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wikiHow to Get Stronger Nails Using Petroleum Jelly

We've all wanted stronger nails, right? Considering all the things they go through during the day. Petroleum jelly is cheap- and you can get it at pretty much every drugstore.


  1. 1
    Wash your hands. Not just rinse, actually WASH them. This is the first step to the road of stronger nails.
  2. 2
    Don't skimp on the petroleum jelly! Put a big ol' glob on all your nails!
  3. 3
    Rub, rub, rub! Use your index finger to rub all that petroleum jelly around. Pay special attention to these areas: Cuticles, and where you find those pesky hangnails!
  4. 4
    Leave on for 3-5 minutes. This leaves time to let the petroleum jelly soak in and gets its full strengthening power!
  5. 5
    Rinse. Make sure you get ALL of the petroleum jelly off.
  6. 6

Community Q&A

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  • How do I treat hangnails?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Make sure you wash your hands regularly (pat them dry) and petroleum jelly will help. If possible push the cuticles back.
  • How long does it normally take for nails to grow?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Well naturally if you just leave them, it would take about a week or so to grow 1 millimeter, but if you take care of them, in the same amount of time, it would grow 2-3 millimeters.
  • How long can it take?
    wikiHow Contributor
    It depends on the person and how strong your nails already are.
  • Does this take more than three days to work?
    wikiHow Contributor
    As with any treatment, it will take a few weeks or months to notice significant change.
  • Can I put cream on my hands after washing them?
    wikiHow Contributor
  • How many days should I do this?
    wikiHow Contributor
    It works better the longer you do it, but try not to go over four days per week or there may be build-up. If you plan to do this often, make sure you scrub the jelly off well after using.
  • Does this actually work?
    wikiHow Contributor
  • Why don't they grow?
    wikiHow Contributor
    They will grow slowly, be patient. This treatment is to strengthen your nails, not to make them grow faster.
  • What is petroleum jelly for?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Petroleum jelly is for moisturizing skin, but it can also thicken your eyelashes or keep your cuticles soft.
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    • You could also press your cuticles back with a cotton swab.
    • Do this right before bed, because that also gives it time to strengthen your nails.
    • You only need to do this about once every 2-3 weeks.


    • Do not do this too often. It makes your nails sting. Only once every 2-3 weeks.

    Things You'll Need

    • Petroleum Jelly (or Vaseline)
    • Cotton swab (Optional)

    Article Info

    Categories: Nail Care

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