When it comes to beauty and self-care, grandmothers often possess a treasure trove of wisdom passed down through generations. My nana is no exception. Known for her long, healthy nails that have always caught the admiration of many, she swears by a simple trick that requires almost no effort.

If you’ve been struggling with brittle, weak nails or just want to grow your nails longer without the hassle, keep reading. Nana’s secret could be the easy solution you’ve been looking for.

Understanding Nail Growth: The Basics

Before diving into Nana’s trick, it’s important to understand a bit about how our nails grow. Nails are made from a protein called keratin, which is also found in our hair and skin. Nail growth starts at the nail root, hidden under the cuticle. The growth rate of nails is influenced by several factors, including age, diet, hormonal changes, and overall health. On average, fingernails grow about 3.5 millimeters per month, but this can vary from person to person.

Now, here’s the big reveal: Nana’s trick for growing long, healthy nails is a simple olive oil soak. Yes, that’s right—plain olive oil. Here’s why and how it works:

Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that’s rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin E. These nutrients are crucial for nail health. The oil penetrates the nail cuticles and nail beds, promoting healthy nail growth by nourishing and strengthening the nails from the inside out. Unlike many commercial nail treatments that can contain harsh chemicals, olive oil is a natural and gentle option that doesn’t cause any damage or drying.

Choose Your Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best option because it is the least processed and retains the highest levels of vitamins and antioxidants.

Warm the Oil: Pour a small amount of olive oil (about 1/4 cup) into a microwave-safe bowl. Warm the oil in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The oil should be warm to the touch but not hot.

Soak Your Nails: Dip your fingertips into the warm olive oil. Make sure your nails and cuticles are fully submerged. Soak for about 10-15 minutes.

Massage and Moisturize: After soaking, gently massage the oil into your nails and cuticles for a few minutes. This helps to stimulate blood flow, further promoting nail growth and strength.

Rinse and Repeat: Rinse your hands with lukewarm water (avoid using soap immediately after soaking) and pat them dry. Repeat this process two to three times a week for best results.

The Benefits of Nana’s Olive Oil Soak
1. Moisturizes and Strengthens Nails
Regularly soaking your nails in olive oil keeps them moisturized and prevents them from becoming brittle and breaking easily. The fatty acids and vitamin E in olive oil nourish the nail beds, leading to stronger nails that are less prone to splitting or chipping.

2. Promotes Faster Growth
Massaging your nails with olive oil after soaking them stimulates blood circulation, which in turn promotes faster nail growth. Improved circulation means that more nutrients are delivered to the nail matrix, helping nails grow more quickly and healthily.

3. Softens Cuticles
Healthy nails also depend on the condition of your cuticles. Olive oil is excellent for softening dry, ragged cuticles, making them easier to push back without causing any damage. This creates a healthier environment for your nails to grow.

4. Natural and Safe
Unlike some commercial nail strengtheners and treatments, which can contain harsh chemicals that might damage your nails over time, olive oil is completely natural and safe. It’s a perfect solution for those who prefer natural beauty treatments.

While Nana’s olive oil soak is a fantastic method, maintaining overall nail health also requires attention to daily habits. Here are a few more tips to complement the olive oil soak:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your nails hydrated from the inside out.

Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly biotin, zinc, and protein, supports healthy nail growth. Foods like eggs, nuts, leafy greens, and fish are excellent choices.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Limit exposure to harsh chemicals found in nail polish removers and cleaning products. When using these products, wear gloves to protect your nails.

Keep Your Nails Trimmed: Regularly trimming your nails can prevent breakage and splitting, especially if your nails are prone to being weak or brittle.

Be Gentle with Your Nails: Avoid using your nails as tools for opening cans or scratching off stickers. This can weaken them and lead to breakage.

The Verdict: A Simple, Effective Trick
Growing long, healthy nails doesn’t have to be a laborious process filled with expensive treatments or products. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. My Nana’s olive oil soak is a perfect example of a natural, cost-effective way to enhance nail growth and strength with almost zero effort.

By incorporating this easy trick into your weekly routine, along with maintaining good nail care habits, you too can achieve beautiful, healthy nails that are the envy of everyone. So, give Nana’s trick a try and let your nails shine with natural health and beauty!