Best Nail Care Tips for a Salon Finish at Home

Introduction to Nail Care at Home

Taking care of your nails doesn’t have to mean frequent trips to the salon. With a few simple routines and the right ingredients, you can achieve strong, healthy, and beautiful nails from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re trying to repair damage, avoid harsh chemicals, or just want your nails to look their best, these nail care tips at home cover everything from strengthening treatments and DIY manicures to natural whitening methods and non-toxic polish options.

12 Best Nail Care Tips

Here’s a roundup of our favorite expert-approved and easy-to-follow tips to help you upgrade your nail care game. No appointment necessary.

1. 3-Step At-Home Manicure to Soothe & Soften Dry Hands

A combination of hand soak, scrub and nourishing cuticle oil is perfect for those who wash their hands a lot or for cold climates. This simple at-home recipe works great for natural nails but can also act as a base for a fancier mani, if you’re so inclined.

2. Healthy Habits for Healthy Nails

We love a good mani as much as the next girl, but that’s not what makes nails healthy. Experts recommend combining a nutrient-rich diet with healthy habits such as exfoliating, using cuticle oil, and avoiding toxins in nail lacquer.

3. Damaged Nails: What They Mean + How to Fix Them

Your nails may have something to tell you, and it’s not always good news. Watch out for nail fungus, vitamin deficiency, eczema, psoriasis or infections in the body, all of which can be visible on your nails. Fortunately, some of these have natural remedies.

4. 14 Natural Ways to Strengthen Your Nails

To avoid brittle, splitting nails, work on making them stronger. This, of course, will include modifying your diet (think protein, biotin and zinc, for example). But you can also take easier steps such as limiting water exposure by wearing gloves when cleaning or doing the dishes for simple nail care tips at home.

5. 10 DIY Ways to Whiten Your Nails Naturally

Some nails are genetically yellow hued, while others have been affected by too much nail polish or other external factors. Either way, there are plenty of natural methods to whiten them, including inexpensive options like toothpaste or lemon juice.

6. Our Complete Guide to Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Conventional nail polish has more unpronounceable, toxic ingredients than you can imagine. And with nails being porous and absorbent, a lot of that goes inside our bodies to damage our kidneys, liver, and even reproductive hormones in the long term. The alternative? You can quit nail polish altogether, or look for non-toxic, 7-free polish made from natural ingredients.

7. How To Customize Your Own Nail Polish Colors

If you’re not happy with the colors you find at the drugstore, customize your own nail polish with mica powders, eyeshadow pigments, or even food coloring. It’s like making potions when you were a child, plus you have complete control over the ingredients, and you even get to name the shades as you please.

8. How to Remove Nail Polish Without Remover

As much as we dislike toxic nail polish, we dislike acetone even more. As it also works as a paint thinner, it’s no wonder it works so well on nails. But to avoid those nasty (and stinky!) chemicals, we suggest friendlier solutions such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.

9. The Best Essential Oils for Nails

Nail and cuticle oils are a wonderful way to care for your nails, strengthening and healing them. Use a carrier oil such as jojoba or grapeseed in combination with lemon, lavender or tea tree oil (among others) to hydrate the skin around the nail as well as the nail bed itself.

10. How to Give Yourself a Salon-Worthy Manicure At Home

No extra cash for salon manicures? No problem. Learn how to do your own mani at home, with everything from that initial soak to that final coat of polish. Set aside a half an hour every week and you’ll be saving time, money, and a trip to the salon.

11. Cuticle Balm for Nail Growth + Strengthening

Massage this balm onto your nails before bed for strong, healthy nails. The combination of luxurious, skin-conditioning mango butter with nail-friendly oils such as chamomile, frankincense, geranium and tea tree makes this cuticle balm a staple on my nightstand.

12. 5-Step No-Polish Manicure for Natural Nails

If you’re giving your nails a break from polish or simply prefer a natural look, this tutorial shows you exactly how to get simple, pretty, healthy-looking nails at home. This mani only requires five steps and your nails stay shiny for more than you would expect.

More Natural Nail Care Tips at Home

In addition to these 12 tips, remember that taking care of your nails is an ongoing process. Be patient, consistent, and gentle, and you’ll see improvements over time.

Conclusion

Taking care of your nails at home is easier than you think. With these 12 tips and a little practice, you can achieve healthy, beautiful nails without the need for frequent salon visits. Remember to be patient, stay consistent, and always prioritize your nail health.

FAQs

• Q: How often should I moisturize my nails and cuticles?
  A: You should moisturize your nails and cuticles at least once a day, preferably after washing your hands or taking a shower.
• Q: Can I use any type of oil for my nails?
  A: No, not all oils are suitable for nail care. Look for oils rich in nutrients and antioxidants, such as coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil.
• Q: How can I prevent my nails from becoming brittle?
  A: To prevent brittle nails, keep your nails moisturized, avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Q: Can I do a manicure at home?
  A: Yes, you can do a manicure at home with the right tools and a little practice. Start with a basic kit and follow online tutorials for guidance.