18 Home Remedies For Brittle Nails Removal

Fingernails seem to be an unimportant part of the body, but in fact, they are the window into your health, along with your skin. Nails can reveal a lot about your insides. When it comes to nail-related conditions, brittle nails are common. Sometimes, they are simply caused by a lack of moisture or aging, but they could also be an indication of other diseases such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism since nail problems are often associated with these diseases ^[1].

If you are coping with brittle nails, looking for effective ways to treat this condition and strengthen your nails, then this article is for you. Here we uncover a number of natural home remedies for brittle nails and ways to improve both the appearance and health of your nails. Take a look from TrueRemedies.com!

What Are Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails make you unconfident when shaking your hands with others. It also destroys the beauty. However, it is not just a problem related to beauty, but also your health. Brittle nails are the nails which are weak and thin. They are more vulnerable to break, tear, etc. Furthermore, their growth speed is very slow. They could be observed as a sign of aging or a consequence of a long time of using nail polish or being exposed to moist conditions.

Also called as onychorrhexis, nail brittleness is rather common which impacts about 20% of the worldwide population ^[2]. This nail problem is more common in women than men.

What Are Common Causes Of Brittle Nails?

Understanding well about why you suffer from brittle nails is the key to treating this problem. So, let find out how many reasons for this nail problem.

Actually, aging, using nail polish for a long time and contacting with water frequently are three main causes.

In addition, some other health issues can cause this problem, including eczema, lung problems, hyperthyroidism, etc.

Some other factors, such as deficiency in necessary nutrition (lack of iron, B vitamins,…), bad daily habits (like texting and typing nonstop), some certain trauma, lack of water, etc. can contribute to brittle nails ^[3].

What Are Symptoms Of Brittle Nails?

There are some symptoms of brittle nails that you can realize them easily ^[4].

• Your nails seem to be weak and thin.
• Your nails are more vulnerable to be broken.
• Your nails hardly grow longer.
• There is peeling at your nail tips.
• Your nails tend to split at the ends.

Risk Factors Of Nail Brittleness

Crumbly or brittle nails could happen in those people with:

• Iron-deficiency
• Windburn
• Sunburn
• Washing hands frequently
• Being exposed to dry, cold weather or chemicals (like nail polish remover) in the long time
• Repeated trauma or injury to nails

If you are so worried that your nails are weak and easy to be broken, you can completely improve as well as prevent this problem through applying some simple home remedies for brittle nails. It is the reason why you had better look through our article “18 Effective Natural Home Remedies For Brittle Nails Removal”. Please read through our article below. Take a look at TrueRemedies.com. However, if you see no improvement, it is time for you to go to see your doctor.

Top 18 Effective Home Remedies For Brittle Nails Removal

1. Avoid Exposing Too Much To Water

Doing dishes or cleaning regularly is rather unavoidable, yet it is important to avoid or reduce these activities if you want to relieve brittle nails. Simply use a good pair of protective gloves to prevent and heal nail brittleness.

Also, remember to wear gloves when doing works in house, particularly the ones involving the use of soap and hot water. This will help you save your nails from becoming weak and brittle.

2. Hydrate Yourself From Inside

Though you may want to avoid contacting with too much water externally, you still need to stay hydrated from inside. In addition to drinking plenty of water, you should also eat more water-rich foods such as cucumbers and watermelon, which are great ingredients to help moisturize your skin, hair and nails from inside out.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for brittle nails that you should not neglect. This natural oil is so good for feeding your brittle and weak nails. Actually, coconut oil is superior in carbs, vitamins and minerals which are great for the body, including the nails. Thanks to its saturated fats, which are composed of mostly medium-chain fatty acids and triglycerides, it can help to moisturize your nails. It means that when it absorbs, it will maintain smooth skin for a long time.

Ever wondered why coconut oil is famous for its anti-aging properties? The reason lies in vitamin E content, which is an essential ingredient for healthy skin, skin toning, and wrinkle preventing.

Additionally, this miracle oil can combat against the infection. If you commit to using this oil in your beauty routine, you will soon see and feel a noticeable difference in your nail health in just a couple of weeks. You had better use coconut oil in the raw form to get maximum effects.

It can be used in different ways to improve your brittle nails:

Method 1:

• Take some coconut oil.
• Pour the oil in a cup.
• Then, put the cup in an oven for several minutes to warm the oil.
• Directly apply the oil to your affected nail.
• Gently massage it for a few minutes.
• Do this process thrice every day.

