Nail Care: Best Practices for Healthy Nails

It’s often said that hair and nails can be a window into a person’s overall health. In need of hydration or nourishment? You’ll definitely see that on someone’s skin, but it’s also evident by looking at their nails. Even circulatory health can be spotted by way of the nails. While much of these health clues are systemic and relate to your entire body, there are some things you can do (and not do!) for nail health. And, of course, let’s not forget the manicure part of this: Keeping your hands and nails healthy can result in a much better-looking at home manicure. Allow us to break down what’s what when it comes to fingernail health.

Here’s what you should do so your manicure looks its best:

DO turn to supplements that promote nail health. Biotin, vitamin E and fish oil are your friends, and taking them daily is sure to strengthen nails. 

DO moisturize daily. Even in the summer! Washing your hands is great, but can be drying and result in weak fingernails, so be sure to give them an extra hit of moisture. Better yet, try a hand soap with moisture in it, too. This is great to do the night before you plan to use your Nimble, or after you polish has fully set.  (Oils from your moisturizers can cause polish to slide off and impact how long your manicure lasts.)

DO use cuticle oil—here are some of the best ones. Cuticle care can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your hands and nails their healthiest.  Make sure to apply these the night before you plan to use your Nimble, and not directly before.

DO keep your nails clean by washing them (and under them) regularly—especially if you wear your nails long.

DO trim your nails regularly. This will also help be more hygienic. 

DO clean your nail equipment after use. We recommend soaking your stainless steel or metal nail tools in Isopropyl Alcohol for 30 minutes—or just use soap and warm water.  You may wipe down your Nimble’s hand plate with Isopropyl Alcohol or a disinfecting wipe.  No other part of your Nimble touches your fingers other than the individual capsule brushes, so no need to clean anything else!

DO give your nails an occasional break from manicures—especially if you do a lot of gel manicures. A breath of fresh air never hurts.  We recommend waiting a few days between gel polish removal and using your Nimble, just to give your nails a chance to breathe.

DO keep your removal of polish as gentle as possible. No need to go rough. 

DO use a nail hardener. Here are some good ones for strengthening your nails.

Here’s what you need to avoid for your healthiest, strongest nails:

DON’T use your nails to do things like open soda cans or scrap off labels. Consider a bottle opener!

DON’T bite your nails. We know, we know—easier said than done. But there are so many reasons to put an end to this habit.  Wearing standard lacquer (like Nimble’s vegan, cruelty-free, 13-free formula) can help break this habit! 

DON’T wash dishes with your bare hands. Channel your inner homemaker and reach for the yellow rubber gloves instead.

DON’T use acetone-based nail polish removers—they can really wreak havoc. Instead, try an acetone-free remover like any of these. 

DON’T cut your cuticles, and instead push them back. Why? Because finger infections are no fun for anyone. 

DON’T pull off hangnails, no matter how tempting it can be. Instead use clippers or nail scissors to remove them. 

Pretty easy, right? Simply follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have healthy hands and nails.  Now, learn how to prep your nails for a flawless manicure.