Every woman desires long and beautiful nails. Some are naturally blessed with gorgeous nails while others have a tough time growing and then maintaining them. 

Doesn’t matter whether you are the one who is always trying out some new nail trend or the one who likes her nails just simple and classy, healthy nails are a must for all. They are a sign of great health too. 

But the problem is not everyone is blessed. So, growing your nails to the length you desire and then preventing any breakage is not a piece of cake. Some of you may also have a slower growth rate than average and must have struggled with your nails not growing fast enough.

Following a healthy diet and taking proper care of your nails is the sure-shot way to improve your nail health. 

There are also a number of home remedies you can try to make your nails stronger and faster.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemons are a rich source of Vitamin C which promotes the production of collagen and thus makes the nails healthy and strong. Lemons are also great for getting rid of yellow nails which are generally caused by excessive use of nail polish and not using a base coat.

Method:

• One simple way to use lemon is to directly rub it on your nails for 5 minutes every day. Wash your nails with warm water after that.

• Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl and heat the solution for 20 seconds. Soak your nails in it for 10 minutes. You can repeat this daily.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil contains Vitamin E which improves blood circulation, repairs damaged nails and promotes healthy, long, and strong nails. Olive oil penetrates deep into the skin and nourishes your nails.

Method:

• Massage some warm olive oil into your nails and cuticles for about five minutes. Wear cotton gloves and let it stay overnight. 

• Alternatively, you can also soak your nails in warm olive oil for fifteen to twenty minutes.

• You can use either of the methods daily.

Also Read: Do It Yourself Manicure (At Home)

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains essential fatty acids and other nutrients that provide moisture and nourishment for the nails and the skin around the nails. It also keeps your nails free from fungal infections with its antimicrobial properties. 

Method:

• Massage some warm virgin coconut oil into your nails and fingers. Massage in circular motions to improve blood circulation, which will promote nail growth. Keep it overnight. You can do this every day. 

• Mix 1/4 cup each of virgin coconut oil and raw honey and 4 drops of rosemary essential oil in a bowl. Warm this solution for 20 seconds and then soak your nails in it for 15 minutes. You can do this 1 – 2 times a week.

4. Horsetail

Horsetail is a herb that is rich in silica which is an important nutrient for healthy skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. It is also rich in calcium and other useful minerals that help healthy nail growth.

Method:

• Mix 3/4 teaspoon of dried horsetail stems in 2 cups of boiling water. Cover it and let it steep for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain the water and let it cool down a bit. Soak your nails in this mix for 20 minutes. Repeat it regularly for at least 3 – 4 times a week.

• Alternatively, you can also drink a cup of horsetail tea daily.

5. Stinging Nettle

Just like horsetail, stinging nettle is also a popular herbal remedy. Stinging nettle is also rich in silica and other minerals that promote healthy nail growth.

Method: 

• Mix 2 – 3 teaspoons of dried stinging nettle leaves in 1 cup of hot water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain it and drink 1 cup of this tea once daily.

Also Read: How To Remove Nail Polish Without A Nail Polish Remover

6. Orange Juice

Orange is also a rich source of Vitamin C and just like lemon helps in the production of collagen that keeps your nails strong and healthy.

Method:

• Squeeze out the juice from an orange into a bowl. Soak your nails in it for 10 minutes and wash them. You can repeat this process daily once.

7. Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil contains omega – 3 fatty acids and other micronutrients such as zinc, potassium, protein, magnesium, B vitamins & lecithin. It promotes healthy nail growth by preventing cracking, brittleness, and drying of the nails.

Method:

• Massage some flaxseed oil into the nails for a few minutes. Do not wash your hands and wear cotton gloves overnight. Repeat the process once or twice daily.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a high amount of biotin which aids nail growth. It also has vitamins A & C that further promote healthy nails.

Method:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil in 1/2 cup of tomato juice in a bowl. Soak your nails in this mix for about 10 minutes. Repeat this daily.

Also Read: How To Get Shiny Nails Naturally

Other Tips and Suggestions

• Biotin is an important type of vitamin B which is highly recommended as a supplement to help boost the strength of hair and nails. Biotin improves the keratin levels which is the main component of nails. Include biotin-rich foods like whole grains, salmon, nuts, cucumber, strawberries, oats, lentils, eggs, etc. in your diet.

• If you have a habit of biting nails, it can lead to multiple bacterial infections that slow down the growth of the skin and nails in that area. So, avoid biting nails.

• Drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet.

• Stop using gel and acrylics on your nails as they leave nails dry and brittle.

• Don’t scratch or pick at chipped nail polish. Use an acetone-free nail polish remover.

• Don’t ever skip base coat as it forms a protective layer between your nails and nail polish.

• Eat foods rich in folic acid. Folic acid, or Vitamin B9, helps prevent damage to your nerve cells and keeps red blood cells healthy. It is the best vitamin for nail growth. Fish, red meat, cheese, and fortified soy products are high in folic acid.

• Vitamin A also strengthens nails. Vitamin A can be found in foods like grapefruit, spinach, yams, and apples. It can also be found in non-vegan and meat options like eggs, liver, and milk.

• Trim and file your nails regularly to promote healthy nail growth. 

• Expose your nails to sunlight for taking in Vitamin D. 

• Exercise daily to increase blood circulation and promote faster growth.

• Apply any natural moisturizer to your nails at night to keep them moisturized.

• Avoid nail polish that has toluene, formaldehyde or sulfonamide.

• Avoid continuous use of nail polishes and give your nails time to stay natural.

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