healthy and strong.
Along with coconut oil, you can also use olive oil to treat brittle nails.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another good remedy for brittle nails. It is loaded with nutrients that are healthy for your nails, such as vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Plus, it has malic acid and acetic acid that can help fight nail infections.

1. Mix equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water in a small bowl.
2. Soak your nails in this solution for a few minutes.
3. Immediately after, gently push down the cuticles.
4. Do this once daily and within a few days your nails will become much stronger.

You can save the solution for future use.

3. Vitamin E Oil

Often the main culprit behind brittle nails is lack of moisture. Vitamin E oil is a great remedy to keep your nails moisturized and hydrated. It will also help strengthen and nourish your nails and cuticles.

1. Break open a vitamin E capsule to extract the oil.
2. Apply the oil on your nails before going to bed.
3. Massage gently for five minutes to help increase circulation to the nail bed.
4. Do this daily for one or two weeks to notice a change in your nails.

For added benefits, you can also take vitamin E capsules orally.

4. Horsetail

Horsetail contains high amounts of silica, a vital mineral for strong and healthy nails. Plus, this herb can help get rid of white spots in your nails.

1. Add two teaspoons of dried horsetail herb to a cup of hot water.
2. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.
3. Let it cool down and then soak your nails in it for about 20 minutes.
4. Pat dry your nails and then rub some olive oil on them.
5. Leave it on overnight, wearing gloves for best results.
6. Repeat this remedy three or four times a week.

You can also drink one to two cups of horsetail tea daily for added benefits.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can also help treat brittle nails, especially when caused by fungal infections. Being a powerful antiseptic, it helps fight infections. It will also help treat discolored nails.

1. Mix one-half teaspoon of vitamin E oil and a few drops of tea tree oil.
2. Rub this solution on each of your nails and massage gently for a few minutes.
3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with lukewarm water, pat dry and apply a moisturizing lotion.
5. Do this twice a day for a month.

6. Sea Salt

Sea salt has many healing minerals that are good for your nails. It can help strengthen brittle nails as well as soften cuticles and add a brilliant shine to your nails.

1. Mix two tablespoons of fine grain sea salts in a small bowl of warm water.
2. Add two drops each of wheat germ oil and frankincense, myrrh and lemon essential oils.
3. Soak your nails in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with warm water, pat dry and apply a hand cream.
5. Follow this remedy two or three times a week and very soon you will notice the results.