Method 2:

• Take ¼ cup of coconut oil.
• Put the cup in an oven for warming it.
• Pour the warm oil in a large bowl.
• Add some lemon juice to the bowl.
• Mix all ingredients well.
• Dip your nails in the mixture.
• Let it stay on for 15 minute.
• Get your gloves on.
• Let it remain on overnight.
• Do this remedy once every night before bedtime.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Not only does apple cider vinegar reverse the signs of damage on your hair, but it could also do wonders on your nail. Apple cider vinegar works a treat on badly damaged, brittle nails. Why is it? It is because apple cider vinegar is full of nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron, iodine, biotin, potassium, etc. which are necessary to keep your nails healthy. Moreover, with the acids called acetic and malic, this vinegar is a wonderful solution to reduce and treat infected nails. If you are suffering from weak nails, or constantly being exposed to bacteria, try apple cider vinegar as one of home remedies for brittle nails removal.

The instruction on how to use apple cider vinegar is very easy to follow:

• Take a tablespoon of raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
• Pour it in a basin.
• Pour in with the same amount of clean water.
• Stir the mixture well
• Then, put your nails in the mixture completely.
• Leave it on for several minutes.
• Push your cuticles down in a gentle way.
• Apply the remedy once every day.

5. Vitamin E Oil

If vitamin E is the leading home remedy for hangnails, it is also considered as an excellent home remedy for brittle nails. As mentioned above, dryness is one of the reasons for brittle nails. Therefore, with the benefits of vitamin E in moisturizing and hydrating your nails, it can give a great hand in combating against this problem. Plus, vitamin E can contribute to improving your cuticles and nails beds. Substantially as well as patience is important upon treating any body part naturally, as natural remedies may take time to achieve your goals. The same goes for vitamin E oil. The antioxidants in vitamin E can protect your nail from aging and turns its color from unhealthy yellow to healthy. It also heals dry nails, strengthens brittle nails. If you use vitamin E oil as a supplement, it will boost your hair and nail growth amazingly.

Here is all what you need to do to use vitamin E for treating your brittle nails:

• Take a capsule of vitamin E.
• Cut it to extract its oil.
• Directly apply the oil to your affected nails before you go to sleep.
• Gently massage the areas for several minutes.
• Do the process once every day for a week.

6. Horsetail

Horsetail consists of a high quantity of silica, which is an essential mineral helping your nails to be healthy. For centuries, people have used horsetail and applied it externally tea for improving nail health.

Another benefit is that it also helps eliminate white spots appearing in the nails. After using this herb, you will notice a significant difference in both the appearance and strength of your nails. One side benefit of drinking horsetail herbal tea is that it also makes your hair more lustrous and healthy. Despite it takes time, the difference is undeniable and visible.

If you do not want to make use of horsetail, you can also take advantage of silica (the substance found in horsetail) which can be found in many foods. While silica is a crucial trace element and is essential for healthy tissues in the body, we seem not to get sufficient amounts of it in our daily diets. You can get this trace element from cabbage, asparagus, dandelion greens, olives, cucumbers, mustard greens, radishes, corn, white onions, soybeans, bell peppers, oats, rice, alfalfa, flaxseeds and millet.

Here is a very simple guide for you if you want to use horsetail as one of home remedies for brittle nails:

Method 1:

• Take 2 teaspoons of horsetail which is dried.
• Pour them in a basin of water to wash them thoroughly.
• Remove them out of the basin.
• Put them in a bowl.
• Pour in with a cup of boiling water.
• Cover the bowl.
• Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes.
• Allow it to cool down naturally.
• Then, put your nails in the mixture for 30 minutes.
• Use a clean towel to make your nail dry.
• Then, apply a handful of olive oil to the area.
• Let the oil sit on overnight.
• Put on your gloves.
• Do the application thrice every week.

Method 2:

• Take 2 teaspoons of horsetail which is dried.
• Wash them carefully.
• Put them in a pot.
• Add some water to the pot.
• Turn on the flame.
• Boil the mixture for several minutes.
• Turn off the heat.
• Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes.
• Allow it to cool down naturally.
• Then, strain the tea.
• Consume 2 cups of the tea every day.

