Nail care, unlike skin care and hair care, is relatively straightforward.
While nails may not have as huge of an impact to glowing up as skin, hair, and makeup, poor nail health can definitely make you less polished overall.
Here are the basic steps of an at-home manicure:
- Trim and file: Keep your nails trimmed and filed to prevent any snags or breakage.
- Moisturize: Just like the rest of your skin, your cuticles need moisture too. Use a cuticle oil or cream regularly to keep them healthy.
- Base coat: Always start with a base coat to protect your nails from staining and to help your nail polish last longer.
- Nail polish: Opt for shades that suit your skin tone and personality. Don’t be afraid to mix it up with different finishes like matte or glitter. Don’t want to deal with chipping and maintaining color? Simply use a clear nail polish or a very neutral colored polish.
- Top coat: Finish off with a top coat to seal in your manicure and add shine. Reapply every few days to extend the life of your polish.
Cuticles
- Don’t cut your cuticles: Cutting your cuticles can lead to infections and damage. Instead, use a cuticle pusher to gently push them back.
- Exfoliate: Use a gentle scrub or brush to exfoliate your cuticles and keep them soft and smooth.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Again, moisture is key for healthy cuticles. Apply a cuticle oil or cream every day to keep them hydrated.
Shaping
- Find your shape: Choose a nail shape that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Square, round, almond, or coffin – the options are endless! To find your shape, we suggest using a similar shape to your cuticle shape.
- File in one direction: Always file your nails in the same direction to prevent them from splitting.
- Avoid metal files: Metal files can be harsh on your nails and cause damage. Opt for a glass or crystal nail file instead.
- Maintain short nails: If you prefer to keep your nails short, make sure to trim them regularly and keep them clean to prevent any bacteria buildup.
Keeping Nails Strong & Looking Good
Healthy nails aren’t hard to get with a little nail care, a well-rounded diet, and some common sense. Here are some nail care tips to help short, brittle nails grow into long, healthy nails.
- When washing dishes or cleaning, wear gloves to protect them from harsh chemicals
- If you’re a nail biter, use bitter tasting nail polish to stop biting your nails
- Remove nail polish when it starts to chip
- Limit use of nail polish remover and choose an acetone-free remover as it can dry out your nails
- Hydrate and eat healthy
- Avoid trauma to your nail beds
- Consider a nail treatment for brittle nails if you’ve been subjecting your nails regularly to gels, dips, and acrylics
- Sometimes weak nails are a sign of health issues. If you notice significant changes in your nail strength or quality, consult a healthcare professional.
Develop your own nail care routine
To get healthy nails, there are a few things that you can do every day, week, and month.
Daily nail care
- Drink enough water and eat healthy
- Apply a cuticle oil to your cuticles and massage it in
- Remove any dirt under your nails bed
- Wear rubber gloves when cleaning
Weekly nail routine
- Trim and file your nails
- Exfoliate your hands, followed by hand cream
- Give your nails a break between polishes
Monthly nail care
- Get a professional manicure
- Check your changes or signs of underlying health issues
- Use a nail strengthener, if needed
Nail shapes
Square
This shape is perfect for those who want a classic and low-maintenance look. It’s also great for those with shorter nails.
Round
A round shape is similar to square, but with rounded edges. It can help make fingers appear longer and slimmer.
Almond
Almond-shaped nails are longer and taper towards the end, resembling the shape of an almond. This shape is great for those with shorter fingers.
Oval
Similar to almond, but with a more rounded tip. Oval-shaped nails are versatile and can suit any finger length.
Squoval
This shape is a mix between square and oval, with straight sides and slightly rounded edges. It’s a great option for those who can’t decide between square or round.
Coffin/Ballerina
Coffin or ballerina-shaped nails are long and tapered at the end, similar to almond shape but with a flat tip. This shape is perfect for those who want a more dramatic and edgy look.
Stiletto
Stiletto nails are long and pointed at the end, resembling a stiletto heel. This shape is not recommended for those with shorter nails or who use their hands frequently, as they can be quite fragile.
Manicure types
- Classic Manicure: A classic manicure includes trimming and shaping the nails, cuticle care, a hand massage, and polish.
- French Manicure: The classic French manicure features a nude or pink base with white tips. It’s timeless and elegant.
- Gel Manicure: Gel manicures use special gel polish that is cured under UV light for a long-lasting finish.
- Acrylics: Acrylic nails are made from a liquid and powder mixture that is applied to the nail and shaped into the desired length and shape. They can be filled in as they grow out for maintenance.
- Dip Manicure: Dip powder manicures use a colored powder that is dipped onto the nail after a base coat, creating a durable and long-lasting manicure.
Each manicure has varying price points. Too many gel or dips without letting your nails rest and recover can harm your nails, as will getting acrylics. If your nails are wrecked, try using a nail strengthener instead.
We’re all for long-term natural looking results that don’t require a ridiculous amount of maintenance or cost here, so we generally recommend classic manicures whenever possible. If you get one at the nail salon, employees may try to push a gel or dip on you. They’re a bigger money maker for the salon. Just say no if that’s not really what you want.
Grooming your nails is an important part of any glow up journey. Whether you prefer short and natural or long and dramatic, taking care of your nails can add a touch of elegance to your overall look. Remember to keep them clean, trimmed, and moisturized, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and colors.
