How to Make an Olive Oil and Salt Conditioning Treatment for Nails

Last Updated: May 26, 2022

Nails can be conditioned and strengthened with olive oil and salt, along with a bit of a soak.^{[1]
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Research source} This olive oil and salt conditioning dip for your nails can be made up beforehand and used while watching a favorite show or listening to music as you relax.

Ingredients

1 to 2 cups water
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making the Fingernail Conditioning Dip

1
Place a round and deep bowl onto your work space. Check that you are able to dip your hands in the bowl, with ease.
2
Add about 1 to 2 cups of water. The amount depends on how long your fingers are.

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3
Add 2 tablespoons of salt. You can add more than 2 tablespoons if needed.
4
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- If you don't have olive oil, then you can use vegetable oil in its place.
5
Mix the ingredients together. Keep stirring until the salt is dissolved completely.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using the Fingernail Conditioning Dip

1
Dip your hands in it for about 10 to 20 minutes. If you can soak for longer, that's even better.
2
Wash your hands after soaking. Finish up by applying your favorite moisturizer.
3
Repeat this method for a few days in a row or every few days over a few weeks. The need depends on your observed nail growth. It should help to condition and strengthen your nails as part of a healthy self-care regime of a nutritious diet, exercise and appropriate hygiene.

Community Q&A

Question

Will this soak work on gel nail polish or only on a natural nail?

Community Answer

It will work best on your natural nail, as your nail will be exposed and therefore it's easier for the treatment to penetrate. However, it could work on gel nails, although it will only benefit your cuticles, not your nails. Keep in mind the treatment might damage your nail polish.
Question

Does it help nails grow?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

Nope! Try using pure jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is the oil that's closest to the oil you body produces, so while olive oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, and so on help moisturize your skin and cuticles, they don't help your nails grow.
Question

What happens if I have a hematoma in my nail? Can I still grow using this mixture?

Community Answer

No. Wait for the nail to heal first.

Warnings

Sometimes nails are in poor condition for dietary deficiency, mistreatment or medical reasons. If you have any concerns and your nail condition isn't improving, see your doctor.

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