7. Tea Tree Oil

You can also use tea tree oil as one of the best home remedies for brittle nails. This moisturizing oil is particularly good if your brittle nails are infected due to fungi. Acting as a strong antiseptic, tea tree oil is effective in reducing infection. Furthermore, it can fight the discoloration of the nails effectively.

Below is the guide on how to utilize tea tree oil for treating brittle nails:

• Take ½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
• Pour the oil in a cup.
• Add a little amount of tea tree oil to the cup.
• Mix them well.
• Apply the mixture to your affected nails.
• Do a gentle massage for several minutes.
• Let it stay on for half an hour.
• Use some warm water to wash it off.
• Use a clean towel to make the area dry.
• Apply your moisturizing cream.
• Do the repetition 2 times every day for at least 4 weeks.

8. Sea Salt

Sea salt is among simple but effective home remedies for brittle nails and other nail-related issues. Salt can keep your nails healthy thanks to its antiseptic and moisture-sealing effects. Sea salt really grants luster to your nails and skin. It also brightens your skin and prevents wrinkled hands over time.

Moreover, thanks to the natural disinfecting property, sea salt can prevent infection in hands. However, make sure that you do not have any open cut on hands or the sea salt might cause stinging sensation.

The steps you need to do are very simple below:

• Take 2 tablespoons of sea salts.
• Put them in a bowl.
• Add some warm water to the bowl.
• Next, pour several drops of wheat germ oil.
• Add the same amount of myrrh and frankincense to it.
• Lastly, pour in with lemon essential oil.
• Now, mix them well.
• Put your nails in the mixture.
• Let them stay on for 20 minutes.
• Use warm water to wash it off.
• Dry them with a clean towel.
• Then, apply your regular cream.
• Do the process thrice every week.

9. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another option for your brittle nails. The juice is not only good to nourish your brittle nails but also prevent you from this problem. Additionally, the juice can brighten the nails. It is not surprising that if you mix lemon juice with a small amount of olive oil, your brittle nails can be improved quickly and significantly. It is because both ingredients are commonly used in curing skin issues. The effectiveness of lemon juice is providing necessary nutrients for growing healthily, whereas olive oil contributes to penetrating your nail cuticle, pushing the healing process ^[5].

You can use lemon juice in different ways to treat brittle nails:

Method 1:

• Take a fresh lemon.
• Wash it carefully.
• Squeeze it to get its juice.
• Pour a tablespoon of the juice in a bowl.
• Add about 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Put the bowl in an oven for several seconds to warm the oil.
• Take a clean cotton ball.
• Dip it in the warm mixture.
• Apply the warm mixture to your affected nails.
• Get on your cotton gloves.
• Let it remain on overnight.
• Do this process once every day.

Method 2:

• Pour a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup.
• Add the same amount of argan oil to the cup.
• Mix them well.
• Put your affected nails in the mixture.
• Keep it on for 30 minutes.
• Do this application once every day for at least 2 weeks.

10. Beer

Beer is one of the favorite drinks around the world. This drink has been scientifically proven to help the nails and hair grow, due to its high content of silicon from barley.

According to a National Institutes of Health study, just even a small amount of beer taken daily could significantly reduce the brittleness of nails.

On the other hand, beer also contains biotin, selenium and potassium which are necessary for the health of your nails. So, drink up!

For topical use of beer, simply following the instruction below, you own a wonderful remedy for your brittle nails:

• Take ¼ cup of olive oil.
• Put the oil in a bowl.
• Put the bowl in an oven for warming it.
• Remove it from the oven.
• Pour in with ¼ cup of raw apple cider vinegar.
• Add ½ cup of beer.
• Stir the mixture well.
• Put your nails in the solution.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Do the process 2 times every week.

11. Blackstrap Molasses

One of the reason causing brittle nails is a deficiency in iron. So, it is an idea to supply enough amount of iron for your body. You can find and use iron from a number of sources. However, blackstrap molasses are the best choice for you to get iron because blackstrap molasses are full of this mineral. In addition, it contains other nutrients which are good for your body.

All you need to do is very simple as below:

• Take a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses.
• Wash them thoroughly.
• Put them in a bowl.
• Add a cup of hot milk in.
• Stir them well.
• Allow the mixture to cool down naturally.
• Consume the mixture 2 times every day for a month.

Note: The persons suffering from diabetes are not advisable to use this method.

