Manicure Musts for Natural Nail Care

Mar 26

Everyone who wants beautiful nails doesn’t always realize that it begins with proper nail care.

Instead, they go straight to throwing on a coat of polish, which can actually damage your nails by leaving them stained, dehydrated- and if the polish isn’t applied properly- peeling as well! Nicely manicured natural nails are underrated. Taking good care of your natural nails will not only leave them looking great- even when they are bare naked- but they will be healthy too! As a professional nail manicurist for over twenty five years, my advice to anyone who wants gorgeous nails- whether they want a natural look or all the works- is to start with the basics, and that’s nail hygiene!

So, what tools do you need to take care of your nails?

I highly recommend investing in high quality stainless steel nail care tools. Many people run to the store and grab the first thing they see on the shelf that matches the description of what they’re looking for. The problem with this though is that many of the tools on the market today unfortunately aren’t made to last that long, and they end up falling apart quickly or rusting. Instead of having to repurchase the same low quality tools over and over again, purchasing tools that are made to last right off the bat will save you time, and money in the long run. As well, a good nail tool kit will improve your manicuring skills! Look for stainless steel tools that you can disinfect.

Now that you have what you need, let’s go through, step-by-step, how to take care of your natural nails, following a routine that will leave them feeling fabulous and flaunt worthy all on their own, every time!

Use cuticle remover, not water!

Apply cuticle remover to the skin around the nail. Some of the remover will penetrate into the nail plate, but not enough to make a difference in the adhesion of nail polish like soaking in water would. The nail plate is porous, so soaking it in water causes the nail plate to swell and slightly change shape. Doing this would cause nail polish you apply later to peel and chip- even after the nail dries.

Determine how much free edge you have on each nail before you begin to trim.

Buildup under the nail can make it difficult to see the attachment point, so make sure to get a clear visual before you begin to trim. You do not want to cut your skin accidentally! After, apply more cuticle remover to the skin around the nail.

Use nippers!

Using 5mm nippers, trim the excess free edge of the nail. Insert the tip of the nippers halfway on one side of the nail and squeeze to make a small cut. Move along the nail, continuing to nip in the desired shape. Using a tool like this over standard fingernail clippers avoids bending the nail plate and exposing it to unnecessary pressure when you squeeze to trim the nail.

File the nail square on its free edge.

Smooth, shape and file your nail, taking special care to not tip the file forward or lean it backward. Sitting the file square on the nail’s free edge prevents it from becoming weak and less durable, like it can become after being filed at an angle.

Use lots of cuticle remover!

Applying generous amounts of cuticle remover to the skin around the nail will moisturize any dead skin, making it much easier and safer to remove. So, before using a cuticle pusher, apply another layer of cuticle remover!

Carefully use a cuticle pusher.

Using a cuticle pusher will remove the dead tissue from the nail plate as well as the fingertip. Be gentle while doing this! Place the angled end of the cuticle pusher on the nail plate and lightly push back the cuticle area. Do not push down on the nail plate too hard- you can actually scrape layers of the nail plate off doing this!

Never cause damage to living tissue around the nail.

Using nippers again, trim away any loose, white skin around the nail. This type of skin is not living tissue and is okay to trim. Use caution so as not to accidentally trim any living tissue.

And voila! Your natural nails are cleaned up, moisturized and revitalized!

This type of personal hygiene can be significant for reasons you may not have even realized. When you give yourself a manicure, you’re taking care of yourself. And when you take care of yourself, it’s showing yourself love, and loving yourself is the #1 must!

Lori Halloway

Lori Halloway is the creator of the Meticulous Manicurist nail tutorials, owner of Voila Salon and Spa in Saline, Michigan and author of Shear Savvy Secrets and Strategies for Successful Salon Apprenticeships. She has been recognized as a leader in the nail industry by magazines including Nails Magazine, Nail Pro, American Salon and TNG Magazine. Find Lori at themeticulousmanicurist.com as well as on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Visit Lori’s online store to find quality nail care tools!