Best Non Toxic Nail Salon in Houston

By Natasha Jauhari, Associate Beauty Editor

I was attracted to my first nail salon, and from there it was not until later, when I was pregnant with my daughter that I realized that my DIY manicure skills were subpar, even if I could wax that manicure in less than a minute.

Image: POPSUGAR Photography / Steph Sherer

It takes a lot of research and hard work for nail art, but I’m sure you already know the rules for natural nails — a true mani must have no chalk or loose, unfinished nails. These tips will help you keep your nails healthy, long and beautiful. And while the follow-through won’t be super-tough, it is important to follow instructions. It’s not just your fingers, your hands are a sensitive part of your body, after all.

More: 20 fabulous tips for the perfect manicure

1. Apply self-tanner to your hands

This is my rule: Use self-tanner and apply it to your hands. People probably look at me funny when I show up with tan on my hands. Seriously, I always am in the habit of sunbathing, and I tend to get pretty light-brown hands.

2. Hold a hypoallergenic nail polish remover in your hand

This is my rule: If you have to use nail polish remover, do it by holding it in your hand.

3. Apply moisturizer to the face and the backs of your hands

This is also my rule: If you have to use moisturizer to treat your face and the backs of your hands, apply it to your face and the backs of your hands.

4. Apply sunscreen to the nails

I always have a full-coverage, water-resistant sunscreen that I can easily apply.

5. Use a clean nail polish remover that contains dihydroxyacetone (aka, DHA)

If you have to use a topical sunscreen, use this safe and effective product with DHA.

6. Bicarb solutions are great for dry or dull hands

If you have a dry or dull hand and you are not familiar with bicarb solutions, these are great because they are super-easy to use.

7. Apply a face serum and your spa.

This one is for anyone who spends hours every week using their hands — a homemade face serum.

8. Try a heat sterilization system

If you have a spray container or mask you don’t have to put in the microwave for 60 seconds, you can use a heating sterilization system. I find that the glue will be less tacky after use.

9. Mix a little extra olive oil into your cleanser

This is for anyone who uses a lot of olive oil.

10. Blow dry your hands and the tips of your nails at the same time

My favorite technique for achieving long, natural-looking nails is to blow dry the tips of your hands and the skin of your nails at the same time. It will create a nice shine. Also a bonus is that you get a really smooth finish.

More: The closest nail salon in London