DIY: Create Your Own Nail Hardener (for Pennies)

As a busy stay-at-home mom it's not likely you'll find me in a salon getting mani/pedi's. First of all each visit about $40-50 (I can think of a lot of other things to spend that on) and second, I hardly get any "me-time" that isn't at the grocery store or gas station.

That doesn't mean I'm okay with looking like I've been clawing trees all day though. I try to trim my nails and keep them painted, but after two kids they're very weak and it's not always easy. Sometimes they split down the center after washing dishes. OUCH!

Fortunately, I received a tip from my sister over the holidays about an age old beauty secret from the Dominican Republic for strengthening fingernails.

Garlic!

Yes, funky garlic. It sounds weird, right? Well, I'm no fool. I did my research and found this topic was covered on an episode of Dr. Oz a few years ago. Dr Shalini Vadhera, author of Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips from Around the World for Becoming a Global Goddess, shared the secret with the world of creating a polish that strengthens nails.

I've decided to try it out myself and you can too.

To create your own nail hardener:

Chop garlic finely and add it to a bottle of clear nail polish (you'll need to pour a little polish out to avoid it overflowing). After 7-10 days, paint your nails as usual. Your nails will stink for the first day, but they will be as hard as acrylic.

Cha-ching! Want to know how well it works or if it even works at all? Stay posted for my "before" and "after" DIY Nail Hardener photos.