How to Take Care of Your Nails

An impressive set of nails speaks volumes about your hygiene and personal demeanor. When meeting with coworkers or clients, nothing puts off their impression more than seeing dirt under your nails or chipped polish. Luckily, manicures don’t have to be cumbersome or costly experiences – here are a few simple tips that’ll get you going in no time.

Nail Soak

Before painting your nails, using a nail soak is an easy way to extend its longevity and ensure long-term success. By softening cuticles and protecting the polish against chipping or peeling, it can extend its longevity for weeks at a time.

Lemon juice is an ideal ingredient to use as a nail soak, since its healthful components help whiten and strengthen nails while simultaneously relieving dryness. Plus, its pleasant fragrance adds another bonus!

Distilled white vinegar can also help soften cuticles, protecting nails from germs and bacteria. Since vinegar is slightly acidic, however, it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Make a nail soak using nutrient-rich nut oils such as coconut, walnut, macadamia nut and hazelnut oils for an indulgent and light experience. Combine them for even greater differentiation of treatment; massage nails and hands for approximately ten minutes afterwards.

Nail Cream

Cuticle creams differ from nail oils in that they aim to nourish and strengthen nails by protecting against dryness and encouraging their growth. Simply apply one before bedtime for best results – your morning nails should look healthy-looking!

Dior offers this luxurious option to pamper both cuticles and nails with its rich formula of cocoa seed butter, shea butter and almond oil that soften cuticles while locking moisture into nails that look hydrated and beautiful – plus its inviting citrus fragrance!

Burt’s Bees offers another natural nail and cuticle cream option for those allergic to nut oils: their lemon oil-infused nail and cuticle cream contains glycerin and shea butter to soften nails and cuticles while being free of chemical preservatives and fragrances, making it safer than most alternatives. Plus, its handy tin design makes it great for carrying around in your purse!

Vaseline

Many households keep petroleum jelly (also known as Vaseline) handy in their medicine cabinet for general skin moisturization purposes; not just dry elbows and chapped lips but also helping prevent brittle nails.

Rehydrating cuticle and nail plate oils helps strengthen nails by replacing lost oils, while sealing in moisture to the cuticle and nail plate, thus protecting from brittleness. Furthermore, this barrier protects nails against further moisture loss from outside sources.

Vaseline is an economical solution that’s easily available at stores nationwide, making it accessible and budget-friendly. Make sure to buy standard Vaseline as its branded counterparts may contain other ingredients. Use it like any nail polish; apply a thin coat around each nail and cuticle prior to painting them with polish; use cotton swabs saturated in nail polish remover or water to wipe up any extra vaseline after polishing is complete.

Cuticle Oil

Cuticle oil should be part of every manicure artist or enthusiast’s arsenal, from professional nail techs to amateur manicure enthusiasts alike. Cuticle oil helps increase nail flexibility and prevent polish from chipping before fully drying; meaning your work will look its best for an extended period.

Cuticle oils also play a pivotal role in helping prevent hangnails, by encouraging nail growth and limiting moisture build-up that could contribute to them. Plus, most cuticle oils contain natural ingredients and vitamins designed to nourish nails and cuticles.

One of our favorites is a mess-free option in a tube with a twist-and-pull application for precise and effortless application. Just squeeze out a small globule of oil from its container, and swipe across your cuticles – handy when traveling or on-the-go! Plus, its combination of jojoba, argan and rose oils soften cuticles while improving nail strength!