Jessica+Tilton


 * Title**: How to fix Brittle Nails


 * Background** : Brittle fingernails are a common condition, occurring in about 20% of people; more women than men develop brittle nails. Brittle nails usually break or peel off in horizontal layers, starting at the nail'd free end.


 * Cause**: The term brittle nails can also refer to a condition in which lengthwise splits appear in the nail. In either case, the nail's structure is faulty.


 * Purpose**: Nails splitting and peeling can be irritating. I have tried to come up with a solution to fix this problem. Olive oil can help strengthen the nails, by providing vitamins nails do not usually receive. Lemon juice helps dry out any imperfections, such as yellowing. Tea tree oil cleanses the nail of any bacteria that would be left on the nail. I have created two mixtures to apply to certain nails.

Place the nail strengthener in your microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to make the olive oil mixture feel warm to the touch. Remove the nail strengthener after heating and stir with a spoon.
 * Mixture #1**
 * 2 tbsp. of olive oil
 * 2 tbsp. of lemon juice

Place the nail strengthener in your microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to make the olive oil mixture feel warm to the touch. Remove the nail strengthener after heating and stir with a spoon.
 * Mixture #2**
 * 2 tbsp. of olive oil
 * 2 tbsp. of lemon juice


 * Hypothesis**: The olive oil & lemon juice mixture will make the nails appear brighter and smoother, whereas, the olive oil & tea tree oil mixture will make them stronger, or peel less.


 * Materials**:
 * full bottle tea tree oil (at least 1 cup)
 * extra virgin olive oil (at least 2 cups)
 * lemon juice (at least 1 cup)
 * four empty nail polish bottles


 * Process**:
 * 1) Apply a thin coat of the mixture to the nail.
 * 2) Let it sit for ten minutes.
 * 3) Rinse off.
 * 4) Repeat for at least two weeks.


 * Bibliography**:

"Brittle Nails." //NYU Langone Medical Center //. EBSCO CAM Review Board, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.

Sarao, Carol. "How to Heal Peeling Fingernails." //LIVESTRONG.COM //. N.p., 5 Oct. 2010. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.