Manicures are a great way to spend a bit of time pampering yourself. Often, after the manicure is over, even if we are in the top healthy nail salons, we tend to rush home and forget about our nails. As we get into bed or get ready for the next day, we forget about this new, fresh manicure and its maintenance needs.
Manicures are wonderful additions to your self-care routine that can make you look clean, professional, and polished. But how do you care for your nails? ‘
Here are some tips to help you keep up with your manicure on your own:
Apply Cuticle Oil
Applying cuticle oil is a great way to keep your nails hydrated and looking healthy. Cuticle oils have different strengths, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Wipe the area around your nails with a cotton ball or gauze pad to apply cuticle oil. Then apply cuticle oil directly to the base of your nail and massage it into your skin until it feels smooth and silky.
If you’re worried about staining your nails, try applying just a tiny drop of oil until you find the strength that works best for you.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your nails after a manicure is essential to keep them strong and healthy. Nail polish remover can also cause nail dehydration if not formulated for such use. It can lead to thickening of the nail and even damage. If you’re using a remover specifically formulated for removing nail polish, it will be safe for use on your nails.
If you’re using a remover that isn’t specifically formulated for removing nail polish, try substituting one of those with another type of cleaner with which you’re familiar. Try washing with regular soap rather than hot water or using a gentle scrubbing motion rather than rubbing until dry.
Avoid Hot Water
Soak your nails in warm water, but don’t do this after a manicure. Hot water can damage the nail plate, which is the top layer of your nail. The plate is what holds the nail polish and makes it stronger and more durable.
If you want to keep your nails longer, take care of them while they’re still wet. After showering, ensure to dry off your hands so that they’re not soaking wet when you apply your polish.
File Nails Gently After a Manicure
Nails are one of the most delicate parts of the body. They are easily damaged, so it’s important to take good care of them. File your nails gently after a manicure to avoid breaking them.
When filing your nails, use a gentle filing motion with long strokes from the tip of each nail to where it meets the skin. Be sure to only file in one direction—do not round over the edges of your nails.
Avoid Synthetic Nails
Synthetic nails are a great way to make your manicures last longer, but they’re not the best option for your nails. Synthetic nails are made with plastic and other materials that can’t be replaced. As a result, they can wear down your natural nail and cause bacteria to develop on your skin.
If you wear synthetic nails, it’s important to keep them away from the skin around your cuticles and nails. You should also avoid submerging your hands in water for long periods; if you do, ensure you dry them off thoroughly afterward.
Reduce Water Usage
When getting a manicure, the technician will use water to clean your nails and make them look healthier. The water helps to remove the dead skin and oils on your nails. It also helps soften the cuticle so that when you file it down, it’s easier to shape your nails into the desired shape.
But if you’re not careful, this can harm your nails. If you use too much water during a manicure, there’s too much moisture in the nail bed. It happens over time; it can cause dryness and cracking of the nail bed. In addition, this can lead to ingrown toenails or fungal infections under your fingernails because bacteria can build up in areas with lots of moisture from using so much water.
To avoid these conditions, consider scaling back on how much water you use during a manicure! Try using less than half as much as usual for each coat of polish—this should still allow enough time for your nails to dry before applying another coat of polish over them.
Scraping Nail Paint Is Wrong
Do not scrape off nail polish. It’s a pain and can cause damage to your nails. You can get rid of any leftover nail polish by using a nail file, but be sure to use one designed for that purpose. Some files are made for removing polish, but others will also remove your cuticles and skin. If you don’t want to take the extra step, use acetone-based nail polish remover instead.
You should also avoid scratching your nails while they’re wet. It can cause infection and redness in the surrounding area, which can be painful and embarrassing!
If you remove the polish with an abrasive object (such as an emery board), disinfect your hands afterward with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide (99% pure).
Avoid Dough
It can be very difficult to remove once it’s dried. If you try to use it to remove polish from your nails, you may ruin your manicure by causing the polish to crack or flake off.
Instead, try using a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. You can also use an acetone-free polish remover if you’re worried about the chemicals harming your nails.
Give your nails the attention they deserve after the manicure. Start by choosing the right products to use during and after your manicure. High-quality products will save you a lot of time and money in the long run because they will be more likely to protect your nails from breaking, cracking, and other damage.
Make sure you are using nail polish formulated for your nails because it can make a big difference in keeping them healthy.