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I honestly can’t believe that I have been blogging for almost a year, and I have never done a simple “Nail Care Routine” post. That just seems nutty to me and to be honest, I hadn’t even realized it until one of my bloggy friends asked for it. Nail care is super important, not only for visual reasons but for health as well. Proper nail care can help keep your nails not only looking great but free from fungal infections.
Your nails are considered ‘healthy’ if they are smooth and are uniform in color and consistency. Healthy nails do not have ridges, discolorations or cracks. There are a few simple steps that you can do to keep your nails healthy or get them back into shape if they are unhealthy. My nail care routine consists of 8 simple steps that will keep your nails healthy and visually appealing!
STEP ONE
- Remove all of your polish, if you have any from a previous manicure before you begin. I use 100% pure acetone, which isn’t the greatest for your nails, so that’s why the proper nail care routine helps out and keeps my nails from becoming brittle and cracking. If you do not paint your nails as often as I do, I highly recommend using a non acetone polish remover.
STEP TWO
- Trim your nails, I try to do this once a week. I love a square nail, so I use a Tweezerman nail clipper with a straight edge, to give me the square look before I even file. If your nails are hard (toes or fingers) you can soak them in warm water with a teaspoon of salt to soften them before cutting. If you are prone to breaks or cracks when trimming, I would moisturize your nails first which will help prevent any breakage while you’re trimming.
- I know I am going to get some heat for this one, because most everyone, including the experts do not recommend that you cut or push back your cuticles because you can damage your nail bed and increase the chance of infection. However, sometimes my cuticles are out of control and moisturizing doesn’t do the trick, so at this point, if needed, I would trim them!
STEP THREE
- After the nails have been trimmed, this is where I would suggest filing any jagged edges and uneven lines to give yourself a uniform look. I use a glass nail file, that I picked up at Sally’s for about $2 and I swear by it but an emery board file will work just as fine.
STEP FOUR
- I take a nail buffer, it’s a small object rectangular in shape with four sides to it, each with their own step. 1. Nail File, 2. Remove Ridges, 3. Buff & Smooth, and 4. Polish & Shine. I use steps 2-4 on this nail buffer, skipping only the file because I have already done my filing with my glass nail file.
STEP FIVE
- Wash your hands in luke warm water and a gentle hand soap. Use a nail brush to remove any dirt that has built up underneath your nail.
STEP SIX
- MOISTURIZE!! Moisturizing your nails is super important, especially after washing your hands. You should always be in the habit of using a hand moisturizer after your wash your hands and rub some onto your nails. Healthy nails require moisture, so you want to make sure your are giving it to them. I moisturize twice a day (morning and night) with a cuticle cream and nail strengthener, plus my regular hand lotion that I use throughout the day.
STEP SEVEN
- (Optional) Pour some white vinegar onto a cotton ball and wipe down your nails, this will remove any oils or dirt that may be left over and will get you ready for polish. I use this before applying any polish to my fingernails.
STEP EIGHT
- (Optional) Protein! I always use a protein treatment and apply it my nails before using any polish, to help keep my nails strong underneath the polish. If your nails are mostly healthy you can skip this step and go straight for your polish.
Other things to keep in mind drinking more water and eating leafy greens will help to keep your nails healthy as well as help them grow longer. If you’re looking for something to grow your nails quicker and want to add it into your nail care routine, I suggest vitamins such as Biotin or Prenatal, which will also promote hair growth, so it’s a win win for everyone.
Do you have a nail care routine that you live by? Let me know in the comments below what you do to keep your nails strong and healthy!
Do you need a trick to get whiter nails? Check out my tips for getting whiter nails in 60 seconds!
You can all thank Chelsea, from Sunny With A Chance of Sprinkles for asking about this post, because with out her my simple nail care routine would still be my little secret 😉
Fab post! I’m going to try this out and start taking more care of my nails!
Do stop by and check out my blog
http://thesecretblogger-2011.blogspot.co.uk/
🙂
What moisturizer do you use throughout the day? I’ve been using the Pacifica Body Butter but was thinking about trying something new this time around.
Thank you SOO much for posting this! I’ve always wondered what the heck I should be doing with my nails 😉 I wish I was as good about doing mine as you are!
The vinegar tip is great! =)