Sometimes, for no apparent reason, your toenails may become hard. In most cases, this means that they also become brittle. But thickened nails are quite unattractive. Even worse, they can give you a lot of problems when it comes to trimming them—the process can be painful and difficult to cope with.
For this reason, you need to have some insight into the best ways that you can leverage to soften your toenails for cutting and clipping.
Before you rush to soften your nails, it is prudent to establish exactly what may be affecting your toenails in the first place. This will help you rule out potential health conditions that may need to be addressed first before treating your thickened toenails directly.
Thickened toenails may be a result of fungal infection, bacterial infection, aging, improper grooming of your feet, or injury to your toenails. Other causes of thicker toenails include:
- Psoriasis
- Trauma/onychauxis
- Diabetes/poor circulation
- Smoking
Now that you’ve figured out what might be causing your toenails to thicken, let’s find out some of the ways that you can use to soften them so that they can look beautiful again.
Warm Water
One of the simplest ways to soften your toenails is to soak them in warm water. Pour warm water (preferably at a lukewarm temperature) into a basin and soak your feet for about 30 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice or several times a day to achieve the best possible results.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. It will, therefore, not only prevent infections but also soften your toenails in a short time. Mix an ounce of tea tree oil with 4oz of olive oil and apply it on your thick toenails. Remember to apply a generous amount to ensure that the mixture penetrates even the deepest sections of your toenails.
White Vinegar
Like tea tree oil, white vinegar is a great remedy for thick nails due to its powerful antibacterial properties. Dip clean cotton wool in the vinegar and rub it directly on your toenails. Soaking your toenails in a mixture of vinegar and water will also help soften your toenails.
Rubbing Alcohol
A mixture of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), water, and mild soap will clean, disinfect, and soften your toenails all at once. Leave your toes submerged for 15-20 minutes to achieve the best results.
Vicks VapoRub
This is a common rub that’s used by many people as a relief for congested chests. It contains menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. This incredible combination not only curbs the growth of toenail fungus but also keep your nails hydrated and soft. Apply the rub twice a day to achieve the best results.
OTC Toenail Creams
If the above-highlighted remedies are not softening your nails sufficiently, you can opt for over the counter creams to solve the problem. Most of the toenail creams have powerful ingredients that can penetrate thickened nails and hydrate them accordingly. It is advisable to use these creams before going to bed so that they can soak overnight.
Whether you are just susceptible to thick nails or you have certain underlying health conditions, it is always critical to soften them before trimming. It will keep your nails healthy and attractive. The softening methods listed above should come in handy for anybody looking to have gorgeous, soft toenails.