12. Biotin

If you are seeking for a natural solution among home remedies for brittle nails and make your nails strong and healthy, reach for biotin. In fact, biotin is the best candidate for strengthening weak nails. Biotin works well to combat against nail brittleness thanks to its effectiveness in fighting brittle, according to a study. That is the reason why you should list biotin as one of the best home remedies for brittle nails ^[6].

Nonetheless, you should get high amounts of biotin through supplements. Some foods having a large amount of biotin are sweet potato, eggs, oats, tomatoes, onion and almonds.

The steps of preparing biotin in treating your brittle nails are very simple as below:

Method 1:

• Intake supplement of biotin every day upon your doctor’s advice.

Method 2:

• Consume the foods containing the high amount of biotin, namely egg yolks, fish, bananas, milk, tomato, onlon, etc ^[7] [8].

13. Broccoli Oil

This natural oil is used to treat a number of health problems, including nail brittleness. It gives a great helping hand in strengthening your brittle nails. Its effectiveness is explained based on the essential fatty acids that are beneficial for nail, skin and hair health. As a result, your nails are moisturized and kept away from infection. Furthermore, if this oil is used to massage your weak nails and hands, your blood flow can also be circulated.

You can choose one of the following ways to utilize this very simple oil for improving your weak nails:

Method 1:

• Take some broccoli oil to put in a cup.
• Add the cup in an oven for just a minute to warm it.
• Then, apply the warm oil to your weak nails.
• Gently massage for several minutes.
• Do this remedy 2 times every day.

Method 2:

• Take a small amount of broccoli oil.
• Pour the oil in a cup.
• Warm the oil by putting it in an oven.
• Take a fresh lemon
• Squeeze it to get its juice.
• Pour in with several drops of the juice.
• Mix them well.
• Put your weak nails in the mixture.
• Leave it for 15 minutes.
• Put on your cotton gloves.
• Let it remain on overnight.
• Do this application once every night before your bedtime.

14. Chamomile And Peppermint

The combination between a favorite tea and peppermint will create one of the best home remedies for brittle nails. As we know, chamomile tea is one of types of tea loved by most of people in the world because of its great benefits to the health whereas peppermint is a common herb thanks to its fragrance.

Here is a simple guide for you:

• Take some chamomile blossoms.
• Wash them thoroughly with water.
• Put them in a pot.
• Pour in with some hot water.
• Cover the pot.
• Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
• Also take some fresh peppermint.
• Wash them carefully.
• Put them in another pot.
• Add a sufficient amount of boiling water to the pot.
• Cover the pot.
• Let it steep for 10 minutes.
• Next, strain the mixture.
• Take a teaspoon of chamomile tea.
• Put it in a cup.
• Add the same amount of peppermint tea to the cup.
• Pour in the cup with one cup of boiling water.
• Leave it steep for 120 minutes.
• Pour in with a teaspoon of olive oil.
• Add 2 tablespoons of wheat flour.
• Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
• Directly apply the mixture to your affected nails.
• Let it remain on for 60 minutes.
• Wash it off with some clean water.
• Apply the method 2 times every week.

15. Green Tea

Having the same benefits as those of chamomile and peppermint, green tea is a kind of tea that you can use to combat against your brittle nails. Green tea is rich in antioxidants which are useful for helping your nails to grow strongly. This drink also acts as a natural sunscreen. Japanese Matcha tea is considered best for this purpose thanks to its high content of nutrients.

All you need to do is applying the steps below:

Method 1:

• Take a handful of fresh green tea leaves.
• Put them in a large basin of water to clean them.
• Put them in a pot.
• Add a cup of clean water.
• Boil the mixture for several minutes.
• Let it steep for 10  minutes.
• Strain the tea.
• Allow it to cool down naturally.
• Now, put your nails completely in the tea.
• Leave them in for 20 minutes.
• Do this process 2 times every week.

Method 2:

• Do the steps in the method 1 to make green tea.
• Or take a bag of green tea.
• Put the green tea bag in a bowl.
• Pour in with some boiling water.
• Let it steep for 10 minutes.
• Remove the bag out of the bowl.
• Take 2 teaspoons of the green tea.
• Pour the tea in a cup.
• Drop in with several drops of wheat germ oil.
• Sprinkle some salt in.
• Shake the mixture thoroughly.
• Now, put your brittle nails in the mixture for several minutes.
• Wash it off and dry it.
• Do the remedy twice every week.

