Caleb Foster
There are various at-home remedies and treatments that people use to strengthen their nails. One such treatment involves the use of garlic. While some sources claim that rubbing garlic on nails can help them grow and reduce brittleness, others refute these claims. However, garlic is known to be used in some commercial nail-strengthening products, and some people have reported success with DIY treatments like adding garlic to clear nail polish or applying garlic juice directly to the nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Some people claim that rubbing garlic on nails helps them grow faster and become stronger, preventing splitting and peeling. However, others claim that it has no effect or that the garlic smell is too strong. |
| Application method | Garlic can be applied directly to the nails or added to clear nail polish. |
| Application frequency | Garlic should be applied once a week. |
| Removal method | The garlic smell can be removed by washing hands with lemon juice. |
| Active ingredient | Selenium, a mineral that is claimed to aid various bodily functions. Garlic is also an antioxidant, which may help nails grow by removing trace toxins. |
| Commercial products | Some commercial nail hardeners contain garlic extract. |
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What You'll Learn
Garlic in nail polish
Garlic has been used as a home remedy to strengthen nails for a long time. While some people are sceptical about its effectiveness, many others have attested to its ability to strengthen nails and prevent splitting and peeling.
To use garlic for nail strengthening, it is recommended to add a small amount of freshly chopped or minced garlic to a bottle of clear nail polish and let it sit for at least a week before applying it to your nails. This method can be used in conjunction with any base coat or top coat without the treatments cancelling each other out. The garlic-infused polish can be applied every three days, and the smell can be removed by washing hands with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Garlic nail treatments are also available as commercial products. For example, Barielle offers a Garlic Nail Strengthener and Growth Formula that is infused with garlic to help fortify weak and brittle nails. Côte Beauty also offers a Growth with Garlic Nail Treatment that uses odourless garlic extract to promote stronger and healthier nails.
While the effectiveness of garlic in nail polish may vary among individuals, it is worth noting that garlic is naturally fortified with selenium, a mineral and nutrient that assists in improving nail growth and protecting the body from damage.
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Selenium in garlic
Garlic has been used as a remedy for various ailments since at least 1550 BC, when the Egyptians recognized its medicinal properties. Today, garlic is widely recognized for its health benefits, including its ability to strengthen nails.
While the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, research suggests that the selenium content in garlic may play a significant role in its effectiveness as a nail treatment. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that has been linked to improved nail health.
Selenium is known to accumulate in garlic, with studies reporting selenium levels of 0.015 μg g−1 in garlic samples. This concentration is higher than that found in onions, which belong to the same Allium family.
By adding garlic to clear nail polish or applying garlic juice directly to the nails, individuals can potentially harness the benefits of selenium for stronger, healthier nails. This traditional beauty treatment has been passed down through generations, particularly in the Dominican Republic, where it is commonly used to promote longer and stronger nails.
Additionally, garlic-based nail treatments may also provide other benefits beyond nail strengthening. The selenium content in garlic has been studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties, suggesting that the application of garlic to nails may offer more than just aesthetic benefits.
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Garlic as an antioxidant
Garlic has been used as a natural medicine and spice for thousands of years. It is known to contain natural antioxidants that can remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce lipid peroxides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. The antioxidant potential of garlic is believed to be due to its sulfur compounds, such as allicin and diallyl sulfides, which are formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed, or chewed.
Aged garlic, in particular, has been shown to have more potent antioxidant and antibacterial effects than fresh garlic. This may be due to the higher levels of total phenol and flavonoid contents found in aged garlic. Various studies have been conducted to investigate the antioxidative and antibacterial properties of fresh and aged garlic by-products extracted with different solvents such as distilled water, ethanol, and chloroform. The results showed that aged garlic had higher DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and H2O2 scavenging activities than fresh garlic when extracted with distilled water. However, the Fe2+ chelating activities of ethanol and chloroform extracts were higher for fresh garlic.
Garlic has been shown to have potential health benefits, such as protection against the common cold and the ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is also believed to have antioxidant potential, which may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy in treating various ailments, including cardiovascular, cancer, hepatic, and microbial infections. However, it is important to note that raw garlic homogenate has been reported to have antioxidant potential, but higher doses can be toxic to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
In addition to its internal health benefits, garlic has also been used as a traditional beauty treatment to strengthen nails and prevent splitting and peeling. This is done by adding chopped or minced garlic to a bottle of clear nail polish and letting it sit for a week before applying it to the nails. While this method may help strengthen nails, it is important to note that garlic has a strong odor that can be off-putting to some people. Overall, garlic has been valued for its medicinal properties throughout history, and modern science continues to explore its potential health benefits, including its antioxidant capabilities.
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Rubbing garlic on nails
Some people have also suggested that rubbing half a clove of garlic on nails can boost their growth and heal brittleness. Selenium, a mineral found in garlic, is believed to be the reason for this effect. Additionally, garlic is an antioxidant, so it may help nails grow by overpowering trace toxins.
However, some people have expressed concerns about the strong smell of garlic and its potential to cause eye watering. There are also nail hardeners available that include garlic as one of their ingredients, such as Mavala's Scientific Nail Hardener.
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Garlic nail hardeners
Garlic has been used as a traditional beauty treatment for nail care in the Dominican Republic. It is believed to help make nails longer and stronger. While there is little scientific evidence to support these claims, some people swear by its effectiveness.
To use garlic as a nail hardener, you can try one of the following methods:
Method 1: Garlic Nail Polish
Add a small amount of freshly chopped or minced garlic to a bottle of clear nail polish. Allow the mixture to infuse for about a week before applying it to your nails as you would regular nail polish. This method may leave a strong odour on your hands, but it can be reduced by washing your hands with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Method 2: Garlic Juice Application
Extract garlic juice by crushing or mincing garlic cloves and applying the juice directly to your nails. This method may also cause a strong odour that can last for a few hours.
Method 3: Commercial Nail Hardeners with Garlic
You can also purchase nail hardeners that include garlic as one of their ingredients, such as Mavala's Scientific Nail Hardener. These products may be more convenient and less odorous than homemade garlic treatments.
Tips for Using Garlic on Nails:
- Always allow enough time for the garlic mixture to infuse before application.
- Apply the garlic-infused nail polish or garlic juice once a week for best results.
- If using garlic-infused nail polish, you can apply a top coat to mask the odour and improve the appearance.
- Be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as garlic can cause irritation.
While the effectiveness of garlic for nail strengthening may vary among individuals, it is worth trying these inexpensive and simple methods to see if they work for you. Remember to maintain a healthy diet and overall nail care routine for optimal nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it does. The selenium in garlic is a mineral that helps the body function well. It is also an antioxidant, so by overpowering trace toxins, it may help nails grow.
You can rub half a clove of garlic on your nails every night. You can also add garlic juice straight to your nails. Alternatively, you can add minced garlic to a bottle of clear nail polish and let it sit for 5-10 days. After that, you can paint your nails with the polish.
You can try nail hardeners that include garlic as an ingredient, such as Mavala's Scientific Nail Hardener. You can also try keeping your nails polished, adding lotions, and keeping them short to prevent catching them on something and causing a chip/split/break.
