Knowing that there's never a second time to create a first impression, the importance of keeping your nails clean and presentable cannot be overemphasized.
Because our nails are one of the first features observed about us.
However, it is important to note that similar to the skin, our nails reveal a lot about our well-being; in other words, our fingernails or toenails are windows to our health.
But there’re situations whereby no matter how hard we try to make our nails look good naturally, we end up feeling disappointed because they remain dry and brittle.
And owing to this, one is compelled to seek the actual causes of brittle nails.
According to Dr. Axe, brittle nails, sometimes, are simply a result of aging or a lack of moisture, while other times they can be indicative of thyroid diseases like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism because these conditions can cause nail problems.
Be that as it may, there are natural and effective ways to improve the health and appearance of dry brittle nails with or without ridges and we’re pleased to show you how to go about it.
Here are natural ways to improve the appearance of dry brittle nails
1. Soak nails in olive oil
Sounds quite strange, huh? Well, it is what it is. Soak brittle nails in extra in extra virgin olive oil 10-15 minutes a day for a month, then twice a week thereafter.
This should be applicable to both weak and thin nails.
The result of this inexpensive home treatment will not only help fortify damaged nails, it also strengthens weak or peeling nails.
One of the benefits of applying vegetable oil is that it helps relieve dryness and cracking of toenails; and unlike creams, oils do a better job soaking into the nail bed and moisturize the structural toenail bed longer than creams and gels.
2. Do away with harsh nail polish remover
It is no longer news that almost all the nail polish removers contain highly toxic chemicals. And when these chemicals come in contact with the nails they tend to dry them out.
These toxic chemicals that include acetone, formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates do not only affect the health of your nails negatively, research has shown they may cause reproductive harm and organ toxicity; as well as irritating the skin, eyes, and lungs.
3. Eat biotin-rich foods
Another way to treat brittle nails is by ensuring that your diet is loaded with foods rich in biotin, such as liver, cooked eggs, whole grains, cauliflower, and avocado, etc.
Because apart from their normal health benefits, biotin, which is a vitamin of the B complex, helps strengthen and thicken nails.
It is also advisable to compliment with biotin supplement if need be.
4. Keep your nails off water as much as possible
Inasmuch as it is almost impossible to keep the nails off water because of dishes and laundry, finding a way to reduce the number of times is very important.
And you can do this by getting a good pair of protective gloves that can help prevent and heal brittle nails.
Because it has been observed that wearing gloves while doing the household chores can prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle.
5. Drink a lot of water
As stated in number four, it is important to avoid water externally when it comes to treating brittle nails; however, the importance of saturating your system with water cannot be overemphasized.
Cultivate the habit of staying hydrated with water. And whenever it seems like you've had enough of it already, supplement the process with water-rich healthy foods like watermelon and cucumbers.
This is important because studies have shown that drinking a lot of water is one great way to moisturize your nails and skin from the inside.