Method 3:

• Take a small amount of the essential oil of green tea.
• Put the oil in a cup.
• Take a fresh aloe vera.
• Wash it thoroughly.
• Let it open by a knife.
• Extract its gel.
• Then, add the gel to the cup.
• Mix them well.
• Apply the mixture to your brittle nails.
• Gently massage it for a few minutes.
• Do this remedy 2 times every week.

16. Egg Yolk And Milk

Brittle nails are caused by lack of some essential nutrients, namely protein, calcium, etc. So, it is clear that you can improve as well as avoid suffering from this problem if you provide your body with sufficient amount of these nutrients. Everybody knows that milk is the best source for calcium, whereas protein has the high content in egg yolk. That is the reason why soaking your hands and nails in the mixture of egg yolk and milk is suggested as one of the good home remedies for your brittle nails. These ingredients help to keep your hands and nails moisturized, preventing the dryness which is one of the reason for brittle nails.

Here is all what you have to do:

• Take an egg.
• Separate the yolk from the white.
• Get rid of the white.
• Put the yolk in a cup.
• Pour in with 2 tablespoons of plain milk.
• Beat the mixture thoroughly.
• Apply the mixture to your nails.
• Do a gentle massage for several minutes.
• Leave it stay on for half an hour.
• Use some warm water to rinse it off.
• Do the process 2 times a week.

17. Orange Juice

Orange juice is the next beverage that you can use for improving your brittle nails. Orange juice contains the main component which is vitamin C because it is extracted from oranges- a kind of citrus fruits. The juice is listed as one of the best juice in the world thanks to its wonderful benefits to our health. More specifically, drinking a glass of orange juice every day is a good solution to improve your immune system, slow down your aging process, eliminate toxics out of the body, combat against inflammation, etc. Furthermore, orange juice has folic acid which helps to allow your nails grow healthy.

You can follow the guide below to utilize this very useful and easy-to-find fruit:

• Firstly, take some fresh oranges.
• Wash them thoroughly.
• Squeeze them to get their juice.
• Pour the juice in a large bowl.
• Put your nails in the juice.
• Leave it be for 15 minutes.
• Use some warm water to wash it off.
• Take a clean towel.
• Dry your soaked nails.
• Apply your regular moisturizing cream to these areas.
• Do this remedy once every day.

18. Use A Natural Hand Cream

If you are suffering from nail brittleness, it is a great idea to moisturize your nails and hands after cleansing and drying them. Make your own natural hand moisturize and put it near your sink to easily apply whenever you want.
Follow this recipe to make a great hand moisturizing cream:

• Mix coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax together as the ratio of 3:1:1 (use the tablespoon as a unit)
• Add ¼ cup of olive oil to that mixture
• Put them in a glass bowl, then place it in a pan with water (use a double-boiler as an alternative)
• Heat them and stir will until blended
• Turn off the heat
• Add 10 drops each of frankincense and lavender essential oils, followed by 5 drops of peppermint essential oil into
• Stir well and let it cool down
• Put it in a container and use when necessary

Note: Avoid the eyes when applying this lotion.

Home Remedies For Brittle Nails Removal – Prevention Tips

There are some effective ways of preventing from brittle nails that you should keep in your mind.

• Whenever you wash the dishes or clothes, it is better to wear your plastic gloves. Chemicals, such as washing powder can affect your nails.
• Always keep your nails moisturized by applying petroleum jelly to your nail every day.
• Keep your body hydrated and maintain a diet of sufficient nutrients, including vitamin B7, omega-3 fatty acids.
• Let your nails be in natural sunlight every day.
• Avoid nail polish remover.

Generally speaking, nail brittleness is just something unpleasant to look and is not serious. Nonetheless, as mentioned earlier, it could be a sign of underlying problems of your health. If you know that your brittle nails are just the result of bad old habits and nutrition deficiency, then we are sure that the useful information about brittle nails we mention in this article will be helpful for you and that you have chosen some effective home remedies for brittle nails to apply.

Which remedy serves best for you? Share your experience with us. However, it is advisable for you to see a doctor to find a better solution if your condition doesn’t improve at all after using these home remedies. If there are any concerns about the remedies mentioned in our article of “18 Home Remedies For Brittle Nails Removal” presented in Home Remedies Category. Your comments and ideas are always welcomed. We will try to give the feedback to you as soon as possible.

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