How to choose nail oil?
Brittleness and soreness of nails is a problem that has always been, but has become especially relevant with the spread of complex types of manicure, involving the use of different types of extensions. You can fight this ailment not only with expensive salon products, but also with natural counterparts, the effect of which is often more noticeable. The most common remedies for treating and preventing sore nails are natural oils.
Types and their properties
All oils are divided into two types - these are essential and the so-called base oils. The basic ones are obtained from seeds, seeds or nuts, that is, from those parts of the plant that contain the highest amount of fat.
Obtaining essential oils is more complex in its technology. and involves the use of those parts of the plant where the aroma is born and located, therefore their smell is not always pleasant, and sometimes it can even be sharp. The oil itself is quite caustic and can cause irritation.
These natural remedies are often used in cosmetology not only for skin and hair care, but also for nourishing and treating nails - this is very useful for their structure, prevention of various diseases of the hands and nail plate.
Let's consider the most popular types of oils and their properties.
Sea buckthorn oil:
- makes nails stronger;
- helps with detachment of the nail plate;
- accelerates growth;
- healing (can be used for microtrauma of the holes during manicure).
Apricot:
- softens the cuticle;
- strengthens the nail;
- removes yellowness (this happens after some types of varnish).
Linseed:
- strengthens peeling nails;
- accelerates growth;
- restores the structure of the nail plate.
Olive:
- eliminates fragility;
- accelerates growth.
Nut:
- strengthens nails:
- improves overall appearance.
Castor:
- restores the nail plate;
- nourishes;
- improves appearance;
- accelerates growth;
- softens the cuticle;
- heals minor injuries.
Sunflower:
- strengthens;
- restores the structure of nails;
- prevents delamination;
- accelerates growth.
Arganovoye:
- strengthens;
- prevents delamination of the nail plate.
Avocado oil:
- strengthens;
- restores the cuticle;
- accelerates growth.
Camphor:
- heals minor injuries;
- accelerates growth;
- strengthens.
Wheat germ oil:
- prevents delamination of the nail plate;
- removes white spots on nails;
- strengthens.
Vaseline oil softens the cuticles.
All of the above oils are base oils. They can be used both separately and together with each other or with etheric ones. All base oils have approximately common areas of influence on nails, therefore, for other needs in nail treatment, it is worth using a mixture of them with essential oils, whose range of use is much wider.
One of the essential oils that has a special effect when used for nail treatment is orange:
- strengthens;
- nourishes the cuticle;
- whitens the nail plate;
- natural antiseptic.
Main selection criteria
The variety of cosmetic and essential oils is amazing, they can be made up of millions of different combinations, each of which will have a different effect from the others. To help you figure it out, all of these natural skin care products can be categorized by area of use.
All oils (both cosmetic and essential) are rich in vitamins and are very useful. They can be used for nail growth and recovery after manicure or polishing.
But it is worth remembering that essential oils are more concentrated, so they can cause irritation and allergies.
There are not so many hypoallergenic oils, so before applying the formula, it is worth doing a small test - apply a drop of oil on the wrist or the crook of the elbow (in these places the skin is thinner and more sensitive) and wait a few minutes. If there are no unpleasant sensations, then the chosen cosmetic product suits you, and you can safely use it for procedures.
To accelerate nail growth, you should pay attention to sea buckthorn, peach, coconut, jojoba, sunflower, avocado, linseed and mint essential oils.
Peppermint is a very concentrated liquid, so it should only be used in conjunction with a base product! Essential oils that accelerate the growth of the nail plate: tea tree, chamomile, eucalyptus, rosemary. To recover from a manicure, use sea buckthorn, peach, jojoba, sunflower, castor, tea tree or burdock oil. Avocado oil will heal cuticles well, lavender will heal both the nail and the surrounding skin, so this oil can be used for problem skin of the hands. Bergamot will be especially effective after building up. Orange will restore nails, but, like all citrus fruits, it dries the skin, so it should only be used with fatty bases. The essential oil of palmarosa is great for healing damage in the nail plate, just like geranium oil.
To make the polishing procedure less traumatic, pay attention to the ylang-ylang oil, which should be applied a few minutes before the start of the session with a nail technician.
If you do not have time to learn about the individual properties of each oil and conduct an allergic reaction test, then you should pay attention to ready-made products for nail care. As a rule, such products contain the same useful natural ingredients, only correctly selected in such a way as to maximize the properties of each of them.
Manufacturers rating
The most effective remedy for nourishing and strengthening nails is a German remedy Gehwol honey... This tool is used in salons after a manicure and is more related to medical, and not to ordinary care.The product heals microtrauma and soothes the skin.
In second place - Solar Oil, a product manufactured in the USA. Gives a healthier and more well-groomed look to your nails.
Indeed, it accelerates growth, but within reasonable limits, so you should not expect an instant result. Strengthens and nourishes the cuticle.
The third place belongs to the popular Swiss brand Oriflame and their The ONE CARE nail growth product. Fills the nail plate with useful microelements, evens the tone of the nail and gives a healthy shine. Makes nails stronger and promotes their growth. The composition here is more chemical, but there is nothing harmful, since most of the chemical elements are aimed at imparting a thicker consistency to the product. This composition replaces some natural substances, but it is made from the closest and safest chemical analogues. But still, because of the composition, it is worthwhile to test for an allergic reaction first.
The next remedy on the list is a caring remedy for "Phytocosmetic"... The composition contains hyaluronic acid. Strengthens nails, prevents delamination of the nail plate, protects against external influences. The main focus is not on enhanced growth, but on general improvement and treatment.
Penultimate in the list, but not in action - "Elena" from the brand "Rassvet"... Not the best, but the good is about him. Among the advantages - low cost, availability in any store. Various individual reactions are possible, including dry cuticles with frequent use. In general, it gives the nails a more well-groomed look.
In the last place was the nail hardener Eveline... It contains formaldehyde, but in an acceptable value, so it should not cause negative consequences, but formaldehyde itself is a rather strong allergen.
And also this remedy can finally destroy the nail plate, at least such cases have occurred.
But there are also cases of long-term use without any consequences. Choose this remedy at your own peril and risk. Gives nails a more well-groomed look, accelerates growth.
Reviews
In general, almost all reviews (except for reviews on the Eveline product) are positive and positive. It is noted that the appearance of the nails changes for the better, the cuticle becomes softer. This is not surprising, since base oils are used in formulations with natural ingredients, which are saturated with fatty amino acids and vitamins. Chemical formulations that do not use formaldehyde replace the natural elements of oils with chemical analogues that are safe for humans.
But it is worth remembering that each organism is individual, therefore, in the first place, it is always worthwhile to test for an allergic reaction from the chosen remedy.
What has helped someone else may not work for you, and vice versa.
There is only one tool that has helped to strengthen the nails of almost everyone who has purchased it, and this is Gehwol honey. The number of dissatisfied with other products increases with each item.
If you still prefer homemade masks with the addition of essential oils, then you should buy all the individual components only in pharmacies. Do not forget about base oils, which will help relieve possible irritation from essential oils in their pure form. And remember that before you start working with a particular oil, you need to learn as much as possible about it so as not to get unpleasant consequences instead of a beneficial effect.
To learn how to make an effective nail oil yourself at home, see the video.