Nails can get weaker when exposed to excessive amounts of water, chemicals, and other outdoor elements. If nails get weaker, they tend to peel, break and chip. Sometimes weak nails can show signs of discoloration. If you want your nails to be healthy and grow longer, nail strengtheners are an option. However, before purchasing expensive nail strengtheners, you can try some cheaper and natural options which we all have in our kitchens. Here are 8 nail strengthener DIY methods. 

How to DIY Nail Strengthener

Method 1

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

What to Do

• Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl.
• Place the bowl in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds.
• Remove it from the microwave and stir it with a spoon.
• By using a clean cotton swab, apply the homemade nail strengthener to your brittle nails.
• Repeat the process every night before you go to bed.

Method 2

What You Need

• 15 drops of ylang ylang essential oil
• 15 drops of myrrh essential oil
• 15 drops of lavender essential oil
• Carrier oil

What to Do

• Mix the essential oils in an empty nail bottle.
• Add carrier oil.
• Shake the nail bottle well.
• Use it daily on your brittle nails.

Method 3

What You Need

• 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil or eucalyptus essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of castor oil
• 2 vitamin E gel capsules

What to Do

• This is another nail strengthener DIY method. First mix the ingredients in a bowl.
• Stir the mixture with a spoon.
• Use a clean cotton swab to apply this natural nail strengthener on your brittle nails.
• After 5 minutes, gently rub it off your nails using a clean cotton ball.

Method 4

What You Need

• 1 teaspoon of wheat germ oil
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 teaspoons of castor oil

What to Do

• Mix the ingredients in a bottle. The bottle should be sealed.
• Shake the bottle well before using it.
• Apply a small amount of mixture into your nails.
• Leave it for about 5 minutes.
• Wipe the mixture from your nails using a cotton pad.

Method 5

What You Need

• 5 ml of castor oil
• 5 ml of sweet almond oil
• 2 vitamin E gel capsules

What to Do

• Open the vitamin E gel capsules carefully and pour the gel into a bowl.
• Add 5 ml of castor oil and sweet almond oil.
• Mix the ingredients.
• Apply this homemade nail strengthener daily before bedtime.
• This is another great nail strengthener DIY method.

Method 6

What You Need

• 2 teaspoons of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• 1/3 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
• 1/3 cup of almond oil

What to Do

• Mix the above ingredients (except coconut oil) in a bowl. 
• Soak your nails in the mixture for about 5 minutes.
• Rinse the nails with cool water.
• Apply 2 teaspoons of coconut oil at the end into your nails, and massage them gently.

Method 7

What You Need

• 20 drops of lemon juice
• Vitamin E capsules
• Natural nail polish
• 3 peeled garlic cloves

What to Do

• Open the vitamin E capsules carefully and pour the gel into a nail polish container.
• Soak the 3 peeled garlic cloves into hot water for about 15 minutes.
• Grind the garlic cloves until a paste is formed.
• Add the garlic paste into the nail polish container as well.
• Add the lemon juice drops into the nail polish container.
• Shake it well before applying.
• Make sure to remove the nail polish after 3 days to give your nails a rest for a day.
• Use this nail strengthener DIY method until your nail condition improves.

Method 8

What You Need

• Olive oil
• Petroleum jelly

What to Do

• Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
• Put the bowl into the microwave for about 20 seconds.
• Paint your nails with the mixture using a paint brush.
• Repeat the procedure twice a week.

Tips for Stronger Nails

Besides applying natural nail strengthener, follow these tips for healthier and stronger nails.

• Don’t bite your nails. Biting your nails constantly will lead to stress fractures on the corners of the edges.
• Don’t forget to use rubber gloves. While cleaning, wear rubber gloves. Rubber gloves will provide a barrier and protect the nails from harmful chemicals commonly found in household cleaners.
• Avoid excessive use of water. When your hands are constantly in water, the nails will become weaker, eventually even breaking up and shedding. Go easy on the water.
• Maintain your nails weekly. By taking a good care of your nails and by manicuring them regularly, your nails remain healthy. Moisturizing the cuticles daily is also very important.
• Wear gloves before going out into the cold. Low temperatures during winter can seriously dry and deteriorate the nails. Make sure to wear gloves while outside.
• Avoid hazardous chemicals. Nail products that contain toluene, formaldehyde resin or formaldehyde should be avoided.
• Vitamins are important. It is well known that biotin supplements are great for nails. Vitamin E gel capsules are also recommended for a good health of the nails.
• Massage the cuticles regularly. By massaging the cuticles, you will bring blood into the nail area, promoting a healthier nail growth.
• Moisten your hands with hand creams. By keeping your hands well hydrated, your nails will remain healthy.
• Eat proteins. A well-balanced diet is very important for your overall health, including the health of your nails. Protein-rich foods such as egg, yogurt, tuna, and fish help build nail strength.
• Don’t use your nails as tools. People often tend to use their nails as tools, like when opening a box. But this can hurt your nails badly.