Buzz
If you're struggling with dry or fragile nails, you might have exhausted your options in search of solutions. Instead of resorting to more nail products, consider the potential of aloe vera. Although scientific evidence is lacking, many individuals rely on aloe vera to fortify and hydrate their nails. With a supply of aloe vera gel and juice at your disposal, you can immerse your nails, indulge in a moisturizing oil massage, and shield them with lotion and gloves.
Steps
Preparing Your Aloe Vera
Harvest fresh aloe vera gel. If you have a thriving aloe vera plant, you can select an outer leaf to obtain the gel. Use a sharp knife to cleanly sever it near the plant's base. Peel the leaf's flat side carefully to reveal the gel. Transfer the gel into a small receptacle and keep it aside.
- It's essential to utilize the fresh gel immediately after extraction. Consider harvesting only a small portion if you anticipate minimal usage.
Consider purchasing aloe vera gel. If you're unable to access fresh aloe vera, you can find gel at most pharmacies or drugstores. Opt for gel where aloe vera is the primary ingredient. Authentic aloe vera gel should have minimal additives.
- Commercial aloe vera gel contains preservatives to prolong its shelf life.
Purchase aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice is beneficial for your nails, but it's crucial to select a product with a high aloe vera content. Seek aloe vera juice endorsed by the International Aloe Science Council Seal of Approval, ensuring it comprises 95% aloe vera.
- Avoid products with water or sweeteners as primary ingredients, as they dilute the aloe vera's effectiveness.
Nurturing Your Nails with Aloe Vera
Immerse your nails in aloe vera juice. For cracked or dry nails or cuticles, soak them in pure aloe vera juice. Pour the juice into a small bowl, submerge your fingertips, and let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Soaking moisturizes and primes your nails for further aloe vera treatment.
Apply an aloe concoction to your cuticles. Maintain moist, healthy cuticles with an aloe/oil blend. Combine equal parts raw honey, aloe vera juice, and olive oil. Dab a cotton swab in the mixture and gently massage it onto your cuticles for a few minutes.
- This mixture is suitable for nails affected by psoriasis (white or flaky buildup). After letting the aloe blend absorb for a few minutes, wipe it off with witch hazel or rinse with water.
Utilize aloe-infused lotion. Extend your moisturizing routine to include your nails and cuticles. Opt for a lotion containing aloe, alpha-hydroxy acids, or lanolin to maintain moisture.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids and lanolin prevent nail splitting in dry conditions.
Protect your hands with gloves. Whether you're doing household chores or handling chemicals, wearing gloves is essential. Opt for powder-free gloves with an aloe coating inside to prevent dryness.
- The aloe lining maintains moisture and protects your hands.
Crafting Aloe-infused Lotion
Collect the lotion ingredients. Gather 1 cup (80 g) of aloe vera gel, 1/2 cup (115 g) of grated beeswax, 1/2 cup (112 g) of oil (such as sweet almond, grapeseed, or jojoba), 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, and 15 drops of your preferred essential oil. Ensure you have a sealable jar capable of holding about 2 cups (16 ounces) of lotion.
- These natural ingredients are readily available at health stores or natural goods suppliers.
Combine aloe, vitamin E, and essential oil. Place aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, and essential oil in a mixing bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined and let it reach room temperature.
- If ingredients are too cold, nest the bowl in a larger one filled with warm water for faster warming.
Heat beeswax and oil separately. Combine beeswax and chosen oil in a heat-proof glass measuring cup. Set the cup in a small saucepan with water halfway up its side. Boil the water, let the mixture heat for a few minutes, stirring until melted. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Use oven mitts to lift the cup from the pot.
Blend the lotion mixtures. Once both mixtures are at room temperature, blend them. Pour the beeswax mixture into a blender, cover, and blend on low. Slowly add the aloe mixture through the blender's spout while blending.
- If the blender lacks an open spout, add the aloe mixture with the lid off and continue blending on low.
Continue blending the lotion. Blend the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until reaching a lotion consistency. Pause the blender periodically to scrape down the sides with a spatula.
- If oil separates, stir it back in with the spatula and continue blending.
Store the lotion. Spoon the lotion into a clean jar using a spatula. Seal the jar and refrigerate for longer shelf life, around a month. For shorter storage, keep it tightly sealed at room temperature and use within a few weeks.
- To store at room temperature, ensure a tight seal and aim to use it promptly.
Helpful Hints
Essentials
- Aloe vera gel
- Aloe vera juice
- Aloe vera lotion
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Raw honey
- Olive oil
- Witch hazel, if desired
- Cotton balls or wipes
- Aloe-infused gloves
- Grated beeswax
- Your preferred oil
- Vitamin E
- Your choice of essential oil
- Storage containers
- Blender
- Spatula
- Measuring cup
