You know how so many people equate spending time with a manicurist to an exchange of bodily fluids? Think again. I’m not talking about pucker-strewn dinners or even handsy hands. The thrill of the interaction between me and my manicurist is in the steps leading up to the mani/pedi itself. I love how fragrant and therapeutic the experience is. Manicurists create a sense of excitement. Then, once the nail art is complete, it’s off to the side of the table, where she follows the “feed through, snack up, and be prepared” formula.
I get that it’s easy to see why plenty of women never leave the house without their nail art on, but her job calls for far more than getting what you ask for. Ultimately, a manicurist is there to take care of your nails and keep them healthy, so it makes sense that she would have those “tips” on her list. A few of mine are below, along with a few more essential tips for your grooming routine.
1. Clean and Moisturize Your Hands and Feet
Good hygiene is one of the keys to healthy nails. There are two things I do when I touch the artboard: wash my hands and dry them with a towel. It’s easy and good for health. After the mani/pedi, I always check in on my nails. Even if you aren’t planning on getting nail polish any time soon, the simple act of using your hands can help ward off bacteria, dry it out, and kill it. After the manicure, I towel myself off, get dressed, get my keys out of my bag, and do just about anything else I can do while being mindful of my skin and feet.
2. Don’t Use Too Much Liquid Cream
People who go to polish salons religiously do what sounds like a death sentence for their skin: polish cream. A simple, easily accessible way to protect your hands and nails is to use enough gel or even water. It’ll lock your nails in place and make it even more difficult for nail polish remover to come in contact with them. On top of that, I use their gel mani kit that includes nail file, setting wax, and cuticle softener. Since this stuff goes on right after you put on your nail polish, it makes a big difference. I’ll be honest: if I’m going to have to keep those oils in my room overnight, a nail file or cuticle softener would be useless.
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3. Quit Setting Deep Conditioning
Sometimes when I go to great manicurists, they’re constantly telling me about the benefits of setting (DCE). I think they’re giving me the wrong information. I don’t hear about strengthening nails (DS). I never go to a salon with polish remover or polish. The only time I do see DS is when I need to bed dry my hands, but I never seem to catch anyone talking about it. That said, you should start acting out of good health when it comes to your nails and skin. If you’re suffering from dry, cracked, brittle, or sparse nails, you should invest in a hand or body moisturizer. It’ll boost the sebum supply and help keep your nails healthy and strong. If you’re worried about moisture at night, use a water-based sheet mask when you get up.
4. Stop the Dry Nail’s “Twilight”
Nails that have just had a paint job generally feel dried up and kind of scabby. The worst is when they are cracked. If this happens to you regularly, you’re letting unhealthy bacteria grow. Go for a color that has an “On Your Side” or “Terrarium” formula, or you can try a DIY finish. A purple/amber combination looks especially vibrant. Some of my go-to recipes include shaving soap, lemon juice, and your favorite polishing pumice. It’ll make your nail healthy, sparkly, and perfect for your painting.
5. What I’d Like to Change About Nail Arts
I like the dry painting that occurs during manicures; it’s a lot less messy than in store manicures. But now I hear more about gel and acetone. If you’re going to have acrylic nails, try to get it painted in the “temporary” sun so the paint doesn’t fade or “go dark.”
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