Welcome to the final installment of our three-month series in which queer-friendly health and beauty professionals offer accessible ways to show yourself some love! Charlie Craggs is the founder of Nail Transphobia, a series of free pop-up nail salons that “tackle transphobia fabulously” by starting conversations with cis people who may not (to their knowledge) personally know any trans folks. Below, Craggs shares some simple remedies for common skin and nail concerns, using ingredients you probably already have at home.
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Using one tsp of olive or coconut oil as a base, mix in the following ingredients according to your individual needs — then rub all over your hands, feet, and/or nails for a super conditioning treat.
The Problem: Your Nails Keep Breaking
Whether you’re trying to grow your nails long or you’re simply tired of them flaking in general, protein-rich egg whites are a great strengthening serum. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after with a bacteria-busting soap to avoid contamination.
Vegan, or just kind of grossed out by the egg white idea? A minced clove of garlic can help combat brittleness, too.
The Problem: Your Nails Are Dull and Yellow
If your nails always look a little dirty no matter what you do, you’re not alone. Thankfully, adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your conditioner will help brighten and whiten nails.
The Problem: You Keep Getting Nail Fungus
A mashed ripe banana (including skin) is great for discouraging fungus growth, without robbing your surrounding skin of much-needed moisture. Combine it with the strained water from boiled neem leaves for fungus that’s extra aggressive.
The Problem: Your Skin Is Seriously Dry and Rough
Whatever the reason for your skin dryness, honey is an incredible tool for moisturizing (just make sure your honey to oil ratio is such that you don’t get overly sticky!
If you have a lot of excess skin that needs sloughing off, add a sprinkle of salt to your conditioner. The salt should be fine, not coarse, to avoid irritation, and should be used on callouses rather than hangnails (ouch!).
You don’t have to be ballin’ to be good to yourself! Use the above tips to keep your nail game strong, and take care.
You can see the June installment of this series here, and July’s installment here.
Agh so excited to try these!! Thanks :D
I feel like maybe the formatting’s messed up on this post? I feel like I’m reading things out of order and am missing half the article.
This is excellent and I shall try some of these tips. Thank you!!
This is totally on me, but without any background knowledge I thought this was going to be on how to make the nails holding together your kitchen cabinets look fantastic.