Getting that perfect manicure can make you feel amazing, like the self-care queen you are! But without the right nail care routine, it’s hard to keep your nails looking and feeling their best. Healthy nails, happy you! Put your best “fingers” forward with these essential tips for taking care of your natural tips with ease.
1. Nail Care Basics: Essential Tools & Techniques
Keeping your nails in tip-top shape can be achieved with these vital tools and techniques:
1. Start with good nail clippers: A good pair of nail clippers are an absolute must for any nail care routine. Invest in a high quality pair with sharp clippers and well-crafted handles for easy and effective clipping.
2. Use a nail file: Keep a gentle nail file on hand to file away any rough edges and keep nails in their desired shape. Choose a filing material delicate enough that it doesn’t rip or tear off too much of the nail, such as emery boards.
Additional Nail Care Tools and Techniques:
- Nail brush: Keeping nails and skin clean and free of debris is essential for proper nail care. Use a soft-bristled nail brush with a bit of mild soap to ensure all dust and dirt are removed.
- Cuticle oil: Give nails and cuticles a healthy shine and boost nail strength with proper cuticle oil. Gently massage oil onto nails and cuticles for healthier, better looking and longer lasting nails.
- Moisturize: Nail health starts with soft, well-hydrated skin. Moisturize with natural oils such as grapeseed oil for added nail and skin nourishment.
- Polish: Use an acetone-free polish remover and be sure to use a top coat and base coat for added protection. UV lamps and LED lamps can also be used to cure UV- and LED- cured varnishes.
Finally, give yourself regular manicures. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just make sure to clean, file and buff your nails every now and then. Taking this extra time for your nail care routine will make sure your nails look great all the time.
2. Stop the Damage: Avoid Trauma to Your Nails
- Trim Carefully: Keep nails at desired length and file in one direction to prevent breakage. If you have a tendency to pick at nails, opt for shorter nails with a round shape.
- Be Gentle: Be gentle when removing polish, as harsh scraping or rubbing motions can tear nails. Consider using a cotton ball soaked in a gentle nail polish remover to help thin layers of polish off of your nails.
- Protect: Applying a layer of nail oil can help keep nails from splitting and breaking, as well as provide them with nourishment. A layer of nail polish with moisturizing ingredients, such as vitamin E, can preserve nails and keep them strong.
- Hydrate: Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to prevent nails from becoming brittle. Keep your hands moisturized after every wash with lotion or cream so your nails don’t dry out.
- Guard Against Biting: Habits such as biting nails can lead to long-term damage. If you find yourself wanting to bite, consider applying a bitter nail polish or wearing gloves to discourage fretful nail-biting.
To keep your nails healthy and strong, it is important to not only maintain them, but protect them from damage. Your nails may be more susceptible to breakage or trauma if they are not protected properly. Here are some key tips that can help you keep your nails healthy and trauma-free:
If you tend to be rough on hands and nails, make sure you are trimming them properly. Keeping your nails at the desired length and filing in one direction will help prevent breakage. Those who have the tendency to pick at fingernails may opt for shorter nails with a round shape.
It is important to be gentle when removing nail polish. Vigorous or abrasive motions can cause nails to tear. Rather than scrubbing, use a cotton ball soaked in a gentle nail polish remover. This will help to thin layers of polish and keep your nails safe from damage.
Keep your nails protected with regular use of oils and moisturizing nail polishes. Applying a nail oil can help prevent splitting and breaking, as well as provide nourishment for the nails. Wearing a nail polish with ingredients such as vitamin E will preserve your nails and keep them looking healthy and strong.
Along with keeping your nails healthy from the outside, it is important to keep them moisturized from the inside. Drinking plenty of water and keeping your hands moisturized after each wash will help your nails from becoming brittle and dry.
Finally, it is important to break bad nail-biting habits. Though it might seem like a harmless habit, long-term damage can be done to your nails. Consider wearing gloves or applying bitter-tasting nail polishes as strategies to discourage fretful nail-biting.
3. Pamper Your Nails: At-Home Treatments & DIY Tricks
Nothing completes an outfit like a polished manicure, and you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to get one. Try these at-home treatments and DIY tricks for a pampering session that will leave your nails looking and feeling luxurious!
1. Start with a Manicure
Create a spa-like atmosphere at home with some aromatherapy candles, soothing music, and your favorite nail color. Soak your hands in warm water and then use a soft-bristled brush or an exfoliation scrub to get rid of any dirt, debris, and old nail polish. Afterward, dry your hands and push back your cuticles with small, gentle strokes. Apply your chosen nail polish, and you’re good to go!
2. Nail Strengtheners & Moisturizers
Want to skip the polish but still take care of your nails? Try a natural nail strengthener or a moisturizing cream that will leave your hands feeling soft and looking healthy. When applying the strengthening product, make sure to evenly coat the entire surface of the nail to get maximum results. Remember to wait for 60-90 seconds for the product to penetrate before applying a moisturizing product.
3. Crafty Nail Art & Layering Techniques
Don’t be afraid to show the world your creative side with some fun do-it-yourself nail art. A few popular styles include:
- Painting a pattern on a single nail
- Creating a sunset by layering different colors
- Applying a glitter top coat over a solid color
You can also use layering techniques to create a unique and personalized look. First, apply a clear base coat to protect your nails, and then layer a few of your favorite colors on top. Finish off with a shiny topcoat for a salon-worthy result!
4. Nail Care is Self-Care: Prioritizing Nail Health
Nail care doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be part of a self-care routine! Focusing on nail health is an important step for maintaining clear and strong nails, and it’s also very relaxing.
Start by cleansing the nail beds with a mild soap and warm water. This will remove dirt and debris and ensure the nails are properly prepped for further work. It’s also important to shape your nails, as this will help to prevent the buildup of dirt and avoid any potential snags or breakages.
Here are some of the essential nail care treatments to prioritize for strong and healthy nails:
- Moisturizing: Since nails can easily become dry and brittle, it’s important to regularly apply a nourishing and moisturizing nail balm or cuticle oil. Use a quality product and apply it over and around the nails regularly to hydrate and strengthen them.
- Filing: File your nails regularly to keep the desired shape and texture. Taking care of the file helps to avoid any rough edges and prevent any peeling or splitting of the nails.
- Cuticle care: Paying attention to the cuticles is an important part of nail care. Use a cuticle remover or an orange stick to push back and trim any rough cuticles. A regular cuticle oil will help to keep the area moisturized and healthy.
- Polishing: Regularly painting nails is a great way to revive the nails and add a touch of color. Make sure to use a regular base and top coat to seal in the layers and maintain the nail’s condition.
Regular nail care helps to keep nails looking healthy and strong. There is something special about taking the time to show yourself some love and taking care of your nails is a great way to do just that.
Nail care is an essential part of any self-care routine, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Take care of your nails and they will take care of you!
It is easy to forget about (or perhaps neglect) our nails, but they still need to be treated with love and care! That’s why it’s important to take the steps necessary to maintain healthy, happy nails. A little bit of extra time and effort every now and then can go a long way in achieving great-looking nails. So why wait? Get pampering!
