Let’s be honest—our toenails don’t always get the love they deserve. While we pamper our hands, face, and hair, our poor toes are often hidden away in socks and shoes… until something goes wrong.
Whether you’ve been dealing with brittle nails, yellow discoloration, or just want to give your feet a little extra care, you’re in the right place.
The good news? You don’t need expensive spa treatments or fancy products. Just a few small changes to your routine can lead to stronger, shinier, and healthier toenails—naturally!
Ready to give your toenails the glow-up they’ve been waiting for? Let’s dive into these 10 friendly, expert-approved tips that are easy to start today.
1. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry: This Is Crucial
Good hygiene is the first step to healthy toenails. The ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungi can be created by dirt, perspiration, and moisture that are trapped in socks or shoes. Not cute, and certainly not good for you.
Advice: Use warm water and mild soap to wash your feet every day. Spend a few more seconds drying completely after taking a shower, paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes. Trouble is a result of dampness!
Bonus: Whenever possible, let your feet air out by switching to breathable socks.
2. Trim Smart, Not Short
Trimming your toenails the wrong way (especially too short or rounded) can actually cause ingrown nails—which are painful and hard to treat.
Tip: Use clean, sharp nail clippers and cut nails straight across. Don’t dig into the corners!
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Extra Love: After trimming, smooth rough edges gently with a nail file to prevent snagging on socks or sheets.
3. Moisturize Like You Mean It
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Toenails get dry just like your skin—and when they’re dry, they’re more likely to crack or peel.
Tip: Massage a drop of coconut oil, vitamin E oil, or olive oil into your toenails and cuticles at night before bed. It hydrates, strengthens, and boosts shine.
Pro Tip: After a bath or shower is the perfect time to apply—your skin and nails are more absorbent!
4. Your Shoes Might Be Sabotaging Your Toenails
Your toenails may become thicker, bruise, or grow strangely as a result of being crushed by tight or small shoes. Additionally, they produce damp, sweating conditions that are ideal for fungi.
Wear shoes that fit well and give your toes lots of wriggle room. Look for breathable materials and spacious toe boxes.
Bonus: Let your shoes air out by not wearing them the same way again in a row.
5. Treat Your Feet to an Epsom Salt Soak
A weekly soak is like a mini spa moment for your feet—and your toenails will thank you!
How To:
- Fill a basin with warm water
- Add ½ cup Epsom salt
- Soak for 15–20 minutes
- Optional: Add a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil for relaxation and anti-fungal benefits
Why it works: Epsom salt soothes inflammation, softens skin, and helps prevent infections.
6. Don’t Go Barefoot in Public Spaces
Public showers, pool decks, and locker rooms may appear clean, but they are often rife with bacteria and fungi that enjoy nibbling at your toes.
Recommendation: Always wear flip-flops or water shoes when in public, moist areas. It’s a small step that prevents big problems.
Bonus: Apply a natural antifungal spray on your feet after working out or swimming.
7. Take Care of Your Nails from Within
The strength and condition of your toenails are greatly influenced by your diet. Your nails require specific nutrients to grow, much like your skin and hair.
The nutrients listed below are beneficial for your nails:
- Biotin, found in sweet potatoes, almonds, and eggs.
- Zinc (found in chickpeas and pumpkin seeds) and iron (found in lentils and spinach)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in walnuts, chia seeds, and salmon) and vitamins E and C (found in citrus fruits, berries, and avocados)
Advice: Your body produces more robust, healthy keratin, the protein that makes up your nails, when you eat a range of whole, unprocessed meals.
8. Be Picky About Nail Products
Even though your toenails are resilient, they dislike the harsh chemicals that many nail paints and removers contain. These products may eventually result in peeling, discolouration, and brittleness.
Advice: Use removers without acetone and pick breathable, non-toxic nail paints. To allow your nails to heal, take a rest between pedicures.
Make Your Own Natural Polish Remover: For a milder option, use vinegar and lemon juice to make your own natural polish remover.
9. Give Your Toes a Little Massage
It may sound simple, but gently massaging your toes increases blood circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to your nails and encourages faster, healthier growth.
How To:
- Use your thumbs to rub small circles around your toes and nails
- Pair it with a nourishing oil or lotion
- Just 1–2 minutes per foot makes a difference
Bonus: It’s super relaxing—like a mini foot spa at home!
10. Don’t Ignore Nail Red Flags
Sometimes toenail issues are more than just cosmetic. If you notice thickened nails, unusual color changes, or pain that won’t go away, don’t wait—get it checked out.
Tip: Early signs of toenail fungus, injury, or even circulation problems are easier to treat when caught early. When in doubt, see a podiatrist.
Conclusion: Happy Toes, Healthy Life
Healthy toenails don’t happen overnight—but with a little consistency and care, your feet will look and feel better than ever. These tips are easy, affordable, and all-natural—perfect for adding to your self-care routine.
So why not start today? Your toes will thank you.