A refresher on what to do (and what not to do) for healthy nails.
Do: keep a nail file handy.
The edges of our nails aren't perfectly smooth, even when we think they are. Everyday life causes microscopic tears and snags to our nails, and if you let them go, they can easily break or rip. Keep a nail file in your bag or in your desk at work so that you can quickly smooth your nails when you first feel an uneven edge. This will help prevent cracks and chips from happening later.
Don't: bite your nails.
Many people do it, and it's easy for the rest of us to tell. Your nails are super-short, uneven, and (though you might not want to hear this) we've probably even noticed you absent-mindedly chomping on them. Yuck. Try to break this habit as quickly as you can, as it tends to stick around for life if you let it go on too long.
You'll never be able to maintain a nice manicure or well-groomed nails if you're biting them.
Do: moisturize your cuticles often.
Cuticles need a lot of attention. In fact, they need constant attention. Slather on a nail oil before bedtime, reapply it in the morning as you head out the door, and apply a moisturizing hand lotion as often as you can. Keeping your cuticles moisturized doesn't just prevent dry, overgrown-looking cuticles, but also makes your entire manicure look fresh and shiny, even if it's been days since you had it done.
Don't: use old nail polish.
Just like most other beauty products, nail polish has a shelf life. Old polish tends to get goopy and thick, making it extremely difficult to apply.
If this happens, either toss your polish, or add a few drops of nail polish thinner (which you can purchase at any beauty supply store) and shake well. This will thin out the polish just like paint thinner does to paint, reviving the formula a little longer. Just don't add too much, or you'll wind up with polish that's too liquidy.
Do: visit the pros (at least once in a while).
Even if you love doing your own nails and are darn good at it, make an appointment with a pro once in a while. You may notice that you'll get a more thorough manicure and pedicure at the salon, or that you've been skipping a certain step, or just may like the way they shape your nails as opposed to the way you've been stuck in a rut doing it. Either way, it's good to mix things up and see a professional here and there.
Don't: ignore problems.
If you notice any problems beginning, whether it's ridges, peeling, or otherwise, don't simply let it go. It's much easier to fix these things at the start before they get worse, so find the appropriate product (as your manicurist if you're not sure) and start using it ASAP. Nail problems can also be an indication of overall poor health, so take it as a sign to start eating healthier, too.
Do: Use base and top coat.
You may think you're fine with nail polish alone (and many new formulas are made to act as all-in-ones) but most polishes do require base and top coat. Base coat will help protect your nails, make polish go on smoothly, and keep it from chipping, and top coat will help seal the polish, dry it quicker, and keep it from chipping as well.
By Marissa Gold
The edges of our nails aren't perfectly smooth, even when we think they are. Everyday life causes microscopic tears and snags to our nails, and if you let them go, they can easily break or rip. Keep a nail file in your bag or in your desk at work so that you can quickly smooth your nails when you first feel an uneven edge. This will help prevent cracks and chips from happening later.
Don't: bite your nails.
Many people do it, and it's easy for the rest of us to tell. Your nails are super-short, uneven, and (though you might not want to hear this) we've probably even noticed you absent-mindedly chomping on them. Yuck. Try to break this habit as quickly as you can, as it tends to stick around for life if you let it go on too long.
You'll never be able to maintain a nice manicure or well-groomed nails if you're biting them.
Do: moisturize your cuticles often.
Cuticles need a lot of attention. In fact, they need constant attention. Slather on a nail oil before bedtime, reapply it in the morning as you head out the door, and apply a moisturizing hand lotion as often as you can. Keeping your cuticles moisturized doesn't just prevent dry, overgrown-looking cuticles, but also makes your entire manicure look fresh and shiny, even if it's been days since you had it done.
Don't: use old nail polish.
Just like most other beauty products, nail polish has a shelf life. Old polish tends to get goopy and thick, making it extremely difficult to apply.
If this happens, either toss your polish, or add a few drops of nail polish thinner (which you can purchase at any beauty supply store) and shake well. This will thin out the polish just like paint thinner does to paint, reviving the formula a little longer. Just don't add too much, or you'll wind up with polish that's too liquidy.
Do: visit the pros (at least once in a while).
Even if you love doing your own nails and are darn good at it, make an appointment with a pro once in a while. You may notice that you'll get a more thorough manicure and pedicure at the salon, or that you've been skipping a certain step, or just may like the way they shape your nails as opposed to the way you've been stuck in a rut doing it. Either way, it's good to mix things up and see a professional here and there.
Don't: ignore problems.
If you notice any problems beginning, whether it's ridges, peeling, or otherwise, don't simply let it go. It's much easier to fix these things at the start before they get worse, so find the appropriate product (as your manicurist if you're not sure) and start using it ASAP. Nail problems can also be an indication of overall poor health, so take it as a sign to start eating healthier, too.
Do: Use base and top coat.
You may think you're fine with nail polish alone (and many new formulas are made to act as all-in-ones) but most polishes do require base and top coat. Base coat will help protect your nails, make polish go on smoothly, and keep it from chipping, and top coat will help seal the polish, dry it quicker, and keep it from chipping as well.
By Marissa Gold
