Best Non Toxic Nail Salon in Houston

Nails aren’t boring anymore. So many types of manicures are now easily attainable, from short styles to bold colors. While some call them boring, we just think of them as a distraction (and a way to end the day when you have too much going on anyway). Whether your nails are longer or short, having super long nails is like having an extension to your fingertips. With a few things, you can get an A+ manicure with a minimum amount of maintenance.

So, check out our favorite guidelines on nail care below!

No more moisturizing. Instead, get your nails protected by over-the-counter, oil-free nail care products. Look to brands like Eversyn or Diamond Nail. They’re painless to use and won’t strip your nails while you’re at it.

Favlse/Getty Images

All you need are two sponges. Place one over each nail and rub them. Repeat this for a few hours or overnight. It’s one of the safest ways to keep your nails healthy, says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, executive vice president and creative director at OPI.

We understand: Liquid polish has never been my style. But it’s important to know that sometimes this DIY look is more forgiving. We’ve seen this DIY manicure look on Instagram, like Huda Kattan.

If you think a sliver of color on your nails isn’t what you had in mind, think again. Under-eye concealer (it adds a little more sophistication) and a glitter finger can create an eye-catching nail look.

Habib Mansour/Getty Images

A file is your best friend. Your nails will shine through much more easily with a very thin file that clips to your bottom edge and removes any flaky, dark polish.

Joan Crosier/H/T

A small chunk of water in the palm of your hand is the perfect hiding place for your false nails. With gel and oil-based colors, you can even toss in a little band aid or nail care products. Hydrogen peroxide is for prying them out, but not for drying them out.

Find water that’s perfect for your nails. In other words, see if your hands have mildew on them. If they do, reach for an oil-based water that’s milder than plain water.

Spay your ends. Your nails are porous, and when they’re bare, your cuticles absorb bacteria, says Joanna Vargas, a New York-based celebrity manicurist. Removing damaged cuticles is extremely important for healthy nail health, since cuticles seal all of the nail tissue and help protect against damage from the environment.

Curl your cuticles. This is a time-intensive thing, but it works to condition and maintain healthy nail health. If you haven’t already, do this once a week or so. Start with a square of a sterile eye makeup remover sponge (or a clear face scrub like Neutrogena Power Facial Cleaner) and gently wrap it around a nail bed that is slightly elevated.

TAYLOR YOUNG/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Bobby pins make a comeback. Sure, you may already have them in your collection, but it’s the perfect way to add a pop of color to a manicure. Just ensure that you’re using a clear finish, preferably one with a base that’s super soft and gentle. You’ll start with one on the tip of each toe. We love Nails Inc for a super easy match.

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/REX/Shutterstock

An excess of polish is what’s killing your nails. Our indulgence of the summer was to overdo it on the polish. But don’t. Wait until your manicure is done. (Worst. Decision. Ever.) After the polish has dried, use a polish scraper or a liquid acetone remover (or a combination of the two) to see if any polish has come off.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

You should never, under any circumstances, wear polish on your cuticles. This is a sign that your nails are extremely damaged, so you may want to get the entire nail taken out.

And, if you’re still a fan of hammer nails, just leave them out completely. We don’t care how sexy your nail art is. Who has time for that?