As a mum, I had started to make peace with my nails just looking a little worse for wear. With two little ones at home, there was just no way I was going to get out for a manicure during the day. However, I’ve been so inspired by all of the at home manicures I’ve been seeing on TikTok and Pinterest. While I’m no professional nail artist, these tips and tricks have helped me do my nail care at home.
Nail Strength and Health
One of the things I missed most about going to the nail salon was how well they took care of my natural nails. Whenever I left, I felt like my nails had been pampered. When I started to learn about nail care at home, I really wanted to find products and techniques that gave my nails that fresh-from-the-salon feel. Here’s what I’ve learned!
Beauty Starts on the Inside
Certain vitamins and nutrients are key to growing strong and healthy nails. The good news? These vitamins and nutrients are in tons of easy accessible foods that benefit our bodies in a million ways, so you don’t have to go on a “nail diet”. Here are some nutrients you need for strong, healthy nails and where you can find them:
- Biotin
- Biotin is a B-complex vitamin and it’s absolutely essential for healthy hair and nails.
- Biotin is found in egg yolks, salmon, avocado, nuts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and some dairy products.
- Iron
- Iron helps carry oxygen to every cell in your body, and is crucial for your overall health. Iron deficiency can even change the shape and look of your nails! Who knew?
- Iron is found in animal products (beef, chicken, eggs, fish, etc.) but can also be found in peanuts, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables like kale.
- Vitamin C
- We hear a lot about collagen from beauty brands, but did you know that you can’t produce collagen without Vitamin C? A diet rich in vitamin C can help boost your natural collagen production.
- Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, red bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and most green vegetables.
You can read more about these nutrients for healthy skin and nails on Healthline.
For your health, it’s important to try and incorporate these vitamins and nutrients into your diet through the food that you eat. However, if you find you need an additional boost, you can add in a vitamin supplement. Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Vitamins are a fan favorite and are a great choice for a dietary supplement for nail care.
Nail Care at Home
There are a couple of key tips for strengthening your nails at home.
- Wash your hands regularly! Bacteria and dirt can break down your nails.
- Instead of clipping or removing your cuticles, take care of them. I love the Cuccio Naturale Milk and Honey Cuticle Oil.
- Keep a nail file on hand. Most dermatologists and nail care specialists recommend crystal (or glass) nail files like these VAGA Crystal Nail Files.
- If you’re going to paint your nails – always use a base coat or nail protectant. I like the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails treatment.
Painting Your Nails at Home
I am very proud of all of the creators I see on social media who have learned to do advanced nail art and acrylic powder at home, but I can assure you….that won’t be me! I’ve found that a simple gel manicure is easy for me to do, but has long lasting results. Here are some tools I use for a nearly perfect gel manicure at home:
Gel Base and Top Coats
Gel Manicures require a base coat to protect your nails, and a top coat to protect the polish. I’m a big fan of the Aimeili base coat and no wipe top coat combo.
Gel Color
If you’ve been following my page, you know I’m a big fan of neutrals. Since I like a more minimalist look, I’ve found that the All Seasons Kit from Modelones has twelve great color options!
UV LED Nail Lamp
Gel manicures are unique, because they need to be cured under a UV LED Nail Lamp. Be careful these can run on the expensive side. Since I’m not trying to turn this into a career (just trying to take care of my nails!), I like the GreenLife lamp because it has four timer settings and 36 bead lights but only costs around $24.
Gel Nail Polish Remover
You do not want to remove gel nail polish the same way you’d remove traditional polish. You definitely want to soak them rather than wipe or rub them off. This is how I do it:
- Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover.
- Use remover clips to hold the soaked cotton balls on my nails.
- After about 10-15 minutes, I remove the clips and the polish is magically removed!
Alternatively, there are brands that offer a brush-on gel polish remover that’s also a great option!
Healthy Nails are Pretty Nails!
Remember, a great nail care routine is the best way to ensure that your nails look amazing! If a fresh manicure makes you feel amazing, try doing it at home. You’ll be amazed at what you can do!
All products linked in this article (and more!) can be found on my Amazon Storefront.
xoxo Fil
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