Natural nail care at home, enabling you to cultivate salon-worthy nails through simple yet sophisticated techniques. With a proper weekly routine, you can ensure your nails are in perfect health.
Clean: Begin your nail care routine by thoroughly washing your hands with a gentle soap to remove any impurities. This step ensures that your nails are ready for pampering. After drying your hands, reach for a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover to wipe away any residual polish. This kind of remover is less harsh on your nails and cuticles, preserving their natural oils and preventing drying or damage.
File Carefully: The shape of your nails is key for enhancing their natural beauty. Using a high-quality nail file, shape your nails with care, gliding the file from the side to the centre in smooth, even strokes. Be sure to file in one direction to prevent splitting, which can occur if you see-saw the file back and forth. The goal here is not just aesthetics but also preventing snags and tears by maintaining strong nail edges.
Soak: Create a serene spa-like atmosphere at home with a warm water soak for your fingers. This softens the skin and cuticles, making them easier to work with and more receptive to moisturising treatments. Elevate this step by adding a drop of your favourite essential oil; lavender for relaxation or lemon for an invigorating zest. Soak for a few minutes, allowing the warmth to release tension and soften the nails.
Scrub: Exfoliation is a transformative step for your hands and nails. Create a homemade scrub by mixing ground oatmeal, honey, and a dash of flaxseed oil to nourish as it exfoliates. The optional drop of lavender oil not only adds a calming fragrance but also contributes to the healing process of the skin.
Gently massage the scrub over your hands and nails, focusing on any rough areas. Rinse away the scrub to reveal smoother skin that's eager to absorb the moisturising benefits of your hand cream.
Care for Cuticles: Your cuticles are the guardians of your nail's growth, so treat them with the utmost respect. Post-soak, gently pat your hands dry and apply a small amount of nourishing flaxseed oil to each cuticle to promote strength and growth. Gently push back the cuticles with a cotton bud or a cuticle pusher, but never cut them. Cutting can lead to infections and damage the nail bed.
Massage: Indulge in a therapeutic hand massage using a replenishing hand cream. Massaging improves circulation, which in turn encourages healthy nail growth. As you massage, pay particular attention to the nails and the surrounding skin. This not only aids in the absorption of the cream, making the hands soft and supple but also spreads the earlier applied flaxseed oil, doubling the benefits for your cuticles and nails.
Polish: If you're opting to paint your nails, ensure they're free from any oils or cream residues which could prevent polish adhesion. Swipe each nail with nail polish remover before starting with your base coat. The base coat protects your nails from staining and helps the colour adhere better. When applying colour, opt for two thin coats rather than one thick one, allowing drying time in between. Finish with a top coat to seal in the colour, adding a glossy finish and reducing the chances of chipping.
Remember, nail care is more than just a means to an end of beautiful nails; it's a ritual of self-care that nurtures both body and soul. By incorporating these steps into your regular beauty routine, you can achieve salon-quality results in the tranquillity of your own home.
