In the summer months, I like to allow my nails to breathe! If you regularly have your nails painted, you might want to consider giving them a breather for a few months. The summer’s the time to do it because you might be in and out of the pool, or even better on the beach where the saltwater and sand will help buff your nails anyway. Here’s how to achieve pretty natural nails.
1. Use a hand scrub: See my wonderful homemade scrub. I always keep a jar by my kitchen sink because it helps to keep my hands really smooth and moisturized.
2. Remove any old polish.
3. If your natural nails are very stained, soak them in a bowl with a solution of 1 cup of warm water/1 tbsp baking soda. Although it won’t remove the stain right away, if you perform this weekly, the stain will start to fade. If the are very stained, also try rubbing half a cut lime over your nails too. If your nails aren’t stained, soak them in 2 cups of warm water with 5 drops of tea tree oil.
4. Push back your cuticles with a face cloth and then a slanted orange stick.
5. Trim any hangnails and shape your nails. It’s a good idea to find some salon-quality emery boards. I like Image Essentials Eco friendly emery boards. To achieve an oval shape (which most women prefer): Start by straightening the “side walls” of your nails, then using long, smooth, arching motions – file from the side of the nail toward the top of the nail. Then smooth the oval shape.
6.Buff your natural nails. I like Revlon Crazy Shine Buffer.
7.Use my homemade nail and cuticle oil. I have indicated for the essential oils as optional because you don’t want to have to buy a whole bottle just for this oil. These essential oils make a perfect cuticle oil, so add them if you happen to have them.
2tbp sweet almond oil
1tsp vitamin E oil
4 drops sandalwood essential oil (optional)
2 drops cypress essential oil (option.
Blend the oils in a small bowl and use a funnel to pour into a small 2 ounce glass bottle.
8.. Sunscreen/Moisturize : If you are doing your manicure in the daytime, don’t forget to cover the tops of your hands with sunscreen. If you are doing it at night, massage a thick, Shea Butter into your hands and forearms and let it absorb.