I’m using this nesting period to pare way back on any beauty upkeep. My nails are going bare and will have a decent period of time to breathe. That’s a rarity for me since I prefer a polished toenail, even if it’s a sheer pale neutral. My goal is to get them looking good au natural, which is definitely not the case after years of pretty consistent nail polishing. Any tips on expediting the process?
With salons closed in Orange County, I’m doing my own pedicure. I’ve used Margaret Dabbs’ foot file for several years and it is by far the best one I’ve ever tried. Last week, I ordered their hand sanitizer (now on backorder) and also received their Foot Hygiene Cream and Foot Hydrating Lotion. With my hands taking a beating from the increase in washing, I’m considering their Fabulous Hands kit which includes a travel size sanitizer! Probably the only one out there!
And a tip I read somewhere…use a scented lotion after handwashing. The fragrance may act as a reminder to not touch your face. It’s been working for me.
I realize this may all sound a bit frivolous in our current environment, but self-care on any level is still important. It’s a temporary distraction and perhaps a way to lift our spirits by at least feeling good at home.
Stay healthy friends.
photo: Brigitte Niedermair / DIOR SS20 campaign
Meg Hock
Great idea! Going to take nail polish off as soon as it starts chipping and then au natural for the duration. Stay well and please keep posting. I love them!
Karima
Thank you. Stay well too!
Susan
Buffing is a good way to return to natural nails.
Suzanne
This posting is so timely for me. I recently went to a podiatrist for the first time. She said my toenails needed a break that’s why I had white spots on them. She gave me a list of all the chemicals that should not be in nail polish and some brands that comply with those restrictions. I told her I did use one that she recommended, but then she asked if my base and top coat were from that brand. The answer was “no.” I use whatever the salon was using. I promptly ordered both from the company so when I head back to the salon in a few months, I will be bringing 3 bottles with me instead of one. My hands are not a problem because I frequently go without polish, but I will be only using the 10-free formulas there as well.
Karima
Thank you. Great info! I’m going to do the same.
Stefanie
Could you tell us a couple of the brands that she said were healthier?
Karima
Yes. I’m waiting for her reply and will definitely share.
Karima
Hi Suzanne. Would you mind sharing the brands that were recommended to you? Thanks so much!
Dina
I have been doing au naturel for 2 years now. If your nails look healthier that is the new younger! I just get a nail buff at the salon and voila tres jolie!
My favorite cuticle oil is by ten over ten and just regular old fashion disposable nail files do the work (during Covid-19 times). I don’t cut my cuticles anymore.
Of course, I do use polish only for certain occasions like parties or when in the mood but after a party is done I take the polish off right away or keep it for max 1 day. My choices : ten over ten, rms and Chanel vamp. I do really enjoy seeing my nail beds looking rosy and healthy.
Healthier is the new younger & beautiful : healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails and voila 10 years younger! + great attitude = nothing you can’t conquer!
Karima
Thank you Dina. I’ve been back and forth with my fingernails and I’ve got them to a healthy color and strength but need to deal with the ridges. Don’t know how to get around that. Thanks for sharing the brands!
Dina
Hi Karima,
I suffered from ridges too and usually it means lack of iron, biotin and magnesium. I usually get my minerals from food and supplements do the work too. They will disappear and the beauty of going au naturel is that you can check your health just checking your nail beds! If I see the slightly sign of a ridge I pump my mineral intake.
Hope this helps.
Karima
Thanks for the tip. I’m afraid mine are age-related and there’s no going back. Hope not.
Gayle Ward
I often let toes go bare, grow out – in winter usually. Sometimes I do myself with Essie Imported Bubbly (very forgiving, pale pearly beige), or some pale pink. In summer or for winter vacation I like pro pedicure.
Karima
This will be the first time in ages that my toes are bare! Patience is required. Thanks for sharing!
Tamara
One tip that has worked well for me is just putting a drop or two of Argan oil on my bare fingernails and toenails. I apply after I shower and let it just soak in. I’m a frequent polish wearer and do my own mani/pedis :) and this has helped keep the health of my bare nails in better shape. Thanks for your great posts Karima!
Karima
Thanks for sharing that tip Tamara!
KathyG
But what to do about hair color? Nails are one thing but roots?
Any advice?
Karima
I just ordered a product from Madison Reed to deal with my roots. Never tried before so I’ll have to report back!!!
Kim
I’m rehabbing my nails after getting gel manicures. Two products that have helped immensely are CND’s Rescue RXx, a light oil with keratin that I brush all over the nail, under the tip, then massage in and Lady Fancy Nails cuticle oil, which smells great and comes in a vial with a roller ball for easy application.
Karima
Great suggestions Kim. I’ll check them out.
Patricia
Hi Karima,
To rid your nails of ridges they need to be buffed. Start with a buffer which has some courseness to it and and finish with a smooth one. Try not to over do as the process does weaken the nail a bit. It will look almost like a coat of clear polish when you are finished. Nails need some time to breathe.
Always love your site and continue (especially now) to look forward to your posting. A little bit of normalcy to start the day.
Karima
I’ll give that a try. Thanks for sharing!
Emily
ten over ten products are great and I still love Neutrogena hand cream – I put it on before I go to bed because it’s a little greasy, but works! Stay well:) Thanks so much for staying connected with us.
Karima
Thank you for sharing. I’ve never tried ten over ten products but will now!
Petrina
Best tip from a podiatrist was to use a few drops of TeaTree Oil on nails.
Kills unsightly nail infections ;-( and makes nails healthy!
I use infrequently, but make a point every now and then to keep nails healthy looking. I do polish toes but only with one coat of a pale nude pink ‘Bubble Bath’ is lovely but my favourite is ‘Getting Naild on my Honeymoon’. No idea what brand but it’s gorgeous if barely noticeable.
Huge fan, thank you!
Karima
That sounds like an OPI polish. They have the craziest names for their colors! Just started with the tea tree oil!!!
Dee
Thanks Karima! Great post.
I keep polish off my toes during the winter every year and I enjoy the look of healthy toenails. I use Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair on the soles of my feet after showers and baths, oil on my cuticles and I have a Tweezerman Pedro Callus Stone that I use occasionally (smooth side only, the rough side is too abrasive).
For my nails I almost never wear polish and I buff occasionally for a nice sheen.
Love the TeaTree Oil recommendation and I’m going to check out ten over ten.
Karima
I just started the tea tree oil yesterday. Fingers crossed!
Melissa
Who made those beautiful rings please?
Karima
Dior. Beautiful aren’t they?
Earth
Are you aware of whats happening in the world and how people are suffering ? People are loosing jobs and worrying about how they might meet basic needs. Flaunting your jewels, new designer goods, piles of older designer goods, shopping lists, more consumerism, … feels vulgar irrespective of the elegant clothes you don.
Karima
In reply to EARTH: Of course I’m aware. Please read my full comment here.