Your nails are an accessory and they can complete any look. Therefore, it’s important to keep them strong and healthy. Browse our Cuticle Treatments to keep your nails strong and healthy.
Here are 13 tips to promote healthy and beautiful nails.
1. Soak your nails in acetone before removing gel polish.
When you peel off your gel polish, you’re also removing super thin layers of your nails. When your nails start peeling, it becomes more difficult for the polish to stay on. To remove your gel polish, it’s recommended that you put cuticle oil around your nails and then soak them in a bowl of acetone-based polish to loosen the gel from the nail bed. Gently remove the excess residue using the tip of a orange stick.
2. Care for your cuticles.
Did you know your cuticles actually serve a purpose? They lock in moisture and act as a barrier to keep germs out of the body, according to the Huffington Post. You should never cut your cuticles. However, should you want to clean your cuticles for a polished look, it’s recommended that you use a cuticle remover formula.
3. Always start with clean nails.
Because you use your hands a lot throughout the day, your nails accumulate a lot of dirt and oils. This can make it difficult for the polish to grab on to the nail. It’s important to clean your nails using a nail polish remover to get rid of any dirt or oil before applying the polish.
4. Never use old polish.
According to Daily Makeover reports, as nail polish gets older, solvents evaporate which make the polish become thick and stringy. This can make the application process more difficult, as old polish does not grab on to the nail as well. Therefore, using old polish is more prone to chipping away faster.
5. Avoid quick dry products.
Nothing is more annoying that having to sit and wait for your nails to dry. There are numerous quick dry products available to help speed up the process. However, according to PopSugar, these products can actually dry out your actual nail. Anything containing acetone is prone to making your nail chip, flake, or peel. Excessive use of these products can cause long-lasting damage.
6. File your nails in one direction.
According to PopSugar, filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion causes tiny tears and splints that could actually damage your nails later on. It’s recommended that you gently file your nail in one direction only.
7. Apply your polish in thin coats.
Seems like common sense, right? The thicker you apply your polish, the longer it’ll take to dry, which also makes it easier to smudge or nick your polish later on. Always apply your polish in thin layers for the best results.
8. Avoid painting your nails before bed.
You go to bed thinking your nails are dry, but when you wake up in the morning, you discovered your freshly painted manicure is now covered in sheet marks. Your nails might look dry, but it actually takes 24 hours for the polish to fully dry. Daily Makeover suggests that if you want your nails to dry faster, run them under cold water.
9. Never take a shower after painting your nails.
According to Daily Makeover, when you shower after painting your nails, the hot steam can make your polish bubble and smudge. You need to allow your polish enough time to set, so hold off on the shower until the following day.
10. Break that habit of biting your nails.
Some of us do it when we’re anxious or stressed, but you should never bite your nails. According to The Beautiful Life, biting your nails actually weakens them and causes infections or fungus (Gross!).
11. Don’t use your top coat as a base coat.
Although they may look similar, base coats and top coats should be used what they are intended for. Base coats have sticky properties that help the polish stick to your nails. Top coats, have shiny properties that create a nice finished look. Plain and simple: base coats should be used as base coats and top coats should be used as top coats.
12. Your base coat is your best friend.
While we’re on the topic of base coats, Bustle strongly recommends not skipping this step. Base coats prep the nail for color and acts as a protective barrier between your actual nail and the polish.
13. Don’t ignore unhealthy nails.
Last, but certainly not least, always take care of your nails. If they look a little dry, use a hydrating formula. If they’re looking weak and brittle, use a strengthening formula. According to Cosmopolitan, it’s recommended that you use a hydrating or strengthening base coat and cuticle cream or oil to keep your nails looking strong and healthy.
4 comments
Hi Rachel,
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog and taking the time to read it. Hope any of the tips help you out. Have a nice day.
XOXO,
Christina
BP Team
Interesting and thought provoking article. Thank you
Interesting and thought provoking article. Thank you
Very good article thank you