Reveal the secret to glorious natural nails. Explore my DIY nail growth serum recipe for a somewhat surprising answer to stronger nails. You’re sure to love this recipe!

Using a dropper to apply the nail growth serum to the base of the nails.

It’s no secret, that’s for sure. The desire to have strong, healthy nails is on many women’s minds. Yours too, I expect?

Yet household chores take their toll. Surely that’s why nail salons are always so darn busy?!

But what if you could skip the salon and instead grow beautiful, strong, healthy nails in your home – while keeping the chores in check?

Use pure, natural ingredients that nurture the nails and encourage stronger nail growth from the get-go.

Read on to find out how!

Table of Contents

DIY nail strengthener

A DIY nail growth serum in a glass dropper bottle on a wooden table.

In this post, you’ll find my homemade nail growth serum recipe. It’s an easy recipe to make that contains just two ingredients, which you’ll likely have in your kitchen right now!

The recipe’s made with fresh garlic (stay with me), which is crazy popular right now as a nail-strengthening ingredient.

(You may have seen it on socials and in natural beauty hangouts.)

I’ve personally been using this exact recipe for the past few weeks, and my nails feel stronger and look better from being nourished and moisturized.

Despite its pungent scent, garlic has certain properties that may contribute to nail strength.

And let me say this: the smell isn’t that bad in this recipe. After all, you heat the garlic in olive oil, which dilutes the scent significantly without decreasing the benefits.

How to make DIY nail growth serum

You will need:

1/4 cup of olive oil
One clove of garlic

Instructions:

1. Use a garlic press, or carefully dice the garlic with a knife.

Dicing up a clove of garlic on a wooden cutting board.

2. Add the garlic to a saucepan, then add the oil.

3. On a really low, slow heat, warm up the garlic and oil for around 20 minutes. Once it starts to bubble, reduce to a simmer. Take care not to overheat, as garlic burns easily.

Heating the olive oil with the garlic on the stove.

4. Next, strain the garlic from the liquid and leave the liquid aside to cool. Discard the garlic (or use it in your evening cooking for dinner.)

5. The cooled olive oil is now your ready-to-use nail serum! Transfer it to a storage bottle and keep it in the fridge for best results.

Top Tip: Use an old dropper bottle for storage. It makes it so much easier to apply.

Using a funnel to pour the olive oil into the glass storage container.

How to use your DIY nail growth serum

All you need to do is take a small drop of the serum and rub it directly into your nails. Spend time massaging it in and around your cuticles and fingertips for extra bonus points.

If you can, leave it on for at least half an hour before washing your hands.

This will make it work so much better!

It really gives time to nourish the skin and penetrate into the nail bed, which is what helps nails grow healthy and strong.

Storing your nail serum

Store nail serum in the fridge for up to seven days.

Does this serum actually make nails grow quicker?

Truth time! There are no scientific studies (that I know of) that have found any ingredient that will increase the speed at which nails grow.

However, the belief is that by strengthing the nails at the root using a nail growth serum, your nails will grow healthier and therefore, (in theory) last longer by being less prone to breakage.

How often should I be using this nail growth serum?

This serum works well when used daily; however, use it as often as time permits.

Applying the nail serum to the base of my fingernails.

A little on the ingredients

Garlic:

Garlic is hailed as a wonder ingredient for so many reasons! Regarding nails, there are many success stories of people using them to strengthen their nails.

There are lots of vitamins and minerals in garlic, such as manganese and vitamin C, as well as selenium, which are natural strength boosters for nails and skin.

Olive oil:

Olive oil is rich in fatty acids that deeply nurture and moisturize the nails while also softening the cuticles.

Olive oil also helps strengthen the nails by making them less brittle, helping reduce the appearance of flakiness and dryness while helping nails grow that much healthier.

Source: Self.com

A close up shot of the nail serum after pouring it into the dropper bottle.

Tips for strong nails

Moisturize your nails: This is the number one most important tip for strong nails! By using a nail serum or cuticle oil on your nails to moisturize them regularly, you’ll encourage healthier nail growth by default. Try and moisturize your nails in a serum at least once a day, especially after washing dishes or using cleaning products.
Use gloves: Around the home, while doing daily tasks, remember to wear gloves to protect your nails from wear and tear.
Eat nutrient-dense foods: Eat the rainbow! Many vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy fats will help your nails grow stronger and stay longer.
Limit the nail polish: A nail polish on your nails is the worst for drying nails out, leading to breakage. Instead, let your nails go au naturel more often. After a few weeks, you’ll be so happy with them, believe me! Or try making your own nail polish!

For more tips on strengthening your nails naturally, check out this post.

Essential oils options

If you like, you could add in around five drops of essential oil of choice once the serum has cooled down to fragrance the DIY nail serum.

Just remember to shake the serum every time before you apply it so the oils mix well.

I personally like lavender, rosemary, thyme, and vanilla as some options for fragrances.

Resting my hands on a towel while I use the nail growth serum.

How fast do nails actually grow?

The key idea with my DIY nail serum recipe (see above) is to strengthen the nails as they grow, which will lead to healthier nails that are less likely to break.

The reality is that nails grow at a rate of just under 1mm per week for the average person, but the growth rate can be faster or slower than this.

A lot of it depends on genetics, diet, lifestyle, and other factors, such as hydration and moisturization.

So go ahead and try my DIY nail growth serum to help keep your nails strong and healthy, and see for yourself if they grow quicker as a result!

Does soaking your nails in olive oil help them grow?

Doing an olive oil soak would certainly help nails that are dry, flaky, and brittle.

Another option is to try this homemade nail soak recipe with lemon and egg as the active ingredients.

Summary

I hope you love making and using this DIY nail growth serum and that your nails respond well to it, growing stronger, healthier, and longer as time goes on.

If you do try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a review below so I know how you liked it!

And for more great DIYs, check out some of these favorites below.