I’m looking down at my nails and thinking how badly I need a manicure. There are never enough hours in the day to get everything done that NEEDS to get done, let alone what I would “like” to get done.
Did you know that there are dangers associated with getting a manicure? It may make you think twice about using your “me” time at a nail salon and opt to do it at home.
Manicure Precautions and tips to make that beautiful manicures last!
DON’T CUT YOUR CUTICLES – There is no need to, unless they are dead. Use a cuticle oil and gently push them back. They protect your fingers against dirt and bacteria. The cuticle oil is a perfect preventative against hang nails too!
CLEANLINESS OF TOOLS – Even though the salons have those UV lights and contraptions that look like toaster ovens, the tools used may not be properly disinfected and cleaned. Nail files, toe separators and buffing tools are not easy to clean and are meant to be disposable. If you plan on, or already do, get frequent manicures think about purchasing your own set of tools to bring with you to each appointment.
NAIL FILING – Make sure that your nails are filed in one direction and not back and forth. Filing back and forth causes jagged edges and splitting.
BASE COAT – I used to think I could skip the base coat, but it’s not a good idea. First off, it helps create a smooth surface for the main coats of nail polish. It also protects the nails from discoloration when dark colors are applied. Can you say
Wicked?!
HANGNAILS – I usually get hangnails when my nail beds and cuticles are super dry. As mentioned above, rub some oil along your cuticles to prevent this.
LONGEVITY: To keep your polish looking fresh, apply top coat every 2 – 3 days. Try the OPI one mentioned above. Essie also has a great “no chip” top coat as well. To aid in drying my nails a bit faster, I apply Sally Hansen’s Insta Dry.
Everyone loves to pamper themselves and of course, wants their hands and nails to look great. If you opt for a mani at a local salon, just be wary of their cleanliness and techniques. You want to walk out of there with fabulous nails and nothing else!
I’ve never been a huge fan of manicures for all those reasons. Especially, the cleanliness part. I’m a little germaphobic, so reusing those tools gross me out. I’d definitely bring my own!
I don’t blame you for feeling that way. I usually bring my own too 🙂
I love to paint my own nails! Now I have learned more tips! I haven’t tried the insta dry but will look into that next time I’m shopping for nail items!
Rose, what are your favorite products? I love to learn about new ones!
I like to do my own nails, but if I went to a salon for manicures I would definitely take my own tools!
Totally agree with you on that!
I always thoroughly check the cleanliness of a spa before getting a manicure! I can’t do it if they aren’t using a fresh or sterilized set of tools each time. There’s so much risk involved!
I agree completely! The last thing I want is an infection from a manicure!
I never ever get manicures and I very rarely paint my nails because it chips way too fast! I need to look into a better top coat.
Emily, even though it is time consuming, applying a top coat every 2-3 days does help with the longevity of the manicure.
Awesome post! I never cut my cuticles because I’m scared I might end up hurting myself but now I know it’s also more sanitary not to do so. Thanks for sharing :))
Thank you Rosalyn! Whenever I used to go for manicures I wouldn’t think twice of getting my cuticles cut, but now I ask for them to be pushed back.
I prefer to do it myself. With all the cooking and cleaning I do, the polish doesn’t usually last a day. Have you tried a glass nail file? It leaves the tips of my nails smooth and snag free, no matter which direction I use it.
I’ve seen the glass nail files but I haven’t tried them. I’ll pick one up this weekend and check it out – thank you for the recommendation Renee!
I had no idea that you should apply a top coat every couple of days! My nail polish ALWAYS chips within a couple of days. Maybe this will help!
Yes, extra top coat does the trick – it’s just remembering to reapply 😉
I am liking the idea of my own tools. Of course then I am responsible for keeping them as clean as possible.
With the holidays upon us, the luxury of a manicure would be nice. For now basic nail care is going to have to suffice.
Ah hangnails—the bane of our existence!
I really despise hangnails too!! I wish I had the time to go and pamper myself with a manicure (with my own tools of course!) but I am with you Rae – basic nail care it is!
I totally am a no-cutting-cuticles convert! I was getting weekly manicures last year and my cuticles were horrific every week… if not getting worse! The manicurist’s solution was to come even more often just to get them trimmed. -__- That’s when I started DIYing my mani’s at home and gave my nails a break from the acetone completely and got a quality cuticle pusher tool. My mani’s now look totally professional and the shape and my nailbed are sooo much better than they ever looked getting ‘professionally’ done. No to acetone and cutting those cuticles! 🙂
Steffanie, I’ve been unintentionally not getting my nails done the past few weeks due to lack of time and it’s actually been benefitting my nails! What is your favorite nail cuticle pusher tool?
I need to be better about filing in one direction! I usually just go to town with my file! great tips!
Thanks Chelsie! I used to do the same thing with my nails. Someone in the comments above mentioned that the glass nail files aren’t as harsh on our nails.