Whether you suffer from dry, chipped, cracked, or brittle nails, these common nail woes will put a damper on anyone striving to achieve pretty paws.
Over the years, experts have associated soft or thin nails with long-term use of acrylic nails, nail polish, nail polish remover, and aging.
Further research reveals brittle nails can also highlight underlying diseases, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, lung conditions, psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, eczema, anemia, fungal infection, and endocrine disorders, among others.
But wait, that’s not it.
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Other causes include dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and even trauma.
And while the cards may seem stacked against us, overcoming dry, cracking or splitting nails is as easy as 1, 2, 3. For simple ways to treat brittle nails at home, take a stab at one of the following:
Blackstrap Molasses
First things first, iron deficiency can make your nails weak and brittle.
Make up for a loss of iron with blackstrap molasses, a great source of vital vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Mix one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses in a cup of hot water or milk. Repeat twice daily for 2 weeks. Please note that this remedy is not recommended for those with diabetes.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic. It can also aid in fighting fungal infections as well as treat discolored nails.
For this remedy, mix ½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil. Rub the solution on each of your nailbeds and massage gently for 1 minute. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes prior to rinsing off with lukewarm water. Apply moisture-rich lotion.
For best results, repeat twice a day for 30 days.
Sea Salt
If you’re looking to strengthen brittle nails, soften cuticles and add a brilliant shine to your nails, sea salt is the answer!
Mix 2 tablespoons of fine grain sea salts in a small bowl of lukewarm water. Add two drops each of wheat germ oil, frankincense, myrrh, and lemon essential oils. Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water before applying lotion.
Repeat 2-3 times a week and watch how quickly your nails transform!
Beer
Believe it or not, beer’s strengthening properties including selenium, potassium, phosphorus and biotin have proven to help nails regain their strength and a healthy shine.
Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil (lukewarm). Mix it with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of beer. Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat twice a week.
Additional Tips to Avoid Dry Nails
Wear plastic gloves when working with chemicals like at-home cleaning products.
Avoid using nail lacquers or adhesives that contain harsh chemicals like acetone or formaldehyde. Instead, opt for fortified polishes like, Sally Hansen Miracle Cure, Dermelect ‘ME’ Anti-Aging Nail Lacquers and the Duality Nail Pak.
Steer clear of alcohol-based hand sanitizers as they can cause dry and cracked nails. Instead, opt for fragrance-free formulas such as Germ-X Hand Sanitizer, Advanced Protection and Purell Fragrance Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes.
Shy away from cutting away your cuticles. Instead, push them back to avoid infection. Later, massage them with cuticle oil to avoid dry skin and hangnails.
Select hand creams containing moisture-rich ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin. These ingredients help battle low humidity and dry heat.
