Essential oil for nails
Brittle, thin, yellow... every day our nails suffer from various factors. But with the help of some natural remedies, we have a chance to repair all that damage! Let's talk today about essential oils for nails .
The perfect manicure is what every girl wants. And most of the time it takes a lot of time and effort. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your nails and cuticles glowing with health. And today I want to focus your attention on the benefits of moisturizing nails with natural oils. As you already know from my previous articles (and if you suddenly don’t know, then I advise you to read - there are a lot of interesting things :) ) nails are made of keratin - a protein that also forms the basis of hair and skin. Keratin is porous. Because of this, it is especially sensitive to all kinds of external destructive factors. Detergents, nail polishes, and even minor household injuries can all take a toll on the health of your nails. Therefore, it is so important to give it the right “feed”. 
And essential oils can provide what it need and more. For me, essential oils have been associated with something good since childhood! :) I remember how my mother and I went on vacation to the Crimea, and there, for a penny, we bought a lot of tiny cones with fragrant oils from grannies, which my mother dripped into my bathroom upon returning home, and I seemed to plunge into the atmosphere of our vacation again.
Then I thought that the essence of essential oils is precisely this - it smells good and immerses me in pleasant memories! :) Over time, it turned out that essential oils have much more benefits than I thought.
Benefits of essential oils for nails
Aromatic oils are concentrated plant extracts. They have many benefits for the skin and nails, and have important regenerative abilities. These abilities can help in the growth of the cuticle and, accordingly, the nails.
So, girls, you should definitely take a closer look at essential oils if you want to:
- Strengthen cuticles and nails.
- Prevent brittle and soft nails.
- Give nails shine and improve their appearance.
- Treat or prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
- Stimulate nail growth.
- Nourish cuticles and skin around nails.
I also consider ergonomics and economy to be one of the advantages of using essential oils. Usually such oils are sold in cute tiny bottles (which somehow does not fit in the head with profitability), but the point is that it also needs to be used in very small doses. And a tiny bottle can be "stretched" for a year or more. Plus, most often essential oils are not used in its pure form, but are mixed with other oils (for example, olive), or neutral substances (water, milk, salt). And now I would like to tell you in more detail about my favorites among essential oils and why it's so good.
Myrrh essential oil
This oil is very popular in nail and cuticle care, but its benefits extend far beyond manicure. The oil has a regenerative effect on the skin. Thus, you can benefit from this essential oil for nails by healing the cuticles. Myrrh also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This feature can be used to heal scars and cuts on the skin around the nail, as well as in cases of cuticle damage. Myrrh oil also helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Personally, I really love this oil because the aroma of myrrh is very soothing and can change your mood in a few minutes. Thus, using myrrh oil will not only improve the appearance of your nails, but also help restore emotional balance :)
essential oil of lemon
Lemon oil is one of the most popular essential oils for nails. Its chemical composition makes this oil relevant in almost all areas. From skin care products, to perfumes and household chemicals, it is easy to find lemon oil in its compositions. Lemon oil will be extremely beneficial for nails because it has a strong cleansing effect. It is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. Lemon oil is a great help in preventing nail diseases.
The oil also has astringent properties. Lemon stimulates microcirculation in the cuticle and the base of the nail. The skin will “tighten”, and the nail will become stronger. Thus, with the help of lemon oil, the blood will be able to deliver more nutrients to the nail and help it recover faster. We all know the wonderful whitening properties of lemon. The oil can penetrate deep into the keratin of the nail and have a mild whitening effect. And, of course, the smell! It's wonderful when your nails not only look good, but also smell good! :)
But you have to be careful in using it. Lemon nail oil should be applied at least 12 hours prior to anticipated sun exposure. The oil is phototoxic and may cause irritation, burning, or sensitization.
Essential oil of lavender
One of the most versatile essential oils for nails is lavender oil . It is great for protecting the skin and stimulating keratin growth. This is perhaps the most famous aromatherapy oil, and no wonder. There are countless studies that support the benefits and effects of this oil on skin and overall health. Lavender oil has excellent antibacterial properties. Thus, it can protect nails from infections through cuticle damage. The oil can also help tissue regeneration and healing without scarring. It contains nutrients that will help strengthen nails and cuticles. This oil is a good natural nail hardener and can be used on a regular basis. And you can buy lavender essential oil in almost any pharmacy. And on top of all these nail benefits, lavender oil can also regulate blood pressure! 
I advise you to apply lavender oil on your nails, especially before going to bed, because lavender has long been famous for its favorable calming properties. Great, and nails are healthy and sleep well! :)
Myrtle essential oil
Often, due to the similarity of names, this essential oil is confused with myrrh oil. But it has completely different properties, although it has a common feature - benefits for nails ! :) This oil is primarily beneficial for the respiratory system and skin. But it is mostly known for its cosmetic benefits. So why is myrtle oil relevant for nails and cuticles? Because it has very good regenerative properties. It makes this oil especially beneficial for damaged and brittle nails. And the cineole, which is part of it, will help in the restoration of cells and keratin. Myrtle oil also has a detox effect that helps to heal and strengthen nails and cuticles. 
Green myrtle is one of the best essential oils for injured nails. It has astringent and tonic properties that constrict the blood vessels. This helps tissues recover faster. 
The green myrtle has two brothers: red and lemon. Make a sure you use green myrtle oil to reap the aforementioned nail benefits. But avoid green myrtle oil if you suffer from asthma or epilepsy.
Knowing all the beneficial properties of essential oils, you must remember that no essential oil should be taken orally without proper medical permission. These substances can be toxic and harm the body if not dosed correctly. So, while healing your nails, you don’t need to do it yourself, trying to heal the whole body at the same time! :) Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid using essential oils for the first 3 months. The elderly and children should also use essential oils with caution or under medical guidance.
How to use essential oil for nails and cuticles
The safest and most effective method is, of course, direct application. But since these herbal extracts are very concentrated, it should not be used undiluted. Therefore, you can use ordinary vegetable or olive oil, adding a few drops of essential oil to it.
Nails and cuticles need to be cared everyday. However, some more intense treatments should be done about once a week. It is ideal to apply oil on nails and cuticles, combined with a light massage. Ideally, pour the oil mixture into a roll-on bottle and apply to your nails and cuticles every night.
So, girls, from all of the above, we can conclude that beautiful nails, a pleasant smell and peace of mind - this is just a small list of the merits of natural essential oils!