One thing I honestly didn't see coming (I mean beyond a lockdown due to a global pandemic) was how underprepared we are for at-home beauty maintenance. I don't mean "self-care Sunday" and whatnot, I mean stuff like "How do I give myself a pedicure?" and "WTF AM I GOING TO DO ABOUT THESE ROOTS?" - and I apologize I cannot help with that, I invented ombre hair. What I can do is gently advise you on some products to pick up online that can help you do your nails at home - or at least keep them clean and healthy. My partner Heather has done some great tutorials on taking your gel off and doing a basic mani over on IGTV; if you haven't watched those I highly recommend. I'm toying with doing a pedi video (definitely drunk) mainly to entertain you and less for actual skillz. So the above are some of the tools we use - or similar at the salons. I'll do one of those picture carousel things too you can shop. But let's get into it.
Manicure Pointers
1. Again, watch our IGTV video on mani basics.
2. The tools I list here are good and important, but I truly recommend getting our Nail Care Essentials kit from the PAINTBASE website (all levels have been restocked!) to start if you haven't. It includes a buffer and most importantly our glass nail file which I recommend FAR AND AWAY over a regular emery board. It it much more pleasant to use - aka it doesn't feel like sandpaper, it's washable and reusable, and the file works to help seal the keratin at the end of your nail which makes for a healthier nail!
3. You can massage the cuticle softener on or you can apply it and soak your nails in a bowl of warm water (TBH you don't have to do that and I'd do it if you want to feel more "spa" about the whole thing)
4. Our kit comes with an orangewood stick you can use to pushback your cuticles, but you can also grab this one (which is gold and is more about style) or this one by Tweezerman which has a nice soft grip. Please, be gentle pushing back.
5. I want to be sure to kinda warning label this with a few things:
- Cuticle nippers are addictive and you need to use them sparingly. We do NOT recommend cutting your actual cuticle. Once you've used your pusher you gently and carefully trim away the dead skin and carefully clip any hangnails or skin flakies. I personally have an anxiety-driven abuse cycle with nippers and I don't recommend it.
Pedicure Pointers
1. I think we're all going to have a massive new appreciation for our nail stylists after trying to give ourselves pedicures.
2. I linked to the pretty gold mani clippers, but you probably want to get serious with your toes. This clipper set has both a mani and pedi clipper - the straight blade clipper is the one you want to use on your toes. It can help reduce splitting and avoid ingrowns. Also, please don't fuck with your ingrowns. You don't want to get an infection and try and deal with a doctor right now I promise you that.
3. Same general advice for cuticle care, you're prob just going to have a lot more crust to deal with.
4. This again -- > I want to be sure to kinda warning label this with a few things:
- Callus removal: again, be careful. The products that soften your skin for callus removal can be overused - do not leave on longer than the 3-5 minutes suggested. While it's on your footsies, gently buff your feet with the Cuccio foot file to exfoliate. Be very careful of the edges of the file until you've got the hang of it, it's similar to the edge of a nail file and can nick you if you're not paying attention.
Gel Removal
1. God Bless if you've still got gel polish on.
2. Watch the IGTV video on home removal.
3. Grab this kit and some acetone and get to it.
Wrap Up
I definitely recommend the PB Cuticle Elixir as our cuticle oil of choice. It is the best, smells great and is going to take excellent care of your nails. I'd say applying cuticle oil daily is the #1 thing you can do for the health of your nails. It all starts at the cuticle, that's why pampering them will yield great results.
We also use our THIRSTY Hand + Body Lotion in all of our services at the salons. It's organic, made in the USA and smells and feels delightful. I am also yelling at everyone to invest in one of our BOMB BALMs, it's like our supercharged hand cream. I have mine in the fridge right now (speaking of which, get yourself a beauty fridge!) because my hands are getting destroyed by all the washing, and using it cold is extra soothing.
Anyway guys, do your best! I know you're gonna nail it! *Thumbs up, wink.* Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions! I'm happy to help if I can. We're so looking forward to getting the salons back open so we can hand this back over to the pros! More links below!