To get a longer-lasting manicure, follow the advice of US founding creative director. After applying base coat, paint just a bit of lacquer over the edge of each fingernail, almost like you’re wrapping the nail. It’s ok to get a bit of polish under the nail. This will help the manicure last a few days longer.
If your nails become more brittle after you start using nail polish, it’s most likely due to the acetone in most nail polish removers. Experiment with different removers to see what works best for you. When checking ingredients, note that 2-propanone, dimethyl ketone, propan-2-one and beta-ketopropane are all just other names for acetone. For a truly acetone-free, natural product, try Karma Organic’s remover.
- For a gentler manicure, consider using a plastic cuticle pusher or wooden orange stick wrapped in cotton instead of the standard metal orange stick.
Best tip Nails
Hindu stones can be very useful in both pushing cuticles back while removing excess cuticle. Be sure to use them gently.
Always apply at least 2 coats of nail polish to show its true color. According to Essie (yes, the Essie), wait 2 minutes between each coat.
If you have brittle nails and are looking for artificial nail strengtheners, be careful and check the product ingredients. Even brands that produce toxin-free lacquer still use some harsh chemicals in their nail care products. For example, the original OPI Nailsalon.best contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that has been linked to nasal sinus cancer.
Better yet, try a natural remedy, like soaking your nails in extra virgin olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes a day. You can also use a soothing cuticle cream like Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Crème to moisturize dry cuticles/nails.
For naturally strong nails (and hair), make sure you’re getting enough biotin in your diet. Foods that contain high amounts of biotin include Swiss chard, carrots, nuts, eggs, halibut, onions, cucumbers, and cauliflower. Consider taking biotin supplements if necessary.
To remove glitter nail polish, soak cotton pads in nail polish remover, place them on your nails, and wrap in aluminum foil. Wait for about 5 minutes, remove, and then wipe off the nail polish. It should come off much more easily.
Did we leave anything out? Let us know in the comments section!