Anyone who knows me knows my nails are always prepped, painted, or powdered, and healthy nails are a necessity for long-lasting manicures. Here are a few of my favorite tools for pretty and strong natural nails.
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100% acetone to ensure all previous product is removed. My favorite kind is the gallon of acetone from Sally's, but most people wouldn't go through that much in their lifetime, so 16 ounces should get the job done. You'll also need some cotton balls.
Cuticle remover and pusher to clean the nail plate of dead skin. Ensure you follow instructions on the bottle for safe removal, but I've found this stuff to be incredible at removing dead skin without damaging my nails. Pro tip: Your "cuticle" is not the crescent of live skin at the base of your nail--that's the proximal nail fold of the eponychium, and you shouldn't mess with that unless you're a professional. Your cuticle is just the dead skin on your nail plate that sticks around after you push down the proximal fold. And if you don't remove it, your polish won't adhere very well and will be more likely to chip and lift.
Nippers for loose skin and hang nails. You can find basic ones that are very affordable, or you can spring for a higher quality pair that will stay sharper longer, maybe from a reliable brand like Tweezerman. I personally have a small pair (which I prefer for detail work) and a larger pair (which is nice for larger hang nails). Amazon is convenient, but I love the ones I found at TJ MAXX too. I also made a tiny splurge for these Tweezerman fingernail and toenail clippers, and I'm so glad I did. They're the first clippers I've used that didn't dull after a couple months. I've had them for almost 2 years, and they're still sharp and effective.
Curved nail files for shaping. I like that one side of these is higher grit and one is lower. I've tried a LOT of nail files over the years, and these are affordable and durable. Pro tip: When shaping your nails, file in only 1 direction (don't saw back and forth), and use the higher grit side to protect your natural nail.
Fine-grit buffing block to gently smooth any remaining rough spots. If there's some really tough skin on the nail plate around the eponychium, I like to use these, especially when I'm prepping for dip powder. Be sure to use both of these products sparingly so you don't thin out your natural nail.
Lint-free wipes and isopropyl alcohol to cleanse dust and debris. My favorite container for acetone and alcohol is this pump dispenser from Sally's. I like it because I can push the pump with the lid closed to fill the well without squirting product everywhere. If you're using a cotton ball, this function is useless, but if you want a little well of product to dip a brush for clean-up, it's a nice feature. If you want a similar product from Amazon, try this. I also love to use these nail brushes to help remove dust.
Nailtiques nail protein to stregthen nails. This little bottle is pricy, but it's incredible. Many products claim to increase nail strength, but of the literally dozens I've tried, this is the only one that makes a noticeable difference for me. And since I don't use it underneath gel polish or dip powder (only as a base coat for traditional lacquer or by itself between polishes), I probably buy it only once a year. Pro tip: While it's incredible for nail strength, it does dry out the skin around your nails. That's where the last step of every manicure comes in handy.
Cuticle oil for strength, flexibility, and hydration. You should oil your cuticles at least once a day for healthy nails. I try to find organic, fragrance-free oils, so this is the one I'd purchase on Amazon, but I'm currently using one from Krival Nails, which is a small woman-owned nail business that provides great, high-quality products.
That's it for my favorite natural nail products! Stay tuned for many more manicure recommendations, from enhancements to nail art tools! Which would you prefer to see next?
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