Sweet Almond Oil For Nails – Benefits & How To Use

Nails are often overlooked (by some) in daily beauty routines, often overshadowed by more prominent concerns. However, these tiny scratchies at the tips of our fingers play a significant role beyond aesthetics. They act as guardians, shielding our fingertips from potential harm and infections. (They even act as utilities and also as weapons.) Furthermore, our nails can reveal valuable insights into our overall health. Professionals can just have one look at your nails and make a calculated assessment about your health.

Changes in their color, texture, or strength might hint at underlying health issues, emphasizing the importance of proper nail care. For example, yellow nails can point to thyroid and other issues and white nails could point to issues in the liver. In essence, while nail care may seem trivial, it is an essential component of comprehensive self-care.

What Are the Issues That Affect Your Nails?

Several factors can impact the health and appearance of nails. One common issue is dryness, which can lead to brittle nails that are prone to breakage. Regular exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those found in cleaning products or nail polish removers, can also weaken nails over time. Fungal infections can occur, resulting in discoloration, thickening, or breaking of the nails.

Poor diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals can result in weak, dull nails. Moreover, underlying health conditions like thyroid disorders or psoriasis may lead to symptoms in the nails. Even everyday habits like biting or picking at nails can cause damage. Understanding these various issues is crucial in maintaining optimal nail health. Let’s look at the issues in detail.

Brittle nails: These nails are weak and can easily crack or split. Why it happens? They can be caused by frequent exposure to water, harsh chemicals, or dry weather.

Soft nails: Soft nails bend easily and someone who needs long nails may find it difficult to grow long. They can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or exposure to chemicals.

Ridges in nails: Vertical ridges are common and usually harmless. However, deep horizontal ridges may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

White spots on nails: Small white spots on the nails are common and usually harmless. They are often caused by minor injuries to the nail bed.

Nail and skin biting: Nail biting is a nervous habit that can damage the nails and surrounding skin.

Ingrown nails: Ingrown nails occur when the corner of a toenail grows into the skin. They can be caused by improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or injuries.

Fungal infections: Fungal infections, also known as onychomycosis, can cause the nails to become discolored, thick, and crumbly.

Psoriasis: Psoriasis can cause pitting, discoloration, and separation of the nails.

What is Sweet Almond Oil for Nails?

Sweet almond oil is a natural oil obtained from the kernels of sweet almonds. It is botanically known as Prunus dulcis. Almonds are native to regions in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. The oil extraction process involves pressing the kernels to release the oil, which is then filtered to remove any impurities.

Sweet almond oil has been prized for its numerous health and beauty benefits for centuries because of its nutrients such as vitamin E, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks, who valued it for its moisturizing properties and used it extensively in skincare and massage practices.

In addition to its historical uses, sweet almond oil has found its way into modern skincare and beauty products due to its nourishing and emollient qualities. It is commonly used in moisturizers, hair care products, and massage oils, because of its lightweight texture and ability to penetrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

In its February 2016 edition, the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practices published a study that analyses the uses and properties of sweet almond oil. [1]

Overall, sweet almond oil’s rich history, combined with its beneficial properties and versatility, has cemented its status as a popular ingredient in beauty and skincare routines worldwide.

Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil for Nails

The benefits of sweet almond oil for nails are many. It is a must have for your nail care routine. Maybe, its already in one of the ingredients that you use for nail care. Sweet almond oil is loaded with nutrients that has a wide range of benefits for the nails including moisturising and nourishing.

1. Moisturizes Nails

Sweet almond oil acts as a powerful moisturizer for nails, deeply penetrating the nails to hydrate them and prevent dryness, ensuring they remain supple and healthy. The oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for dry and brittle nails making them less prone to breakage.

2. Nail Strengthener

Almond oil is rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E and fatty acids. Sweet almond oil strengthens nails from within, thereby reducing the risk of breakage, and promoting overall nail resilience. The role of vitamins and minerals in nail care has been published in a journal. [2]

3. Oil for Nail Growth

The nourishing properties of sweet almond oil stimulate blood circulation to the nail bed, promoting healthier, faster nail growth, resulting in longer and stronger nails over time.

