How to Care for Your Nails

Do you work in an executive environment where you need to look perfectly polished, or are you just wondering about how to get your nails looking better? You’re in the right place.

Nail Basics

1. Collect your supplies. You will need a metal nail file, nail clippers, nail brush, manicure scissors, orange sticks, nail buffer, and all-in-one cuticle lotion.

2. Clean up. Grab your nail brush and lather it up with soap. Use a little gentle pressure to scrub under your nails and around areas that gather dirt.

3. Use an orange stick and wrap it with cotton wool. Use that to push back the skin near the base of the nail. Don’t go overboard– you just need to push it back slightly.

4. Trim any loose pieces of skin, such as hangnails, from around each nail.

5. Trim your nails straight across, instead of in a curve, to avoid any ingrown nails. This is important for your feet, so don’t forget! Use a quality pair of nail clippers, which will last a lifetime and will provide a clean, careful cut.
Note: Aim for your nails to measure a quarter of an inch beyond your fingertips.

6. Use a file to tame rough or sharp corners of your nails. Always use a file from the center of the nail in one direction.
Note: Have you read that emery boards are good for your nails? It’s true for women, but men may benefit from a metal file, which can tackle thicker nails.

7. Work a good cream into your hands. If you hate scented creams, try something like Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, Fragrance-Free (2 Ounces) (Pack of 4). Any lotion is better than none!

8. Buff your nails to make the surface smoother in one direction only. You can also use polishing paste to increase shine (especially if you’re tempted to use clear polish).

Polish?
Have you ever considered clear polish? Some guys consider getting clear polish if their nails are brittle and break easily, but besides that. . . stay away. Sure, in some places I’ve noticed that it’s more acceptable to have shiny nails as a man, but if you work or travel to the states it can be more unusual, and it will be noticed.

Instead, strengthen your nails with a slightly oily brush-on strengthening polish that doesn’t coat the nails visibly. Try out Dr. Haushka Skin Care’s nail oil with botanicals and organic ingredients, as well as ClarinsMen Active Hand Care and Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream 3.5 oz. Rub-in creams and brush-on oils instead of lacquer will work impressively, and you won’t feel self-conscious afterwards.