If by “Nana’s Secret Trick for Thick Toenails” you mean a home remedy you’ve seen online, there isn’t one medically proven “secret trick” that reliably makes thick toenails normal. Thick toenails have several possible causes, and treating the wrong cause can waste time or make the problem worse.
Why toenails become thick
Common causes include:
- Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) — often causes thickening, yellow/brown or white discoloration, crumbling, and buildup under the nail.
- Aging — toenails commonly become thicker as nail growth slows.
- Repeated trauma — for example, from shoes pressing against the toes or previous injury.
- Psoriasis or other skin conditions.
- Less commonly, other nail disorders.
Mayo Clinic notes that aging, psoriasis, trauma, tight-fitting shoes, and fungal infections are among the main causes of thickened toenai
The safest “grandma-style” approach
If the nail is simply thick and difficult to cut, the useful part of many traditional approaches is softening and carefully reducing the nail, rather than trying to kill an unknown infection with household ingredients.
- Soak the feet in warm water for about 10–20 minutes to soften the nail.
- Dry the feet thoroughly, particularly between the toes.
- Trim straight across rather than cutting deeply into the corners.
- Use a clean nail file to gently reduce rough or thickened portions.
- Don’t dig underneath the nail with sharp objects.
- Wear shoes with adequate room for the toes.
The NHS similarly recommends regular trimming and avoiding sharp objects under the nails or shoes that pinch the toes
If your nails are extremely hard or you cannot safely cut them, a podiatrist can reduce the thickness professionally.
What if it’s actually toenail fungus?
This is important because filing or soaking alone doesn’t cure fungal nail infection. The fungus can live within the nail and tissue underneath it.
Signs that make fungus more likely include:
- Yellow, brown, or white discoloration
- Increasing thickness
- Crumbling or splitting
- Debris accumulating underneath
- Nail lifting away from the nail bed
- Several toenails becoming affected
For confirmed fungal infection, treatments can include prescription topical medicines or oral antifungals. For example, dermatologists may prescribe efinaconazole or tavaborole for certain toenail infections; treatment commonly takes many months because the healthy nail has to grow out.
A 40% urea preparation may also be prescribed to soften a very thick nail, which can make topical antifungal treatment more effective.
Be careful with DIY remedies
You may see recommendations involving vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, Vicks, essential oils, baking soda, or other household products. These aren’t equivalent to proven antifungal treatment, and irritating the surrounding skin can create additional problems.
Also, don’t assume a thick yellow nail is fungus. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that other nail conditions can look like fungal infection, and recommends confirming the diagnosis before systemic antifungal treatment.
When you should get it checked
It’s particularly worthwhile to see a clinician or podiatrist if:
- The nail is becoming increasingly thick or deformed.
- You have pain, redness, swelling, drainage, or bleeding.
- Several nails are changing.
- You don’t know why the nail changed.
- You have diabetes or poor circulation.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- Home treatment isn’t improving the problem.
The NHS specifically recommends medical evaluation for severe or spreading fungal infections and for people with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Bottom line: If “Nana’s trick” means soaking, softening, and carefully trimming a thick nail, that can make the nail more comfortable—but it doesn’t treat the underlying cause. If the thick nail is fungal, the most effective approach is to confirm the diagnosis and use an appropriate antifungal treatment. Toenails grow very slowly, so even after successful treatment, a big toenail may take a year or longer to look completely normal.