Essential oils and vitamin E can bring TLC to your fingernails and improve their overall health.

You can spend money on manicures and have someone else care for your nails but I personally like the DIY approach. It saves money and you can use natural products instead of chemicals that majority of salons use.

Nail Strengthening Serum

• 1 oz Dropper Bottle
• 15 drops of Lavender essential oil
• 15 drops of Myrrh essential oil
• Fractionated Coconut Oil
• 2 Vitamin E Oil Capsules

Directions:

1. Add essential oils to 1 oz dropper bottle.
2. Cut vitamin E capsules open and squeeze into bottle.
3. Fill the remaining space of the bottle with fractionated coconut oil (you could use jojoba or avocado oil instead of fractionated coconut oil). Screw the lid on and shake to combine.
4. To use, place a few drops onto a cotton ball and rub over nails to soften cuticles and to strengthen nails.

You can substitute Lavender and Myrrh essential oils for other oils.  There are many essential oils that are beneficial for nails, see below for a list of other essential oils you could use in this recipe.

Wondering what essential oils will help keep your nails healthy & strong? Here are the best essential oils according to Modern Essentials Reference Guide.

• Lemon Essential Oil
  
• Frankincense Essential Oil
  
• Myrrh Essential Oil
  
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil
  
• Lavender Essential Oil
  
• Grapefruit Essential Oil
  
• Rosemary Essential Oil

To use, add 1-2 drops to 1 teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil and apply to nails. If you have a fungal nail infection, melaleuca is the best choice for nails.

Tips for Healthy Fingernails:

• Keep 100% cotton gloves around. At night apply moisturizing lotion to your hands, then place the gloves on while you sleep to allow the moisturizer to absorb as much as possible.
• Never use your nails as tools. You know, like as mini scratchers, scrapers, screwdrivers, picks…just don’t! Find a proper tool to use instead.
• Keep moisturizing lotion by every sink in your home and apply after washing hands to keep skin and nails from drying out.
• Make sure to wear gloves when you garden or clean.
• Never cut your cuticles, push them back instead. When you cut cuticles, you are more at risk for infections and ingrown nails.
• Use care with artificial nails. They can encourage the growth of fungus under your nails. It is best to keep nails naked and natural, if possible.
• Diet matters! Your nails will reflect your overall health. If your do not get proper nutrition, your nails will be dry and flaky. A diet high in calcium, Magnesium, and good quality protein will give you strong and healthy nails.
• Keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help nails as well as your overall health.