Instead of splurging on pricey nail polish and staying one step ahead with up-to-the-minute styles, try these tips to keep your manicure looking new all year round.
1. Use Fading Ink
Using a product called Fading Ink ($14, spacetails.com) is a great way to freshen your nails in a matter of minutes with a colorful formula. Add a few drops to a cotton swab, and stick your finger in it to avoid streaks. The color fades from the edge to the center and doesn’t look too shiny.
2. Keep Them Clean
Overly clean nails are a surefire way to wind up with dry and tough looking nails. Wipe your nails with an oil-based polish remover to keep them smooth and shiny, and then add a few drops of sea salt to help absorb excess water.
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3. Use Hot Oil Care
Use the oil of rosemary, fennel, garlic, or basil as a conditioning oil to brighten your nails and add a little bit of zing. For a little bit of extra polish, skip the oil and use your finger as a dipstick. Apply a bit of fresh polish onto your nail tips and let it dry.
4. For Rid of Breakage, Just Stretch It
Nail damage can come from any angle, so stretch your nails throughout the day to boost circulation. Spritz your nails with a hot compress, or apply a twisty rubber band to them. You can also apply band-aids to the ends of your nails when the nail won’t heal.
5. Wash Your Nails Regularly
Moisturize your nails, and always dip your fingers or toes into an oil-based base coat when you’re done walking. I prefer coconut oil. When you’re ready to reach for the polish, apply it gently to your own nails to seal in your color and soften up the edges. You can also create patterns by carefully tapping on your nails to test how it matches your shape.
6. Set and Set
To keep your nails hydrated and to keep from slipping, place a layer of wax between your nail and the nail bed. I like having the wax between my mani and pedi on the first day I’m away from home, so that my nails don’t grow out when I return. And while you’re at it, check out these tips for an extra-smooth pedicure.
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