Essential Oils For Healthy Nails
Slathered balms, lotions, and butter on your hands, but they’re still dehydrated and chapped?
Of course, strong and cold winds strip the natural moisturizer from hands, leaving them dry, and your nails take a beating too. But did you know excessive moisture can make your cuticles soft and brittle?
Now, we all would agree that both dry and brittle nails require extra TLC, particularly in the winter months. While store-bought creams and skin treatment cost a bomb, DIY home remedies can harm your skin and make it more sensitive.
But, the good news is essential oils can tackle all your nail-related problems, so you can flaunt them without making multiple trips to the salon. Certainly, you cannot pick any essential oil you come across on the market, which is why we’ve curated this guide.
So, grab a cup of coffee and start reading!
What Do Unhealthy Nails Look Like?
If your nails are discolored or have dents and ridges, they need attention. Though most nail conditions can be treated with proper care, some may call for medical help.
Before discussing the important essential oils you can add to your nail care routine, we’ll discuss the symptoms of unhealthy nails, which are as follows:
- Changes in nail shape
- Nail pitting
- Brittle nails
- Yellow nails
- Melanoma or dark spots on the nails
- Upward or downward curved nails
Essential Oils For Nail Care
Well, let’s be honest – our nails go through a lot of abuse throughout the day, and we hardly do anything to keep them strong and healthy. Though regular manicures can promote healthy nail growth, we hardly have time to spend hours at the salon.
While healthy nails can make you feel glamorous, dull, dehydrated, cracked nails can dampen the good vibes. And if that’s the case, you must start taking proper care of your nails.
Now, the question is – can you put essential oils on nails? Honestly speaking, using essential oils is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to maintain nail health and promote growth. All you need to do is find the right essential oils for nails, and voila! You’ll get strong, healthy, and beautiful nails.
Basically, essential oils are concentrated plant-based oils, which is why they can heal nails, cuticles, and, of course, hands. Moreover, you get a plethora of options to choose from for your nails, and when applied correctly, they can provide countless benefits.
The best essential oils can strengthen nails, nourish, and moisturize them while making them resilient and stimulating growth.
Best Essential Oils For Healthy Nails And Cuticles
Now that you know the benefits of using essential oils on nails, it’s time we let out the best ones available on the market. With plenty of options, it’s slightly tricky to know which ones are the best; that’s why we’ve got the inside scoop for you.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Torn cuticles, weak nail beds, or hangnails – if you suffer from any of these, then lavender essential oil [1] is the best for treating them.
Derived from the lavender plant, the oil is known for its numbing and pain-relieving effects and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Further, it also contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and so, it keeps germs away from infecting sensitive skin in and around the nails.
When applied topically, it will reduce inflammation and promote nail growth while strengthening them. However, make sure you don’t apply the essential oil undiluted, or it may cause an allergic reaction.
So, mix two to three drops of lavender essential oil with a few drops of vitamin E and apply it to the nails.
2. Myrrh Essential Oil
If nails are devoid of moisture, they become brittle and chip easily, which is why it’s important to keep them moisturized. But, the good news is that Myrrh essential oil [2] is right here to give your stubborn nails the much-needed boost.
Thanks to the moisturizing properties, it treats dry cuticles and protects fingernails from becoming thin and fragile, preventing breakage. This, in turn, strengthens nails and creates a healthy environment that promotes growth.
What’s more, it features thick consistency, so you can apply a few drops of myrrh oil on cuticles and fingernails a few times a week at night. If you want, you can pair it up with almond oil or apply it undiluted.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Of course, tea tree oil is like a magic potion for acne-prone skin, but did you know it works wonders for treating fungal infections on nails?
Though such infections aren’t dangerous, they are unsightly. This powerful antiseptic eliminates fungus from toenails and fingernails while preventing them from occurring. Besides, it also prevents other-infection causing microbes and bacteria from occurring.
Do you also suffer from damaged or discolored nails? Then tea tree oil [3] is a must-have in your dressing table for your nail care.
4. Lemon Essential Oil
Nothing’s more heartbreaking than chipping the nail that you’ve worked so hard to grow. However, splitting, peeling, and cracking are not uncommon if your nails are weak.
That’s when lemon oil [4] will come to the rescue, thanks to the strengthening properties. Also, it is loaded with vitamins, which will help buff away the dullness and brighten your nails. So, if your nails are prone to breakage, apply the lemon oil on the nail bed, and you’re done!
5. Frankincense Essential Oil
We cannot emphasize this enough, but most people forget that moisturizing fingernails can make them stronger, no matter how brittle they are. And Frankincense [5] is one of the best essential oils to nourish dry skin, nail bed, and cuticles.
When applied topically, it will hydrate the cuticle and prevent peeling and infection. Moreover, it also fights off fungus to have longer and stronger nails. On top of that, it improves permeability, so whichever essential oil you apply, you can rest assured that it will get absorbed easily.
Oh, and did we mention it also works as a natural astringent? Hence, it will prevent oils, dirt, and other impurities from embedding in the nail.
6. Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit, also known as Citrus paradisi, [6] is like a magic potion for brittle nails as it deeply cleanses and restores them. The perfect time to use this essential oil is after removing nail polish or artificial nails, as that’s the time when your nails are vulnerable.
The citrus oil nourishes the cuticles and promotes the healthy growth of nails while strengthening them. And you’ll also love its light and fruity aroma that is refreshing and uplifting.
7. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary essential oil [7] is an excellent option for those who suffer from fungal infections. As you already know, fungal infection in the toe and fingernails can hinder their growth and cause discoloration. But rosemary restores the structure of the nails and creates a clean environment for promoting their healthy growth.
Consequently, you’ll have stronger nails and, of course, gorgeous smelling hands. Moreover, regularly massaging this oil will strengthen your nails, protecting them from breaking.
8. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Are flaky and bent nails ruining the beauty of your gorgeous hands? Then roman chamomile essential oil [8] can help you in numerous ways.
Back in the day, it was used to treat various ailments (internal and external), and today it’s popularly used to keep nails strong and healthy. This potent oil can heal cuts and ingrown nails and promote cell growth.
Anyone who suffers from yellow pigmentation usually caused by nail polish remover will love this oil as it works wonders for restoring the original color of the nail. Simply put – it’s one of the best essential oils for both nails and cuticles.
9. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil [9] works well to treat nail fungus that causes discomfort and is unsightly. While fungus infection, it boosts the flow of blood, thereby promoting the healthy growth of nails.
Moreover, this therapeutic oil relieves inflammation and treats dry cuticles, so you won’t suffer from broken nails, ripped cuticles, or torn skin. Overall, it is a miracle oil that targets multiple issues, so it’s a must-have.
10. Carrot Seed Essential Oil
More often than not, you’ll come across carrot seed essential oil [10] in almost all nail products. Rich in fatty acids and beta carotene, it is loaded with regenerative properties. It also moisturizes nails and cuticles perfectly, so those suffering from dry, cracked nails can use it regularly.
On top of that, you can also use it as a diuretic, disinfectant, and antiseptic, so it packs a powerful punch.
Best Carrier Oils That You Can Use With Essential Oils
The best way to use essential oils is to dilute them with a skin-friendly carrier oil, or else it may cause adverse reactions and damage your nails. That said, here we have listed some of the best carrier oils that you can use with essential oils.
- Grapeseed oil
- Jojoba oil
- Argan oil
- Avocado oil
- Evening primrose
- Vitamin E oil
- Rosehip seed
- Almond oil
DIY Recipe For Nail Strengthening
There’s no denying that essential oils are an excellent solution for strengthening nails and promoting their growth. However, essential oils aren’t safe when applied undiluted, so you must know the right way of using them.
While there are plenty of ways to use essential oils for healthy nails, here’s one of our favorite DIY blends that you can try. And guess what? It’s one of the easiest recipes that you’ll ever try, so take a look.
Healing Cuticle Oil Blend
From targeting dry cuticles to maintaining strong and healthy nails, this DIY cuticle oil is a multipurpose blend. Once you try it, you won’t have to splurge on expensive moisturizers or creams for treating nail issues.
Ingredients
- Two tsp jojoba oil
- Six drops lemon essential oil
- Six drops frankincense essential oil
- Half-teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- Six drops lavender essential oil
- Two drops of myrrh essential oil
Preparation Method
All you have to do is mix the ingredients in a small bowl, blend it properly and transfer it to a roll-on or droplet tincture. Don’t forget to shake it well before applying it to your cuticles, and make sure you massage it properly onto the nails and the surrounding area. Use it daily before bed and lock in the serum with a moisturizing hand cream or lotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I Use Lavender Essential Oil Without Diluting?
No, we strongly advise you against using any essential oils without diluting them, or your skin may start acting up, which may lead to irritation or burning sensation. So, always mix it with a carrier oil before applying it to the affected area.
Q. Can Essential Oils Be Used On Sensitive Skin?
Though they are plant-based, we still suggest sensitive skin users seek medical advice before using any essential oil.
Q. Which Essential Oil Is Excellent For Brittle Nails?
Grapefruit essential oil is best for treating brittle and weak nails, followed by myrrh and frankincense. Applying these essential oils regularly can moisturize your cuticles and make them stronger, which will prevent breakage.
Final Words
Without a doubt, healthy nails can add to your beauty, while brittle and weak nails can break your entire look. Moreover, keeping cuticles and nails healthy isn’t challenging, especially when you’ve got all the right ingredients at hand.
However, make sure you go for therapeutic-grade organic essential oils to be safe and effective. While using DIY blends, don’t forget to take a healthy diet, including antioxidants, nuts and seeds, and lots of avocados.
Before bringing the curtains down, here’s a last piece of advice – apply the DIY serum regularly for best results. With that, we’ll call it a day; hopefully, you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed curating it.
Until next time!
References:
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/myrrh-oil
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil
[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-essential-oil
[5] https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-frankincense-essential-oil
[6] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grapefruit-essential-oil
[7] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/grapefruit-essential-oil
[8] https://draxe.com/essential-oils/roman-chamomile-essential-oil/
[9] https://www.healthline.com/health/9-ways-eucalyptus-oil-can-help
