How To Show Your Nails Some TLC At Home According To A Pro

This time at home as presented us with many a beauty conundrum, one of which is how best to care for our nails when we're deprived of salon visits. A fair few of us will have gotten into the habit of booking in Shellac or gel appointments on the regular, but with a new glossy paint job no longer an option outside of our homes, is now the prime opportunity to indulge your nails in a bit of TLC? If not removed right, gels can end up wreaking havoc on nail condition, so there'll be a number of us out there whose nails are crying out for some love.

Professional nail artist Rita Remark spent a dizzy fashion week season heading up nail looks backstage at the likes of the Olivia Rubin SS20 and Erdem SS20 shows at the beginning of this year, and is keen to extol the virtues of focusing on nail care at home. 'When you’re away from a salon and nail pros, your nails can absolutely receive some much needed TLC from the comfort of your home. Removing gels or polish and leaving nails bare for at least a couple of days is a good way to check-in on your natural nail health and make sure that they’re still growing strong and no damage has been done.'

How To Factor In Some TLC For Your Nails At Home

'Set aside some time once a week to treat yourself to an at-home mani. All you need is color, a base coat, a topcoat, hand lotion, nail polish remover, cotton pads, cuticle oil, files and a cuticle pusher. It’s best to do your at-home mani after a hot shower; your cuticles will be softer and easier to push into place.'

Your At-Home Manicure Steps According To Rita Remark

1. Begin by applying hand lotion to hydrate.

2. Next, with your file, begin to shape the nails. I like to file the sides of the nail first and then work my way into the middle to maintain a consistent shape.

3. Next, gently push cuticles back into place with a pusher and clean any debris from under the nail.

4. Cleanse the nails with remover and cotton pads, and you’re ready to polish.

5. Slick on your base coat, followed by two coats of colour and finish with your top coat.

6. Once polish is fully dry remember to apply cuticle oil.

How does time off nail polish benefit our nails?

Super Dry Nails? Take Some Time Off Polish

According to Rita, 'taking some time off from nail polish would be a great opportunity to apply lots of cuticle oil because your nails will be more absorbent, especially if they’re extremely dehydrated or chalky.'

'Essie Treat Love Color Nail Polish, £8.99, is the perfect go-to for nails that need strength, without sacrificing color. The two-in-one formula is clinically proven to strengthen and hydrate your nails with visible and physical improvement in one week!'

How To Nourish Dry Hands At Home

Rita says there even more ways to get pampering those hands at home. 'For a full spa experience, before your manicure, give your hands and nails a renewing exfoliation. If you don’t have an exfoliant at home, make your own by mixing 2/3 brown sugar with 1/3 oil (olive or coconut will work). Over the sink or in the shower, to contain the sugar, thoroughly work the exfoliant into your hands, focussing on rougher areas like the knuckles and palms. Once rinsed, apply cuticle oil followed by hand lotion for baby soft hands.'

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