Our nails are one of the easiest ways to express our personalities and creativity while also accessorizing any outfit. But, they are oftentimes one of the most neglected parts of our body. It is easy to brush our nails to the side, and focus on skincare or even haircare. However, nail care is just as important. You will find that having healthy nails makes quite a difference, especially in your own self confidence. Below are some of the biggest tips that I have found and practiced over the many years of doing my own nails through research and experience. They may be small changes to your own nail care routine, but they will make a huge difference over time.
#1: PROPERLY REMOVE ANY NAIL POLISH OR OTHER NAIL PRODUCTS
It is important to properly remove any nail polish or other nail products. Although it may be tempting, avoid picking or peeling off your nail polish. When you pick off your manicure, you could also be unintentionally taking off layers of your actual nails. This nail damage can weaken the nails, and make them more easily prone to breakage. Also, because the nail surface may be jagged, your next few manicures may not turn out as smooth and flawless.
#2: USE A BASE COAT BEFORE APPLYING ANY COLORED LACQUER TO HELP PREVENT STAINING
With every manicure, regardless of whether it is regular or gel polish, use a base coat. Using a base coat not only gives a colored lacquer something to adhere to, but it also helps prevent any staining. Like our skin, it is natural for our nails to absorb some of the products we apply to them. More frequent with darker polish shades, the nails may take on some of that pigment and appear discolored if a base coat is not applied prior.
#3: MOISTURIZE HANDS OFTEN TO KEEP THE SKIN AND NAILS HYDRATED
It is important to moisturize your hands often to keep the skin and nails hydrated, especially during the Winter and after increased exposure to water. Applying a hand cream helps to prevent dryness and brittleness, and helps contribute to the overall health and appearance of your nails. Dry nails are more prone to breakage, so keeping your hands moisturized can keep peeling and cracking to a minimum.
#4: APPLY A CUTICLE OIL TO KEEP YOUR NAILS AND CUTICLES HYDRATED AND PROMOTE GROWTH
Along with frequently applying a hand cream, apply a cuticle oil to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated and promote growth. Using a cuticle oil moisturizes dry or snagged cuticles and can help to strengthen the nails themselves. It also helps protect the nails and cuticles from any damage, and can even help increase the longevity and shine of your manicure. Cuticle oils are oftentimes packed with essential oils and vitamins that work to enrich and heal your nails.
#5: WEAR GLOVES TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS WHEN CLEANING AND DOING OTHER HOUSEHOLD CHORES
Obviously, we sometimes cannot completely ignore and push off household chores after a fresh manicure (although we would totally give you the permission to). Therefore, it's important to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and nails from harsh chemicals and increased exposure to hot water when cleaning. Soaking your hands in water for extended periods of time can soften and weaken your nails. Also, the water and soap/detergent combination can cause your manicure to lift, chip, or peel.
#6: GIVE YOUR NAILS SOME TIME TO BREATHE BETWEEN MANICURES
Many of us do not do it, but give your nails some time to breathe between manicures. After using acetone and washing your hands after removing a previous manicure, it is important to give your nails a break and let them breathe, even if it's only for a little while (I sometimes only give my nails 20-30 minutes before filing and painting my nails). It is also good to make sure your nails are completely dry before applying any polish. When our nails get wet, especially for extended periods, the nail bed expands. If you apply polish before your nails shrink back to their original/regular size, your manicure will be much more likely to chip.
#7: REAPPLY A TOP COAT EVERY FEW DAYS TO RESTORE SHINE AND HELP WITH LONGEVITY
To help increase the longevity of your manicure, reapply a top coat every couple of days. This will also restore the shine of your manicure, which helps create and maintain a flawless appearance.
If your nails have already experienced any damage, significant or not, these tips will not miraculously solve any problems overnight. Like any part of your body, your nails take time to heal. Implementing some of these tips over time will aid in the healing process and even prevent future damage.
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