These 5 ingredients present in the kitchen can bring back shine to yellow, dry and ugly nails, know their benefits:
Do you treat your nails like you treat your skin even once a week? If not! Then obviously your nails will be lifeless. With these 5 tips, you can get beautiful and shiny nails at home.
Everyone wants beautiful and shiny nails. We all grow our nails long, but often they look lifeless despite being long. That is why most women get nail extensions, which actually damages the nails even more. Do you treat your nails like you treat your skincare even once a week? If not! Then obviously your nails will be lifeless. You do a lot of work with your hands, and after a while your nails also need care.
If you want, you can give your nails a better texture and shine with proper care at home. Make sure to take care of your nails once or twice a week. So let’s know some special tips that will give you beautiful and shiny nails (how to make your nail shiny at home).
First know how nails lose their shine
There are many reasons for nails losing their shine. When you continuously use chemical based nail paint, nail paint remover, nail art etc., then the coating of the upper layer of the nail becomes dull. Along with this, its texture also gets spoiled. Apart from this, if you have got nail extensions done, or you get nail extensions done frequently, then in this situation also the original shine of the nail reduces. At the same time, constantly filing the first layer of the nail can also take away the shine.
Here are some home remedies to get shiny nails (how to make your nail shiny at home)

1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help you in making your nails shine. It helps to smooth the surface of the nails and enhance their texture. It also adds shine to the nails. Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, now place it on your nails and leave it for some time. This improves blood circulation and makes your nails look shiny.
2. Petroleum Jelly
When it comes to nail polish, people definitely remember petroleum jelly. It provides enough moisture to your nails and locks the natural moisture present in them while making them shiny. Regularly apply petroleum jelly on your nails before bathing and massage them for a while. This way the blood circulation in your nails also increases, due to which your nails look pink and glowing.
3. Lemon juice
Lemon juice acts as a natural whitener, making it highly effective for nail care. Consistent use helps enhance the natural shine of the nails while effectively removing stains, blemishes, and dirt. For healthy and shiny nails, soak your nails in lemon juice for some time, if you want you can also add some vinegar and lukewarm water to it. After that brush your nails lightly. Then clean your hands thoroughly with normal water. Perform this once a week for optimal results.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E enhances blood flow to the nail beds, promoting healthy, shiny nails. Therefore, include vitamin E rich foods such as nuts, eggs, corn, cucumber, avocado, tofu, spinach, broccoli, etc. in your regular diet. Along with this, take out the oil from the vitamin E capsule and apply it on your nails and let it remain there for some time, then clean your hands with normal water.
5. Rose Water
Frequent use of rose water on your nails helps maintain their natural pink color. If you have spots on your nails, mix lemon juice in rose water and apply it on your nails, these will gradually disappear. If you want, you can use rose water daily, but for better results, apply it at least three times a week. As a result, your nails will look clean, shiny and healthy.
FAQs for Shiny and Healthy Nails at Home
1. Why do nails lose their natural shine?
Nails lose their shine due to excessive exposure to chemicals, frequent use of nail polish and removers, and overuse of nail extensions.
Other causes include:
- Constant filing of the top nail layer
- Lack of proper nail hydration and nutrition
- Poor blood circulation to the nail beds
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamin E and Biotin
Tip: Avoid harsh products and give your nails a break between manicures to restore their natural shine.
2. How can I make my nails shiny at home naturally?
You can restore nail shine at home using natural ingredients and proper nail care.
Here are top home remedies:
- Apple cider vinegar – Improves nail texture and blood circulation.
- Petroleum jelly – Locks in moisture and prevents dryness.
- Lemon juice – Naturally whitens and removes stains.
- Vitamin E oil – Nourishes nails and promotes healthy growth.
- Rose water – Maintains a natural pink, healthy nail color.
Pro Tip: Repeat these remedies 1-2 times a week for best results.
3. Can nail polish damage my nails?
Yes, frequent use of chemical-based nail polishes and removers can damage nails over time.
The harsh chemicals strip the protective top layer, leading to:
- Dullness and discoloration
- Brittle, weak nails
- Loss of natural shine
- Increased risk of fungal infections if nails stay covered too long
Solution:
- Use non-toxic, chemical-free nail polishes.
- Always apply a base coat before nail color.
- Give your nails rest days between manicures.
4. How does apple cider vinegar help in nail care?
Apple cider vinegar smooths the surface of nails, improves texture, and boosts blood circulation.
It also helps:
- Remove dirt and buildup
- Enhance natural nail shine
- Strengthen nails with natural nutrients
How to use:
- Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.
- Place it on your nails for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Use this remedy once a week for visible results.
5. What are the benefits of using petroleum jelly for nails?
Petroleum jelly provides deep hydration to nails and cuticles, preventing dryness and brittleness.
Benefits include:
- Locks in natural moisture
- Prevents nail breakage and cracks
- Improves blood flow when massaged
- Gives nails a natural pink, glossy appearance
How to use:
- Apply a small amount before bed or before bathing.
- Massage gently for 2-3 minutes.
6. Can lemon juice make nails whiter and shinier?
Yes, lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent, making nails whiter and stain-free.
Benefits of lemon juice:
- Removes yellow stains caused by nail polish
- Brightens and enhances nail shine
- Cleanses and disinfects naturally
How to use:
- Soak nails in lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush.
- Rinse and moisturize afterward.
7. Why is Vitamin E important for nail health?
Vitamin E improves blood circulation to the nail beds, promoting healthy and shiny nails.
Benefits:
- Strengthens brittle nails
- Prevents dryness and peeling
- Speeds up nail growth
- Adds a natural pink glow
How to use:
- Massage Vitamin E oil directly onto nails and cuticles.
- Include Vitamin E-rich foods like nuts, spinach, broccoli, and avocado in your diet.
8. How does rose water help maintain nail health?
Rose water is a gentle, natural cleanser that maintains the natural pink color and shine of nails.
Benefits of rose water:
- Removes dirt and toxins naturally
- Soothes irritated skin around the nails
- Helps reduce white spots and blemishes
- Keeps nails hydrated and glossy
How to use:
- Apply rose water to nails daily.
- For better results, mix lemon juice with rose water and massage into nails 3 times a week.
9. How often should I care for my nails to keep them healthy?
To maintain shiny and strong nails, follow this schedule:
- Daily: Moisturize with petroleum jelly or natural oils.
- Weekly: Exfoliate and soak nails in lemon water or apple cider vinegar.
- Monthly: Trim and shape nails, ensuring no rough edges.
- Occasionally: Take a break from nail polish to let nails breathe.
Regular nail care prevents dullness, breakage, and infections.
10. Are nail extensions harmful to natural nails?
Yes, frequent use of nail extensions can weaken and damage natural nails.
Potential damage includes:
- Loss of natural shine and smoothness
- Thinning of the nail plate
- Risk of fungal or bacterial infections
- Increased brittleness and breakage
Safe practice tips:
- Avoid continuous extensions.
- Let your nails rest for 2-3 weeks between applications.
- Strengthen nails with Vitamin E oil and moisturizers.
11. Can diet improve nail health and shine?
Absolutely! A nutrient-rich diet plays a vital role in maintaining nail strength and shine.
Essential nutrients for healthy nails:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Found in eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes
- Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and spinach
- Iron: Found in leafy greens, lentils, and red meat
- Protein: Essential for nail growth and structure
- Zinc: Helps prevent white spots and brittleness
Drink plenty of water to keep nails and cuticles hydrated.
READ ALSO: Your Nails Are Talking to You: 5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
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