To get gorgeous, healthy looking and manicured nails, you need to have access to the right tools. Not only do you need the right equipment, but you need to know how to use them. We all want to have beautiful, perfectly manicured hands, but we don't always know the best way to get them. Educating yourself about how to care for your nails properly is an important first step to having healthy nails.
Use a good nail file
Using the wrong nail file can result in split nails. Your nail kit should contain a proper nail file. Beauty experts recommend using a glass file which will force you to file in one direction avoiding the problems that occur with filing against the grain.
Apply a good base coat
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and then apply a base coat. The base coat is prepping your nails for polish. Without a base coat, your nails can become stained yellow, regardless of the colour of nail polish. Skipping base coat is the number one reason polish chips shortly after it's applied.
Seal nail polish with a topcoat
Once you’ve painted your nails a lovely shade, seal it with a slow-setting topcoat. Although the quick-dry types are appealing, they evaporate fast, leaving polish soft and clotted looking. A topcoat which is slower acting is better in the long run as it leaves a harder, more perfect finish to your nails.
Be kind to your cuticles
Soften your cuticles with cuticle oil. Cuticle oil will soften your skin and is also great for fighting against the negative results some actions such as hand washing, being in the pool, and salt water can have on your nails. Use cuticle oil regularly to see results.
Use a match box
A quick tip, if you’re in need of a nail file but can’t find one, use the back of a matchbook for a quick sand down.
Top up pedicures
Pedicures never last as long as we would like them to. To make it last a little longer, apply a top coat to keep nails shiny and to stop polish from chipping.
Be kind to your nails
Be careful when using your nails as tools to open cans for example. If you want good nails, treat them that way.