On the Road to Recovery...

After a rookie mistake, I find myself needing to start over. I must remember to follow my own rules, "Do not over buff!" I am often asked about my nail care routine, so I find this a great time to re-document my nail care routine. I first shared my process over 8 years ago. I will share that original link here. My process, as well as my products,  have changed over the years. This will be my routine to bring my nails back to a healthy state. I will, at a later time, share my maintenance routine. 

Also, one disclaimer. I am not a nail professional. This is just what works for me.

Tools: These are some of the products I use, but use what you have available.

• Cotton Rounds: to remove any old polish

• Clippers: to remove any major length

• Cuticle Pusher: this is a personal preference-metal, ceramic, plastic, wood, whatever you like

• Nail Files: to smooth edges. I have several types of files in my arsenal, each has a purpose

• Cuticle Nippers: used to clip hangnails and any dead skin

Products: I rotate several products through my nail care routine, so I will just mention product types. The products shown are just those currently in rotation.

• Nail polish remover: Pure Acetone, Acetone, Non-Acetone, Soy...this is again, a personal preference.

• Cuticle Remover: I tend not to soak my nails to soften my cuticles. I use a cuticle softener/remover.

• Nail/Hand Scrub: I love all things exfoliating! This helps to soften your hands and cuticles

• Alcohol: to remove all traces of oils from your nail beds.

• Nail Treatments: look for that product that best suits the issues your nails are experiencing-are they dry, peeling, thin, damage, etc.

• Cuticle Oil: This is LIFE! I apply cuticle oil several times throughout the day. This is a must! Commercial, Indie, DIY, whatever you chose to use, just be sure you use a cuticle oil! Say it with me "Moisturize Those Cuticles!"

• Cuticle Butter: especially during cooler/colder months, you must take care to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized.

• Hand Cream: as with the cuticle oil and cuticle butter, hand cream is necessary to keep your hands moisturized.

Me, just being Extra:

• Gel Polish remover clips: combined with cotton and polish remover, this makes removal so much easier.

• Acetone Additive: Acetone is drying and can be damaging for the nails, but by adding an Acetone Additive to the acetone, it becomes "less" damaging.

• Supplements: I take a supplement that is a total health supplement but it's also great for hair, skin, and nails

Routine: I was recently going through a gel/polygel phase and when removing the products, I over buffed my nails. As a result, my nails are thin and damaged. So to nurse my nails back to health, these are the steps I will be using:

• Remove all traces of polish.

• Clip back all the thin, damaged nails. Once nails are damaged, there isn't anything that will "bring them back to life". You just have to allow your nails to grow out. Often, you will need to file back more before the damaged nails have grown out. It will take time and patience.

• File your nails to the desired shape.

• Apply your cuticle remover to soften and remove your dry, dead cuticles. Using your cuticle pusher of choice. Wipe away any residual cuticle remover.

• Snip any hangnails and dead skin around your nails. Being careful not to cut any live skin.

After Cuticle Removal

• Thoroughly wash your hands and nails to remove the dust and cuticle remover.

• After drying your hands, apply a warmed oil combination of your choice. Massage to your hands and nails. If time allows, let the oil sit for 5-10 minutes.

• In addition to the oil, apply your favorite scrub and massage your hands and nails. This will leave your hands crazy smooth and soft. Wash and dry your hands once again.

• I can't stand dry skin, so at this point, apply your favorite hand cream.

• Before applying any base coats, or treatments, I wipe each nail bed with alcohol to remove all traces of oil.

• Now, this is where I am really focusing on nursing my nails. To my prepped nails, it's time to apply a nail treatment. Treatments help to treat nail issues while the damaged nail grows out. 

• Once your nails have dried, I apply your favorite cuticle oil. I apply the oil to the underside and free-edge as well.

Oiled and Happy!

• Throughout the week, I reapply the treatment as directed. I also reapply my cuticle oil and hand cream multiple times throughout the day, especially after washing your hands and before bed.

These are the steps I take to get me back on the Road to Recovery. I hope you find some of these steps helpful. Let's grow together...

If you found this information helpful and/or have any questions, please feel free to comment, also please share with anyone you feel may find this information to be helpful. Thank you!

Grace, Peace, Joy & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.