6 Home Remedies To Help Improve The Problem Of Brittle Nails

This condition, medically known as onychoschizia, is categorized by thin, soft or dry, cracking, and splitting nails that can break off easily and have a slow growth rate.

While it is a common symptom of aging, it can often result from health problems such as nutritional deficiencies.

# Massage with coconut oil

Coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids that deeply moisturize the nails, strengthening and nourishing weak, brittle nails. Moreover, this oil can act on the nail bed and boost nail growth.

Massaging your nails with coconut oil can also enhance blood circulation and retain moisture. Almond oil can be used instead of coconut oil.

How to use:

- Warm 1–2 tbsp of coconut oil and apply it to the nails.
- Massage it for 4–6 minutes three times a day.

# Soak in apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) possesses various nutrients including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium that nourish and strengthen the nails. The malic acid and acetic acid present in ACV acts as antifungal and antibacterial agents that can help prevent and manage nail infections.

How to use:

- Dilute equal parts of ACV and water.
- Soak your nails in the solution for a few minutes and gently push back the cuticles.
- Perform this remedy once daily for a week.

# Use sea salt

A sea salt and water bath for your nails can strengthen brittle nails and soften your cuticles.

How to use:

- Dissolve 1 tbsp of sea salt in a bowl of warm water.
- Soak your hands in the solution for 15–20 minutes every other day.

# Apply vitamin E

Vitamin E can improve your nail health. Applying vitamin E oil to the nails can rejuvenate the nails by strengthening them.

How to use:

- Puncture a vitamin E capsule.
- Apply the thick oil to each nail.

# Perform a lemon juice and olive oil soak

Olive oil and lemon juice are common natural agents used for various dermatological treatments, including brittle nails.

Olive oil can penetrate the nail cuticles, helping in strengthening and repairing them. Lemon juice can help manage peeling and damaged nails while removing stains and giving them a bright sheen.

How to use:

- Mix 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice with 3 tbsp of olive oil.
- Warm the mixture.
- Massage the mixture onto your nails.
- Soak your fingertips in it for 20 minutes.

# Use tea tree oil

Tea tree oil possesses antibiotic and antifungal properties, which can help improve nail brittleness caused by fungal infections.

How to use:

- Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with ½ tbsp of vitamin E oil.
- Massage the oil blend onto your nails.
- Wash your nails with lukewarm water after half an hour and apply a moisturizer.
- Repeat this remedy twice a month for results.