How to Keep Your Nails and Cuticles Healthy

Leave Your Cuticles Alone!

One of the biggest mistakes people make when caring for their nails is messing with their cuticles. That means no cutting or pushing them back. We know, it’s tempting to get those perfect-looking nails, but trust us, your cuticles are there for a reason.

Why is this important?

Protection: Your cuticles are like tiny guards, protecting the base of your nail from germs and bacteria. Cutting or pushing them back can create an open door for infections.

Nail growth: The root of your nail, where it starts growing, is hidden under the cuticle. Messing with the cuticle can interfere with nail growth and lead to problems.

So, what should you do instead? Just keep them moisturized with a good cuticle oil or cream. We'll talk more about that later.

Keep Your Nail Tools Clean

Even if you're not cutting your cuticles, it's still essential to keep your nail tools clean. Dirty clippers and files can harbor bacteria, leading to infections.

Disinfect regularly: Soak your tools in isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) for a few minutes to kill germs.

Separate tools: It's a good idea to use different clippers for your fingers and toes.

Removing Gel Manicures and Fake Nails Safely

If you love gel manicures or fake nails, that's okay, but it's important to remove them correctly to avoid damaging your natural nails.

What you'll need:

Cotton balls

100% acetone

Aluminum foil

Steps:

Buff the top coat: Gently buff the top layer of the gel polish to roughen it up.

Soak in acetone: Soak cotton balls in acetone, place them on your nails, and wrap them with aluminum foil. Leave for 10-15 minutes for gel polish or up to 45 minutes for acrylics.

Gently remove: Carefully peel off the foil and gently scrape off the softened gel or acrylic with a nail file.

Give your nails a break: After removing the artificial nails, let your nails breathe for at least a week. Moisturize them regularly with a thick cream.

DIY Manicure Tips

Who says you need a salon to get perfect nails? With a few simple steps, you can achieve salon-quality results at home.

Shape your nails: Use a nail file to shape your nails into your desired shape.

Moisturize: Apply cuticle oil or coconut oil to nourish your cuticles.

Paint carefully: Apply thin coats of nail polish, leaving a small gap between the polish and your cuticle to prevent smudges.

Use top coat: Apply a top coat every few days to help your manicure last longer.

Press-On Nails: A Quick and Easy Option

If painting your nails isn't your thing, press-on nails are a great alternative.

Prepare your nails: Wash, file, and lightly buff your natural nails before applying press-ons.

Apply glue sparingly: Use small dots of nail glue and press the press-on firmly onto your nail.

Remove gently: Soak the press-ons in warm water to remove them. Buff your natural nails and apply oil afterward.

Making Your Manicure Last

Whether you're wearing regular nail polish or press-ons, there are a few things you can do to make your manicure last longer.

Keep your hands dry: Water can loosen nail polish and press-ons, so try to keep your hands dry.

Apply top coat regularly: Reapplying top coat every few days can help seal and protect your manicure.

Be gentle: Avoid picking at your nails or using them as tools, as this can cause them to chip or break.

By following these tips, you can enjoy healthy, beautiful nails without spending a fortune at the salon. Remember, patience is key, and with a little practice, you'll be a nail care pro in no time!