Fans of slow cosmetics turn to essential oils to care for the skin and hair. Now, nails deserve, too, our full attention!
To care for your nails naturally, essential oils can be your ally. Which oils should you choose for stronger, more beautiful, and shinier nails? Here is a selection of essential oils to pamper your nails from tip to nail bed.
Essential oils for healthy nails
A beautiful nail starts with a healthy nail. Which essential oils help treat nails?
Nail fungus essential oil
Nail fungus is a condition that can be caused by a fungus. And as is often the case with pesky parasites, the precious tea tree essential oil should be your first thought. After washing your hands (or feet) well, you can apply directly to the infected nail a drop of tea tree oil. Repeat morning and evening for up to three weeks.
For even more effectiveness, try a synergy of essential oils known for their cleansing effects:
- the palmarosa oil and its antifungal properties;
- the bay laurel which enhances the antifungal action of tea tree. It also speeds up regrowth;
- the true lavender which reliably helps heal skin issues.
Castor oil, the best carrier oil for nails
As you know, most essential oils are more effective when used with a carrier oil. In particular, some can irritate the skin and must be diluted.
To do double duty, choose castor oil as the base for your at‑home nail care. Indeed, castor oil is excellent for protecting and strengthening fragile or brittle nails. Its vitamin E content nourishes and hydrates the nail, helping prevent cracks.
Castor oil speeds up nail growth and repairs cuticles. It is therefore indispensable for your 100% natural manicure!
Prevent breakage
Sometimes nails feel weak or become brittle. To strengthen them, you can rely on the ylang-ylang essential oil. Yes, this essential oil with its sultry scent is also a valuable ally for reinforcing nails and restoring their vitality.
The myrrh essential oil will also take care of tired nails. It will act as a keratin stimulant, the protein that enables growth and solidity.
Shiny nails!
Again, essential oils are wonderful for bringing out the beauty of nails.
Restore whiteness with lemon
Nails can turn yellow for various reasons: aging, smoking, or frequent use of conventional nail polish.
To restore brightness to yellowed nails, opt for lemon essential oil. You can blend it with a few drops of evening primrose oil, excellent for reviving damaged nails. Start with a nail soak, then massage to ensure penetration. You can then wipe your hands and enjoy this regenerating treatment for the skin around the nails as well.
An oil bath for gorgeous nails
Treat yourself to a true at‑home manicure with this oil bath for strong nails recipe.
Mix 50 ml of castor oil with 30 ml of sweet almond oil. Add 30 drops of lemon essential oil and 2 drops of vitamin E. Transfer to a bottle. Pour a sufficient amount into a small dish so you can soak the nails for about twenty minutes.
You can also follow our recipes for repairing damaged nails.
Completely smooth nails
To soften stubborn ridges, make a treatment with 10 ml of jojoba oil, 5 drops of basil essential oil, and 5 drops of rosewood essential oil. Gently massage. You can do this treatment once a week until you see improvement.
But remember: the beauty of nails starts with overall health. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, zinc, and iron! Finally, protect your hands and nails by wearing gloves before tackling household chores.
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