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Health

How do I Choose the Best Natural Nail Strengthener?

Diane Goettel
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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Choosing the best natural nail strengthener first means deciding whether to purchase a packaged product or to use a homemade product. There are a number of nail strengtheners that are made with natural products and sold for retail consumption. There are also a number of natural products that most people can find in their bathroom or kitchen cabinets that can be used to increase nail strength. These sorts of products, which include baby oil and olive oil, can be quite effective. One of the drawbacks is that they are not usually packaged in a way that makes them easy to use.

It is also important when shopping for a natural nail strengthener to understand the way that the word "natural" is used to describe these products. Most products that are sold by nail polish companies are meant to strengthen natural nails. This means that the product is meant to offer a strengthening coating on nails that have not been covered by acrylic, silk, or glass nails. This also means that the ingredients that are used in the product are not necessarily natural, but instead are meant to work on top of natural nails. Some people find that these products work quite well, even though they are not made with all-natural products.

One of the best ways to keep the nails strong is to protect them from elements that can cause them to become dry and brittle. There are a number of elements that are experienced in daily life that can cause the nails to become weak, but the biggest culprits are soap and water. Washing the hands or submerging the hands in water, especially soapy water, can damage the nails.

A great natural nail strengthener that can help to protect the nails against these elements is baby oil. Rub the oil into the nails and allow it to soak in for a few minutes before exposing the hands to soapy water. The same is true for olive oil. Before doing dishes, simply rub a bit of olive oil into the nails and cuticles to keep the nails strong.

A natural hand lotion can also often be used as a natural nail strengthener. The emollients in the product function as a natural nail strengthener by offering the same sort of protection that baby oil does. Just be sure to rub a bit of the lotion into the nails while massaging it into the skin on the hands.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Diane Goettel
By Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane Goettel serves as the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. Over the course, she has edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter “Sapling,” and The Adirondack Review. Diane holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
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Discussion Comments

By otatop — On May 24, 2011

I prefer natural nail strengtheners. I'm a devotee of Knox gelatin and, despite the nay sayers, I swear by it.

I've been drinking gelatin dissolved in my tea once a day for as long as I can remember. At 73, I have the strongest nails of anyone I know. They never chip, and only break if I'm doing something careless.

By Hannah77 — On May 23, 2011

I swear by OPI Nail Envy Dry & Brittle formula. It comes in a 5oz bottle for just under $8. Since I started using it six weeks ago, I've seen a marked difference in my nails. They aren't chipping nearly as much as they used to. They even feel stronger after they've been in the water, when normally they'd feel soft and flexible.

Diane Goettel

Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane Goettel serves as the executive editor of Black...
Read more
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