How to Keep Your Nails Clean and Healthy

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If you’re the type of person who’s frequently struck with the idea of “My plan for the year: food, relaxation, laundry… nail polish,” there are several things you can try in your quest to change your favorite beauty routine. One option is to dabble in everything from custom lacquer to paint-by-numbers tube nail polish, along with some more out-there treatments such as brand new acrylic nail color. But once you’ve browsed Pinterest for the best of the best, it’s time to make the hard choice: stay with your tried-and-true clippers or try a different snip.

If you’d rather make the move to bigger clippers, opt for a different way to trim the nails, like using your vacuum cleaner. “My favorite way to trim nails is to use my vacuum cleaner, since it’s extra helpful in removing dead skin tissue and prevents getting nasty chemicals on the top of the nail,” shares Camilla Cappuccio. If you prefer a spa vibe, ask your stylist to shape your nail at the spa or even ask your manicurist to create a pair of matching acrylics that are frozen at the bases.

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From new tips and creams to the latest removals, read on for expert nail-care advice and more DIY beauty for your all-time favorite talons.

Topknotting Nails

If you’ve always wanted to add some texture to your tattooed tips, check out a topknot that adds both length and shape, as Eliz Rubio from the Beauty Foundry shares: “Embellish your newest addition with this iridescent inlay, topper that glides on as opposed to requiring an inking.” The bonus? “I recommend this one for when you want to switch it up!”

Check out more ideas for switching up your nail design: what to do if your nail color is fading.

First Cut Layering

Last week, I received my first, genuine DIY nail-care product. A mere month after giving birth to my first child, I “made my own nail care” with L’Occitane Icy Shampoo. “I cut the paste into strips that can be tossed on top of my pre-selected manicure before dipping in the acrylic polish,” shares Amber Santiago. She recommends “like this two-step strategy, to avoid having a messy mess in your manicure.”

Finally, we hear that an investment in professional gel polish works. “My gel manicure gives me the perfect shape and lasts a long time,” says Yezelle Guzman.

Alicia Moack, nail designer at the I-Luxe Spa, recommends an investing in the Right Next Gels as your next must-have. “I add a top coat every night to reduce drying time and that shows your nails are in tip-top shape!”

A Trim from a Professional Cutter

New to cutters? A simple tutorial to get you started can get you started, such as my blog and Instructables.com. Have questions or just need a taste of salon cutting? QVC.com and myblogeology.com are usually good resources.

Because Nails Are Painful

Food can be powerful for new, healthy nails. Cindy Brown from The Booty Snapping explains how to add oomph to the base layer with her book, Tasty Tips for Healthy, Happy Moms. “Brush baby food on the cuticles and use a grapefruit spoon. It creates texture without interfering with the nails.”

Don’t Be Afraid to Demand More Accessories

With all the attention on nails and manicures, there’s no better time to demand accessories for your nails from retailers like Aerie. “All you have to do is send in a picture of your nails to receive extra accessories to boost your manicure,” says Brown. “[This] is such a great money-saving tactic.”

Carolyn Barnett from Julep Magazine is also enthusiastic about the value of shopping at places like the Children’s Place. “Since the furniture department of your local chain store can be overrun with junk — it’s great that the kids can get a cute gift to finish off their pedicure, and at the same time, you’re benefiting from the brands’ merchandise.”

Coordinating with Your Hormones

Keep pregnancy hormones in check by investing in a silicone nail pen, says Chelsea Short from The Krimka Clean Shampoo and Body Wash. “There’s a new age-green [gel manicure] coming out now, and these little things (oral strips) will help to reduce oil and odor and make nails look healthier.”