Nails are the only thing that can get into shape without exercise. The beauty of manicured French fingernails or extensions with a matte or glossy polish can be quite uplifting. However, these nail remedies and treatments often carry chemicals or preservatives that can damage the quality of your nails.
Who doesn’t fancy long and strong nails? The feeling of original self-grown nails is unparalleled. They add a sense of grace and elegance to one’s hands. Weak, brittle, or peeling nails are a sign of illness or nutritional deficiency. Therefore, you can always turn to easily available home remedies for fingernail growth.
Lemon juice
Vitamin C is highly beneficial in helping your nails grow. Grab a lemon wedge from your refrigerator and rub it on your fingernails and toenails for at least five minutes, once a day. Rinse your hands in warm water after doing so. Aside from acting as one of the prominent home remedies for nail growth, applying lemon also keeps your nails clean and bacteria-free.
Coconut oil
Warm coconut oil with vitamin E can prove useful for the growth of your nails as it softens the cuticles. Coconut oil is also a great source of antioxidants. So, massage your fingernails with it every night before you go off to sleep, and you will gradually see the difference.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is acidic by nature. So, its antifungal properties can be used to neutralize the alkaline environment that leads to fungal growth in fingernails. In other words, the acidity of apple cider vinegar counteracts the alkalinity that fungi need to grow under your nails.
Garlic oil
Garlic oil contains an antioxidant known as selenium that promotes nail growth. You can either rub your fingernails with a clove of garlic or if the smell is too pungent, you can also use garlic oil.
Honey
Apply honey to keep your nails and cuticles supple and nourished. Honey helps fight bacterial and fungal growth. Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with a few drops of lemon juice, and massage them into your nails for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off this nail mask thoroughly afterward.
Olive oil
Olive oil is the best remedy for brittle, weak, or damaged nails. One of the characteristics of olive oil is its permeability. Therefore, it can reach the inner layers of your nails and cure them of dryness. Massage this oil onto your nails and cuticles to improve blood circulation. It can also help as a home remedy for nail growth. A good way to apply it would be to add a few drops of lemon juice to 2 tablespoons of lukewarm olive oil and spread this nail mask onto your nails.
Vaseline
Applying a thin coat of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on your nails can also soften your cuticles and make your fingernails stronger.
Summary
While the home remedies for nail growth are plenty, you can also –
- Use an eggshell paste, as it contains calcium;
- Eat green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, as they are a powerhouse of folic acid and vitamin B9, both of which contribute to the growth of new cells;
- Consume oranges or drink orange juice, which is highly effective as it contains collagen that adds to the vitality of nails;
- Consume biotin and biotin-rich foods, like bananas or avocados, as they can increase the thickness and sturdiness of your nails;
- Avoid harsh nail polish removers and cut down on gel or acrylic nails that can deteriorate the quality of your nails.
Even though these remedies are tried and tested, everyone’s body reacts differently to them. In case of serious nail-related issues, side effects or lack of adequate results, it is best if you consult medical professionals who can help you identify a more personalized solution.
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