Nail Care Routine

I've grown my nails out from little nubs after biting them for nearly my whole life. When it comes to doing your own nails it can be challenging to get the same results as the salon. Here is the step-by-step routine I use to keep my nails done. I do this about once every two weeks for both hands & feet. Also worth a mention, I use a nail brush every single time I wash my hands, even on my toes in the shower. I even carry a nail brush around in my purse.

Not Mine {NiCole on Instagram}

Step 1: Gather and then sanitize all tools and supplies with an alcohol cleansing pad to avoid nasty infections.

Wash your hands; use a nail brush to get under the nails. Remove the old manicure with acetone to start with a clean, dry base.

Step 2: Decide what shape you want your natural nail to take; when in doubt, round/oval will do. Its shape prevents snagging.

After making a decision, trim your nails to the desired length & shape using the nail clippers. Then, using a nail file clean up the general shape of your nails only moving the nail file in a singular direction because moving it back & forth can cause peeling.

Step 3: Apply the cuticle softener or soak hands before using a cuticle pusher to softly push back the cuticles [thin layer of skin growth at the base of the nail].

Optional: If you know how, use you cuticle nippers to remove excess cuticle.

Step 4: Wash hands & dry completely before buffing the nail to remove the top layer of shine & dehydrate the nail bed with acetone or rubbing alcohol.

Step 5: First put on UV protection gloves/sunscreen [avoid nails], or both. Apply your base coat and cure it in a UV lamp. Next, using the nail extension form, apply builder gel, then cure it with the UV lamp. Now file down any rough edges and apply a coat of nail polish. Cure the nail polish in the UV lamp before applying your top coat and curing it in the UV lamp.

Step 6: Once the last coat of nail polish has set completely, apply cuticle oil or hand lotion.

All The Nail Supplies Used

• Alcohol Cleansing Pads
• Nail Brush
• Nail Polish Remover [100% Acetone]
• Nail Clippers
• Nail File [Glass]
• Cuticle Softener
• Cuticle Pusher
• Cuticle Nipper [Optional]
• Nail Buffer
• UV Lamp
• UV Protection Gloves
• Base Gel
• Reusable Nail Extension Form
• Builder Gel [BIAB]
• Gel Nail Polish [Colored]
• Top Coat
• Cuticle Oil / Mosturizer

My favorite nail polish is from a brand called Sunday [https://dearsundays.com/]; it is vegan, 10 free, & cruelty-free. My favorite color from this brand is a dark natural shade of pink: No. 49.

My favorite nail color of all time is OPI's "Put it in Neutral."