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Erica Avatar

I trim my nails bc long nails gross me out but otherwise I do nothing. I have had them done at a salon but I don’t care to do that regularly and it’s a pain to do them myself. They’re clean so that’s the most you can expect lol

Nyxx Avatar

Every 3 weeks I head to the nail salon and get a pedicure and SNS nails. I used to love doing my nails myself but I could barely get them to last a week. Working FT and going to school PT plus a family I gave up trying to maintain them myself and I am much happier. I hate chipped nails!

Nancy T Avatar

I usually *try* to do a full manicure every 7 to 10 days. During our 6 months long abominable summer, I also do a pedicure at the same time. In this order for fingernails:
1.) Remove old polish and file the edges and gently file surface.
2.) Apply a coat of European Secrets Rock Hard nail strengthener.
3.) Apply a coat of Nail-Aid 1 Minute Gel Coat. This stuff makes my manis last better than without!
4.) *Usually*, I’ll add 2 – 3 coats of nail polish/topper once those other 2 products are well dried and have set in.
5.) If I had half a brain like I used to, I’d remember to apply a thin coat of Nail-Aid 1 Minute Gel on top to extend the mani by another few days, but I’ve become lazy. AZ will do that to you. I’m dead serious.

Brittany Avatar

The two things I really want to improve on my routine are getting an actual good-quality crystal file (not the crappy overspray types from Sally’s that go dull after one filing session) and using MORE cuticle oil.

I never clip my fingernails, but I do clip my toenails when they get too long because I don’t care as much about my toes (they’re almost never seen). For my fingernails, I shape and get the length down with a very fine grit file, like the more foamy boards rather than emery boards. As I said, I’m planning on getting a good crystal one, because I’ve been getting issues with some nails cracking and trying to peel at the tips.

For manicures, I always use a base coat (Orly Bonder) and then whatever polish I’m doing, clean up any cuticle mess with acetone and a $1 elf concealer brush, then a nice top coat (Glisten and Glow). I try to then use cuticle oil whenever I remember to.

HeavyMetalJess Avatar

This is a great one! I was curious what other people would post so I could get some ideas but it looks like I’m already ahead of the curve. 😉

I change my polish color about twice a week since I type a lot. This makes the edges chip polish and break easily. So I use a “strengthening” remover – right now just using the Ulta brand. After that air dries, I rub oil into my nail bed and cuticle – right now Aveda’s Beautifying Composition Oil. Then I let all that soak in for about an hour. This is the point where I will do any trimming or filing that needs to happen, but I like having long nails so this is all just minimal for shaping or to clean up edge breaks. About every two weeks I end there and let my nails have a couple days to just breath.

If I’m applying polish, I then wipe my nail bed down with rubbing alcohol to remove any oil residue. Then it’s a bonder (Orly Rubberized Basecoat), the polish, and a quick dry topcoat (Sally Hansen Insta Dri Top Coat). Then if I get dry patches, I apply oil as needed.

Honestly, making sure you stay hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your nails.

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