Nail ridges are lines that run vertically or horizontally across the nail. While they may appear due to a number of reasons, dry cuticles are the most common culprits behind the appearance of nail ridges, especially in younger people.
This may happen due to the lack of natural oils in the skin around the nail areas. The good news is that while ridge son the nails may be annoying or unappealing, they are generally not a cause of concern.
Moreover, nail ridges that appear due to cuticle dryness are easily treatable. All you need to do is use the right essential oils to give your nails a boost of health and those unappealing ridges will disappear in no time! Scroll down to take a look at some of the best essential oils that you can use to treat nail ridges.
1. Myrrh Essential Oil
You just can’t go wrong with Myrrh essential oil when it comes to moisturizing ragged cuticles. Thick and viscous, this oil is perfect for treating nail ridges by moisturizing dry cuticles.
It is advisable to use it at least a few times a week. While you can apply it on the nails at any time, it is best to use this essential oil is right before you go to sleep. This will give it enough time to reach deeper and do its magic.
The best part about using Myrrh essential oil is that you can apply it directly without dilating it or mixing it with some carrier oil. Pour around 3-4 drops of this oil on the nails and rub it for a few seconds. This should do the trick. The ridges on your nails will disappear with regular use. Plus, the balsamic aroma of Myrrh will help you fall into a deep, peaceful sleep!
2. Lemon Essential Oil
Extracted from lemon peel, this essential oil has numerous benefits. It is used for boosting immunity, caring for skin and hair, and even treating asthma and allergies. It is also one of the most popular essential oils when it comes to nail care. Lemon essential oil is the perfect remedy for treating dry and ragged cuticles. Furthermore, it works to restore damaged nails to optimal health.
This makes it the perfect choice of essential oil for nail ridges. There are different ways to use Lemon essential oil for ways. One of the most popular methods is to mix it with beeswax and carrier oils to create an ultimate nail repair remedy.
Start by heating one tablespoon of beeswax over simmering water. Once it’s completely melted, remove from heat and add a few drops of lemon essential oil. 3-5 drops should be enough. Next, add around a half tablespoon of castor oil and stir. Now, add three tablespoons of Sweet almond oil to the concoction. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are completely mixed.
Apply this lemon essential oil concoction to your fingernails every night before bed. For the best results, it is advisable to wear cotton gloves after massaging the fingers with the mixture for a few seconds.
3. Frankincense Essential Oil
Apart from dry cuticles, the early signs of aging can also lead to nail ridges. Fortunately, Frankincense essential oil takes care of both these problems. When applied around the nail area, this super, anti-aging essential oil works to moisturize the dry cuticles and also protects the skin and nails against the common signs of aging. You are guaranteed to see a difference in the overall appearance of your hands in just a few days of using this miracle essential oil.
Just like Myrrh essential oil, Frankincense oil can also be used neat. In other words, there’s no need to mix it with a carrier oil for diluting it. You can use it at any time, multiple times a day. Simply place a few drops on the hands or on the fingernails. Massage your cuticles and nails for a few seconds to see the best results.
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is an excellent choice when it comes to nail care. It is the perfect remedy to soothe and repair damaged cuticles. This, in turn, improves the overall health of nails, which helps get rid of ridges on the nails. Apart from taking care of the cuticles, this essential oil it also works to strengthen weak and brittle nails to make them long and strong.
The Lavender essential oil cannot b used neat. So, you must dilute it before applying it to the nails. However, that shouldn’t be a problem as you can easily make a DIY lavender cuticle serum at home. All you need is some carrier oil, preferably Sweet almond oil, Vitamin E oil, and of course, Lavender essential oil.
Use a funnel to pour a tablespoon of carrier oil in a clean and dry, empty bottle of nail polish. Now, add a few drops of Vitamin E oil and around 4-5 drops of Lavender essential oil. Screw the cap back and shake the bottle to make sure all the ingredients are mixed properly.
Use it a few times a day for best results. Try to let the mixture sit on the nails and cuticles before rubbing. Store the bottle in a dark place, away from sunlight, to make sure the essential oils remain effective for a long time.
Conclusion
These are some of the best essential oils for nail ridges. Use them as described to see results in just a few days. Also, try buffing the nails to smooth the ridges.
Remember, you should always file in one direction only and never apply too much pressure as that can lead to nail damage. Another helpful technique is to reduce the use of nail polish. This will give your nails some chemical-free time to repair.
However, if the ridges on your nails are not reducing or disappearing despite your efforts, it is advisable to consult a doctor about nail ridges. This is important because nail ridges may also appear due to underlying medical conditions.
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