As a nail technician, seeing my clients leave the salon with beautifully groomed nails is always rewarding. A fresh coat of polish or a new set of nails can make you feel confident, put-together, and ready to take on any challenge. However, caring for your nails doesn’t end when you leave the salon.

To ensure that your nails stay healthy and beautiful for as long as possible, the team at Nineteen85 Nail Bar wants to share tips on how to take care of your nails at home post-treatment. Knowing the best post-care for nails steps can help you prolong the life of your manicure and pedicure and keep your nails looking their best.

Avoid Cutting and Filing Your Nails

After a manicure, avoid cutting or filing your nails for at least a day or two, as it can take nail polish up to 24 hours to fully dry, cure, and harden. If you cut or file your nails too soon, you risk smudging or chipping the polish. When you trim your nails, you also remove the seal at the top of the nail, which can cause the polish to peel.

Keep Your Nails Clean

During a manicure, your nails and cuticles are cleaned, trimmed, and shaped. However, you could develop an infection if bacteria or fungi are present. Dirt and oil can also accumulate on your nails and cause the polish to lift, so regularly cleaning them is essential to maintain the polish’s appearance.

Keep your nails clean and dry by washing your hands regularly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, and use a soft-bristled nail brush to clean under your nails.

Don’t Click With Your Nails

Clicking or tapping your manicured fingernails on phone screens or hard surfaces
can weaken your nails over time. The repeated impact can cause the nails to become brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. This can be especially problematic if you have natural nails already prone to breaking.

Clicking your nails together can also chip or crack your nail polish and ruin the overall appearance of the manicure.

Moisturize Your Cuticles

The cuticle area is pushed back and trimmed during a manicure, especially during a Russian manicure, which can cause the cuticle area to become dry and flaky. Dry cuticles can be uncomfortable and unsightly, so keeping them moisturized is essential.

Cuticle oil is the best bet for optimal hydration. These products nourish your nails to ensure healthy growth. Cuticle oil can also prolong the life of your manicure by providing an additional protective barrier against moisture, friction, and other environmental factors that could peel or chip your polish.

We suggest looking for formulas containing jojoba or flaxseed oil which have a similar pH as your skin and are easily absorbed. Apply one to two drops directly on the cuticle and massage it until fully absorbed.

Use Less of Antibacterial Gel

After getting a manicure, avoid using too much antibacterial gel. While these products effectively kill germs and bacteria, they can cause damage to your freshly painted nails.

Overusing antibacterial gels can strip your polish and cause it to chip or peel. Try using the gel sparingly and only when you cannot access a gentler alternative like soap and water. Not overusing antibacterial gels can protect your manicure and keep your nails looking beautiful for longer.

Don’t Bite Your Nails

After your manicure or pedicure, avoid biting your nails as much as possible. Not only can this habit damage the polish, but it can also lead to chipped or broken nails. Biting your nails can cause an inflamed nail bed, making them more susceptible to infection and becoming weak and brittle.

Try to break the habit by keeping your hands busy by squeezing a stress ball, knitting, or doodling. This can help distract you from the urge to bite your nails and ensure your manicure lasts as long as possible.

Avoid Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

Our team recommends avoiding harsh cleaning chemicals for at least 24 hours after treatment to keep your polished nails looking great. Products containing bleach or ammonia can cause your nails to become brittle and the polish to peel or chip prematurely. Use gentler cleaning solutions or gloves to protect your nails if you need to do household chores.

Pamper Yourself With Nail Services at Nineteen85 Nail Bar

Give your nails the care they deserve with mani-pedi services from Nineteen85 Nail Spa in Burbank, California. Our friendly, talented nail technicians are passionate about helping you achieve beautiful, healthy nails.

We offer polish, gel, and dip manicures and pedicures so you can achieve your preferred look and style of nails. Our spa has the latest tools and technology to ensure your experience is relaxing and rejuvenating.

Book your appointment at Nineteen85 Nail Bar today, and let us help you get gorgeous nails you can’t wait to show off.