Nail Care

Nail care is something that I find very important. A well-manicured hand says a lot about a woman (and man). Here are my 5 tips to keeping your hands and nails healthy and happy!

1. Nail Polish Remover

It is important to choose a good nail polish remover so it does not damage your nails. I use Sally Hansen’s Strengthening Polish Remover and also OPI’s Expert Touch Lacquer Remover. Look carefully at the ingredients, if you buy a remover with very high alcohol content, you may damage and weaken your nails, causing them to break easily.

2.  Nail File and Buffer

It’s important to change your nail file every 6 months or so depending on how often you use it. I file my nails every 1 – 2 weeks. If your nail file seems dull it’s time for a new one. Using an old file can also damage your nails further by cracking them. If you do not want to change your nail files so often then invest in a crystal nail file. I recommend this one here.

I like to buff my nails with this 7-step buffer by Sally Hansen, which you can find at most drug stores. It’s important to buff near the nail beds so your nails are smooth when they grow out. Buffing excessively at the tips of your nails may weaken the layers, making your nails more prone to splitting.

3. Cuticle Cream

Just like every other part of the body, nails and cuticles need hydration too! My favourite one to use is by Margaret Dabbs, which you can buy at Etiket here.  This serum contains tea tree oil and emu oil which help protect, hydrate and strengthen nails and cuticles. It’s also great to use this on your toe nails to keep away infections. I usually apply cuticle cream on my cuticles and nails twice a week before I go to bed and also right after I clean, file and buff my nails.

4.  Nail Treatment

Do not underestimate the importance of treatment oils. I like to apply nail oil to my nails and nail beds every once in a while. My favourite is the Essential Nail Oil by Rococo which you can buy here. I usually apply it on my unpolished nails and cuticles and then let it absorb over night, but you can also apply it after you have painted your nails. Just apply a small drop around the cuticle area, allowing it to drip over the colour. This will moisturize the cuticles and also protect your polish from smudging.

5. Base Coat and Top Coat

Using a base coat is key to a good manicure. It helps fill in any lines, ridges or grooves, making your nails look buffed and smoother. Base coats also protect your nails from yellowing due to polishes that are high in harmful ingredients. Last but not least, applying a base coat before coloured polish and a top coat after your polish will make your manicure last longer! My favourite is the Base Coat Top Coat Pro by Rimmel.