DIY Nail Care Routine: Keeping Your Nails Healthy Between Manicures

Maintaining strong and healthy nails between your gel manicures doesn’t have to be difficult. While gel manicures provide a long-lasting, beautiful finish, they can leave your natural nails feeling a bit fragile and in need of care. Fortunately, by following a simple DIY nail care routine, you can restore strength, flexibility, and moisture to your nails, ensuring they stay in top shape for your next manicure.

In this post, we’ll break down a step-by-step nail care routine, from moisturizing and gentle exfoliation to using nail-strengthening treatments and oils. By incorporating these simple practices into your regular routine, you’ll be able to keep your nails healthy, flexible, and strong.

Step-by-Step DIY Nail Care Routine

1. Clean Your Nails First
The first step in any nail care routine is to make sure your nails are clean and free from any previous polish or oils. This will help treatments absorb better and ensure your nails are properly nourished.

How to Do It: Start by using a gentle nail polish remover to take off any leftover gel polish. If you haven’t had a gel manicure, make sure your nails are free from regular polish and any debris. Wash your hands with warm water and soap to remove oils or dirt that may interfere with treatments.

2. Trim and Shape Your Nails
Regular trimming and shaping are key to maintaining healthy nails. When nails are trimmed to a manageable length, they are less likely to break, chip, or suffer from trauma.

How to Do It: Use nail clippers to trim your nails straight across. Avoid cutting too close to the nail bed to prevent injury. Once your nails are trimmed, gently file them with a nail file to smooth the edges and round the tips if necessary.
Shaping Tips: Avoid using metal files, as they can be too abrasive. Opt for a glass file or a fine-grit nail file for smoother results.

Pro Tip: Keep nails short and manageable to prevent accidental breaks. If you prefer longer nails, be sure to file regularly to maintain a strong shape.

3. Exfoliate and Push Back Your Cuticles
Cuticles play an essential role in protecting your nails from bacteria and other pathogens. Keeping them hydrated and exfoliated can prevent overgrowth and ensure that your nails stay clean and healthy.

How to Do It: Gently exfoliate your cuticles using a cuticle scrub or a simple DIY exfoliant (mix sugar with olive oil). This will remove dead skin cells around the nail bed. After exfoliating, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles. Be careful not to push too hard or cut the cuticles, as doing so can lead to infection.

Pro Tip: Always moisturize your cuticles after exfoliating to keep them soft and hydrated.

4. Hydrate with Cuticle Oil and Moisturizer
Dry nails and cuticles are more prone to breaking and peeling, so keeping them hydrated is essential. Using a nourishing cuticle oil or nail balm will help replenish lost moisture and keep your nails flexible.

How to Do It: Apply a nourishing cuticle oil (containing Vitamin E or jojoba oil) directly to your nails and cuticles. Gently massage the oil into the nail bed and surrounding skin for a few minutes to enhance absorption.
For Extra Moisture: Follow up with a rich hand cream that contains ingredients like shea butter or glycerin to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft.

Best Products for Hydration:

CND SolarOil: A cult favorite that combines jojoba oil, vitamin E, and sweet almond oil to hydrate and soften nails and cuticles.
Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter: A thick, nourishing butter that deeply moisturizes your cuticles and nails, perfect for dry, rough skin.

5. Massage for Nail Growth and Circulation
Massaging your nails and cuticles isn’t just relaxing; it also promotes better blood circulation to the nail bed, encouraging faster nail growth and healthier nails overall.

How to Do It: After applying cuticle oil, gently massage your nails and cuticles in small circular motions for about 2-3 minutes. This can be done daily to stimulate blood flow and enhance the absorption of oils and treatments.

Pro Tip: Daily massages can help speed up nail growth and keep nails from becoming weak or brittle.

6. Use Nail Strengthening Treatments
If your nails are particularly weak or damaged from past gel manicures, adding a strengthening treatment to your routine can help restore their strength. These treatments are rich in proteins like keratin, biotin, and calcium, which are essential for rebuilding and protecting your nails.

How to Do It: Apply a nail strengthener or keratin treatment once or twice a week. These treatments usually come in the form of a polish or serum that is designed to penetrate the nail and improve its structure.
Best Products for Strengthening:
- OPI Nail Envy: A well-loved option that helps strengthen and repair nails, especially useful for post-gel recovery.
- Sally Hansen Hard As Nails: A budget-friendly option that strengthens nails and prevents breakage.
- Dr. Remedy Nail Recovery: Ideal for those with weak or damaged nails, as it contains natural ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera to nurture and protect nails.

Pro Tip: Always let your nails breathe for a few days before reapplying nail polish or strengtheners to avoid overburdening the nail bed.

Additional Tips for Healthy Nails Between Gel Manicures

Avoid Over-Washing: Excessive exposure to water or harsh chemicals can dry out your nails, so be sure to wear gloves when doing dishes or cleaning.
Be Gentle with Your Nails: Avoid using your nails as tools to open cans, peel off stickers, or perform other tasks that could cause damage.
Give Your Nails a Break: While it’s tempting to get gel manicures regularly, it’s important to give your nails a break every few months to allow them to recover and regain their strength.
Stay Hydrated: Just like your skin and hair, your nails need water to stay strong. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain nail health.

Conclusion: Healthy Nails Are Just a Routine Away!

Taking care of your nails between gel manicures doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a simple DIY nail care routine—complete with trimming, moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, and nail massages—you can ensure your nails stay strong, flexible, and healthy.

Remember to incorporate strengthening treatments and oils to promote long-term nail health and recovery. Whether you’re recovering from a gel manicure or just want to maintain healthy nails, consistency is key. By following these steps regularly, you’ll keep your nails in excellent shape, ready for your next manicure!

Ready to give your nails the care they deserve? Start your DIY nail care routine today, and don’t forget to treat your nails to some love and attention!