4. Softer Cuticles

By softening and nourishing cuticles, sweet almond oil facilitates gentle nail care routines and promoting smoother, healthier nail growth from the base.

5. Good Looking Nails

Regular application of sweet almond oil not only improves nail health, but also enhances their appearance, leaving them looking glossy, smooth, and well-conditioned.

DIY Recipes for Using Sweet Almond Oil for Nails

Sweet almond oil is a fantastic natural ingredient for nourishing and strengthening your nails. Here are 2 DIY recipes to try:

Recipe 1: Simple Sweet Almond Oil Nail Treatment

This is a basic and effective way to use sweet almond oil for healthy nails.

Ingredients:

• Sweet almond oil
• Nail polish remover (optional)
• Cotton ball
• Bowl

Instructions:

1. Remove polish (if present / optional): If you have nail polish on, gently remove it with a non-acetone nail polish remover. Why non-acetone free? Acetone can be drying to nails.
2. Warm the oil (optional): Take a small amount of sweet almond oil and warm the oil slightly. This makes it more comfortable to apply.
3. Apply the oil: Dip a cotton ball into the oil and gently massage it onto your nails and cuticles. Pay attention to the underside of your nails as well.
4. Allow oil to absorb: Allow the oil to absorb for a few minutes.
5. Repeat steps: Apply the oil daily or several times a week for best results.

Recipe 2: Strengthening Nail Soak with Lemon

This recipe combines the nourishing properties of sweet almond oil with the strengthening benefits of lemon juice.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Bowl
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the sweet almond oil and lemon juice.
2. Warm the mixture (optional): Warm the mixture slightly by placing the bowl in a container of warm water for a few minutes.
3. Soak your nails: Soak your fingertips in the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse and dry: Rinse your hands with warm water and pat them dry.
5. Apply oil: After soaking, apply a thin layer of pure sweet almond oil to your nails and cuticles.
6. Repeat: Use this soak 1-2 times a week.

These DIY recipes are a great way to use sweet almond oil to achieve healthy, beautiful nails! Additionally, one can use almond oil with essential oil for your nails. Also apply almond oil regularly it on skin around the nails. Give your nails proper moisture and keep your nails safe for certain skin conditions as well.

How to Use Sweet Almond Oil for Nails

Sweet almond oil is a natural moisturizer that can be a great addition to your nail care routine. Here’s how to use it for healthy, strong nails:

1. Clean Nails

Start with clean, dry, and polish-free nails. Wash your hands, remove any old nail polish with a non-acetone remover.

2. Warm the Oil (Optional):

Place the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Warming the oil slightly makes it more comfortable to apply and allows for better absorption.

3. Apply the Oil:

There are two ways to do this:

• With Cotton ball: Dip a cotton ball into the oil and gently massage it onto your nails and cuticles.
• Direct application: Pour a small amount of oil onto your fingertips and massage it directly onto your nails and cuticles.

4. Massage it in:

Spend a few minutes gently massaging the oil into your nails and cuticles. This improves circulation and helps the oil penetrate deeper.

5. Let it absorb:

Allow the oil to fully absorb for a few minutes.

6. Repeat regularly:

Apply sweet almond oil daily or several times a week for best results. Consistency is key.

Additional Tips:

• Leftovers: Store leftover DIY nail treatments in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place.
• Alternatives: If you don’t like the scent of sweet almond oil, you can try other carrier oils like jojoba oil or olive oil.

Conclusion

Sweet almond oil offers a plethora of benefits for nail care, from moisturizing and strengthening to promoting growth and enhancing appearance. Its compounds and natural properties make it a versatile and effective solution for maintaining healthy and beautiful nails. Blends of sweet almond oil for nails can be formulated for regular application on the nails. Using almond oil for nails not only strengthens weak nails and prevents hangnails, but also makes nails healthy and results in longer nails. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Source:

• Ahmad, Z., 2010. The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 16(1), pp.10-12.
• Scheinfeld, N., Dahdah, M.J. and Scher, R., 2007. Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 6(8), pp.782-787.