If your nails are brittle and break as soon as you try to grow them out, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to encourage healthy growth at home. If so, use the three-step guide below to nourish your nails so they can grow stronger and longer.

Step 1: Clean and Buff Your Nails

The first step involves cleaning your nails by washing them with hot soapy water. Then, buff them to remove any oils and dead cells on the surfaces. Removing the dead cells exposes the healthier cells underneath, allowing the next two steps of the treatment to penetrate deep into the nail beds.

When buffing your nails, use small, side-to-side motions using gentle pressure. Especially if your nails are brittle, you do not want to press down too hard, as this could make your nails crack. Once you have buffed your nails, go on to the next step.

Step 2: Soak Your Nails In Orange Juice

This next involves soaking your nails in 100% pure orange juice to soak up the vitamin C and folic acid. If possible, use juice that has been fortified with calcium to add extra strength to your nails. Use a bowl large enough to submerge your nails, yet short enough that you can comfortably rest your palms on the table to prevent cramping.

Mix a quarter cup of orange juice with an eighth of a cup of water. Cutting the juice with water helps prevent skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Submerge your nails in the juice, and soak them for five minutes. Then, wash your hands with warm, soapy water. Dry your nails thoroughly, and then go on to the third step.

Step 3: Rub On A Lavender And Coconut Oil Mixture

After soaking your nails, the final treatment step involves rubbing your nails and the surrounding skin with a coconut oil and lavender oil mixture. The coconut oil acts as a carrier for the lavender oil, but it also contains fatty acids to nourish the nail beds. The lavender oil helps condition your nails to help them grow without breaking.

Mix together five drops of each oil, then massage a small amount of the mixture into your nails and cuticles. Then, let the oils soak in for about 10 minutes, then wipe off the excess oil.

Performing the above home treatment once or twice a week can help encourage your nails to grow. However, if you do not see the results you want in about a month or your nails are severely damaged, you may want to ask a professional for recommendations for a nail growth product suitable for your particular needs.

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