Nails can get pretty beat up and neglected in our daily lives. Some people chew them, some use them as tools (as mini scratchers, scrapers, screwdrivers, picks, etc), and some take no notice of them at all.
I know I am guilty of not caring for my fingernails. That is why I love this simple but effective DIY Cuticle and Nail Serum. Use this serum about 3 times per week and see the difference for yourself!
Essential oils and vitamin E can bring TLC to your fingernails and improve their overall health.
You can spend money on manicures and have someone else care for your nails, but I personally like the DIY approach. It saves money and you can use natural products instead of chemicals that the majority of salons use.
Best Essential Oils for Nails
Your hands are some of the most important tools you use every day. That's why it's so important to take care of them, including your fingernails. Good hygiene and proper care can help keep your nails healthy and looking their best.
Wondering what essential oils will help keep your nails healthy and strong? Here are the best essential oils for fingernails:
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil is a great essential oil for nails because it helps to stimulate nail growth and strengthen the nail bed. It also contains natural antiseptic properties that help to prevent fungal and other bacterial infections of the nail.
To use lemon oil, simply apply a few drops to the affected area and massage it in. You can also create a nail soak with lemon oil and warm water and let your nails bathe in the solution for up to 15 minutes.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is an effective essential oil for improving the health of your nails. It has antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and fight off any infections that may be causing nail damage.
Additionally, it has many beneficial compounds that can help to strengthen and nourish your nails. Frankincense oil works great when used in a massage oil, which can help to repair any damage and reduce pain and stiffness. Additionally, it can help to improve nail growth and keep your cuticles healthy.
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh oil is a great essential oil for nails, as it helps nourish and strengthen them. This oil is most effective when used in combination with other oils, such as jojoba, almond, or olive oil. It can also be used as a natural nail hardener when applied to the nails with a cotton swab.
In addition, myrrh oil is known to reduce inflammation and irritation around the nails, and it can even help get rid of nail fungus. If used regularly, myrrh oil can help promote healthy, strong nails.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a great essential oil for keeping nails healthy. Not only does it have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, but it can also stimulate the growth of new nails. It also soothes dry, cracked skin around the nails, which helps to keep the nails looking and feeling their best.
Apply one to two drops of the oil to your nails and massage it in gently- this will help to promote healthy nail growth and keep your nails looking great.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is one of the best essential oils for nails. It has a calming, soothing scent, and its antifungal and antiseptic properties can help protect your nails against infection.
Additionally, applying lavender oil to your nails can help to soften and hydrate the cuticles, which can help to keep them looking healthy. If you want to add extra hydration and shine to your nails, you can mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil and massage it into your nails and cuticles.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil can be great for nails, as it helps promote healthy nail growth and strength. It’s also a natural mild antiseptic and can help prevent fungus and bacteria that can cause nail infections.
A few drops of grapefruit essential oil can be added to your regular nail care routine, including to your cuticle oil, massage oil or hand wash. You can also add a few drops to your nail polish to give it a nice scent and some added nourishment.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil is a great essential oil for nails that not only helps promote healthy nail growth, but also strengthens them. It's packed full of antioxidants and is a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent.
Rosemary oil is effective at fighting nail fungus, nail psoriasis, and other nail issues, and can help restore dry, brittle nails to their former glory. Combine with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, and massage into your nails and cuticles for an intensive nourishing treatment.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a natural essential oil that is top-notch for treating and preventing nail fungus. The oil has strong antifungal properties, making it an effective treatment for nail fungus. It is also full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritation and redness that may be caused by the fungus. Since Tea Tree Oil is a natural remedy, it is a great option that is safe and gentle on the skin.
To use, add 1-2 drops to 1 teaspoon of rosehip oil and apply to nails. If you have a fungal nail infection, Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) is the best choice for nails.
DIY Nail Strengthening Serum
Are your nails weak and brittle? Are they constantly breaking and splitting? If so, you need to start using a nail strengthening serum. A good serum can help to fortify your nails, making them stronger and less likely to break. But store-bought serums can be expensive.
So why not make your own? This DIY nail strengthening serum is easy to make and it only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. So give it a try! Your nails will thank you.
- 1 oz Dropper Bottle
- 6 drops of Lavender essential oil
- 6 drops of Myrrh essential oil
- 1 oz Rosehip Oil
- 2 Vitamin E Oil Capsules
Directions:
- Add essential oils to 1 oz dropper bottle.
- Cut vitamin E capsules open and squeeze into bottle.
- Fill the remaining space of the bottle with rosehip oil (you could use jojoba oil, avocado oil, or fractionated coconut oil instead). Screw the lid on and shake to combine.
- To use, place a few drops onto a cotton ball and rub over nails to soften cuticles and to strengthen nails.
You can substitute Lavender and Myrrh essential oils for other oils. There are many essential oils that are beneficial for nails, see above for a list of other essential oils you could use in this recipe.
Tips for Healthy Fingernails
It's often easy to tell someone's overall health by simply looking at their nails. Healthy nails should be strong and free of any blemishes or abnormalities. If you're noticing that your nails are looking a bit worse for wear, don't worry - we've got some tips to help get them back on track!
Here are a few tips for keeping your fingernails healthy and strong.
- Keep 100% cotton gloves around. At night apply moisturizing lotion to your hands, then place the gloves on while you sleep to allow the moisturizer to absorb as much as possible.
- Never use your nails as tools. You know, like as mini scratchers, scrapers, screwdrivers, picks…just don’t! Find a proper tool to use instead.
- Keep moisturizing lotion by every sink in your home and apply after washing hands to keep skin and nails from drying out.
- Make sure to wear gloves when you garden or clean. I like to use nitrile (medical exam) gloves. They keep my nails clean & protected, plus I can maintain finger dexterity.
- Never cut your cuticles, push them back instead. When you cut cuticles, you are more at risk for infections and ingrown nails.
- Use care with artificial nails. They can encourage the growth of fungus under your nails. It is best to keep nails naked and natural, if possible.
- Diet matters! Your nails will reflect your overall health. If your do not get proper nutrition, your nails will be dry and flaky. A diet high in calcium, Magnesium, and good quality protein will give you strong and healthy nails.
- Keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help nails as well as your overall health.
For overall health, I like to use a diffuser to diffuse essential oil into the air.
Final Thoughts on Essential Oils for Strong Nails and Cuticles
In conclusion, the best essential oils for nails are those that are high in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins. These oils help to nourish, strengthen and protect the nails from damage. Some of the best essential oils for nails include jojoba, almond, and avocado oil, which help to reduce inflammation, nourish, and moisturize the nail bed. Using these essential oils regularly can help to promote healthier, stronger nails.
Where to Buy Essential Oil?
I am frequently asked what essential oil brand we use at Loving Essential Oils. We are not exclusive to one company and actually enjoy trying a variety of brands and essential oils. When buying oils it is important to buy only 100% pure essential oils from a reputable company. Don't just buy on price alone, research the company if you are not familiar with them.
Here are several reputable brands we use:
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