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BodyCare: Nail Edition!

  • Jun 14, 2020
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 19, 2020



Psst, we’re starting a new series on the blog - BodyCare! We want to provide you with ways on how to pamper yourself via step-by-step routines, and we link all of the products we love so you don’t have to go searching for hours on the internet. Best of all, every single routine is quarantine-friendly :-) we hope you love it!


The nail salons are closed, and we miss our nail technicians dearly :-( but don’t worry! Shreya has mastered an at-home manicure that she does once a week, and guess what - it doesn’t cost her anything (well, besides the initial cost of the tools she uses!). But, by developing this routine, she’s been able to save hundreds of dollars and stay in the comfort of her own home. She’s linked all of the materials she personally uses under each one, so check those out!


Removing Old Nail Polish

Before you begin doing anything to your nails, it’s important to remove any nail polish you might have on! It’s important to choose the right nail polish remover for the product you are removing from your nails. If it is gel nail polish or acrylics, soak your nails in 100% acetone, as this is strong enough to break through the polymers composing these products; if it is regular nail polish, use a nourishing nail polish remover, as this is much gentler than 100% acetone, which can be damaging on your nails and the skin around them.


Soaking Nails in Lukewarm Water

It’s important that you soften your cuticles and the skin around your nails before you push back or trim the cuticles - this is to prevent damage to your nail plate from forceful pushing and your cuticles from excessive trimming. Soak your nails for about five minutes in lukewarm water. To make it a bit fancier, you can add epsom/bath salts to the water as well! Shreya enjoys using a lavender-scented one meant for sports to thoroughly relax her hand muscles.


Pushing Back/Trimming Cuticles

Use a cuticle pusher to push the excess cuticle on your nail bed back - you can opt for a silicone cuticle pusher or a metal one (Shreya has tried both, and finds the metal one to be more effective). Then, use a cuticle trimmer to remove the extra cuticle that has been pushed back, and go in with a cuticle nipper to remove any hangnails or extra skin. Use the other end of the cuticle pusher to sweep underneath the nails and remove any hidden debris.


Clipping/Filing Nails

Use a nail clipper to cut your nails to the desired length. Shreya recommends making small, incremental cuts sideways, in single direction, rather than clipping all at once, as it is much gentler on the nail bed, and prevents breakage. To file your nails, Shreya highly suggests using a glass filer (seriously, it has completely revolutionized her nail care game!) in lieu of an emery board or metal filer.


Buffing Nails

Depending on how frequently you repeat this manicure process, you might want to skip this step. Since Shreya does it every week, she only buffs her nails once a month, and recommends you do so too. This is because buffing your nails involves removing the topmost layer to smooth out any ridges (and it helps your polish stick on better!), so doing it too often can thin your nails out. Shreya absolutely LOVES the nail buffer she’s linked below - it truly is AMAZING!


Clean-Up

Once you’ve completed these steps, you might notice a white, powdery substance covering your nails and skin - that’s the part of your nails you’ve shaved off! It’s time to go wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If your hands are looking scaly, Shreya recommends using a hand scrub to exfoliate the dead skin and reveal new skin cells. You should also consider using a nail brush to clean underneath your nails, as gunk can build-up there too. Once you’ve dried your hands, apply on a thick layer of hand lotion (preferably one that smells really yummy hahah!)


Applying Fresh Nail Polish

Since nail polish best sticks to your nails when they’re completely void of moisture, it’s important to use a dehydrator on your nails (do this step after 10 minutes or so - once you’ve let the lotion you applied to soak into your nails). Then, proceed by applying a base coat to your nails, nail polish of your choice (something that goes with the season, of course!), and finishing it off with a glossy (or matte) top coat! Voila, you now have a beautiful salon-like manicure :-)))


Love,





 
 
 

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