Best Non Toxic Nail Salon in Houston

Here are some tips to give your hands and nails a boost so you can feel feminine and confident.

POPSUGAR: You used to be a stylist for the big fashion shows, what’s your advice for people interested in getting their hands and nails done?

Karen Shaw: Follow the tips I gave in my tips and tricks of glamorous nails and bags. Yes, the nails should be clean, but your hands and nails should also look great. Keep it professional and simple.

PS: How long do you keep your nails for?

KSH: Within a few days, you can let your nails grow. If you’re not thrilled with them, don’t let them get so long that they become grotesque. It’s important to only keep your nails this long if you’re looking for a winter going-out look. If you’re going out to dinner for the week, or if you want a night out with friends, you can let your nails grow.

PS: Is there any style or look you love?

KSH: I love the glamour of black lace nails. I don’t love anything with red nails, obviously.

PS: What’s your favorite nail polish shade?

KSH: I love acrylic nails and it’s hard to go wrong with an everyday color. It may not be the best nail color for the environment, but I really feel strongly about making sure your fingernails last. I usually go for a cream color or a wine color. White, with the exception of the black ice cream licks, is my favorite. I have a little nail polish collection.

PS: What nail polish is your favorite?

KSH: That’s a hard one to pick! There’s so many beautiful colors on the market. I will pick the one that looks the best on me. That kind of personalizes the color palette. I personally love olive and corals, which are trending in the nail polish industry.

PS: How many colors do you usually wear at a time?

KSH: I rarely wear more than three shades at a time. My nails last about three months without any water and three months with water.

PS: What tools do you use to do your own work?

KSH: I use my own bottle. I always get an Aquaphor, a petroleum jelly, and a good pair of tweezers. I always get a mani, but you can use those at home too!

PS: What about on the go? Are you able to get manicures on the run?

KSH: Do I like to get my nails done in the car or plane? Absolutely. I live in New York City and you will have a few flights a week, or a meeting. I tend to wear clear polish and color-matching nail designs, or in black and white with a wood stain. These days, I’m doing a lot of acrylic with “cutting shade” types of color and lasting half a month. It’s a fast way to preserve your beauty.

PS: How often do you care for your hands and nails?

KSH: I usually take them to the salon once a month or a couple of times a month depending on how great I feel. I moisturize and use an antiaging cream to maintain skin. I follow the product directions, but I do prefer not to get a pedicure.

PS: What do you like to keep in the pantry to keep your hands looking so good?

KSH: I have great Skincare SOS brands and I love my Blueberry Verbena scrubs. I like to eat fresh, organic fruit and vegetables every day. I also use pineapple cheek and lip oil and Godiva coconut oil.

PS: Where can you find good products at?

KSH: I shop at Bond Street in NYC, Seven Jocelyn in London and Lord & Taylor in NYC. Products at Nails Mania can be found online. I like to use a smooth towel over my fingers to remove any residue. As for makeup, I actually like to skip this part.