A lot of people are asking me how to take care of their nails during quarantine/social distancing, so I thought I would share some safe and useful tips for keeping your nails strong and healthy when you can’t see your nail tech. (Thread)

1. Moisturize your cuticles and nails DAILY. Cuticle oil pens are becoming a big thing & for good reason - I use CND’s RESCUERXX and SOLAROIL pens. The Rescue formula goes directly on the nail (no polish please!) and has been great for rehabbing my bbs. https://cnd.com/products/nail-essentials/treatment-essentials/essentials-care-pens

2. Remove gel safely and keep your nails product less until you can see a professional. If you have extensions or acrylic on, I would let them grow out, filing the tips down as they grow.

3. For gel removal there’s a bunch of vids online - most important step is buff the top coat or the “seal” before soaking. Be very gentle, soak until the gel slides off easily! And NEVER peel off your gel/shellac. EVER.

4. Use the cotton ball and foil method for this. Try to avoid soaking in a bowl. Repeated soaking in a bowl can damage your skin and nails.

5. Don’t overdo it on the tools. You don’t need to become a nail tech during quarantine to keep your nails healthy and looking fresh. Avoid using tools made for professionals (you will hurt yourself or damage your natural nails!) and stick to a simple cuticle pusher & be gentle!!

6. Here’s my ALL TIME favorite tool for cuticle pushing, it’s really difficult to damage the nail, it’s practically dummy proof which I love because I chopped my cuticles something terrible my first few months doing nails. https://www.tnbl.co.uk/apres-ceramic-quartz-cuticle-pusher-pen.html

7. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. Use a lotion and a oil together for a special treat. I use these two!

8. Want to exfoliate? That’s great for your skin right now! Mixing coarse sugar with any skin-safe oil makes an instant and super cheap exfoliant! Lots of safe and easy recipes online!

9. NEVER use a coarse file on your natural nail EVER. I’d actually recommend sticking with something dull. It’s VERY easy to over file your nails. I just started using a stainless steel one from MUJI and I love it.

10. Also don’t ever use a file on the top of your nails. Only on the “free edge”. If you want to smooth out the top of your nail, use a very gentle buffer. Exfoliating will have the same effect and is much safer!!!

The most important thing I will stress to you is not to overdo it at home. Don’t apply gel for the first time or spend loads on new products trying to replicate work from your nail technician. It’s important to have proper training to avoid damaging your natural nails.

Remove or grow out product. Don’t pick! Moisturize the nail and cuticle daily. Maybe exfoliate! And always be gentle!

Reply to this thread if there’s any questions I can help answer! I am opinionated yes, but my focus is on keeping your natural nails healthy and strong.