Natural Nails Are In—Here’s How To Achieve the No-Manicure Manicure

No polish? No problem. 

Long, elegant, natural nails are having a moment, and we love any opportunity to give our nails a chance to breathe and stretch. While we are loving the lip gloss nail trend, which is essentially a milky, jelly look in a perfect flesh-tone match, we are talking about true naturale.

Although natural nails sound ultimately low maintenance, it’s actually a bit of a feat, especially if you’re someone used to a lacquered layer on their fingertips at all times. Our natural nails can peel, discolor, and become brittle and prone to breakage. 

Here’s how to get them back on track—long and strong.

First things first, hygiene. Soak your nails in warm water with a solution of soap and olive oil. This will loosen up anything embedded under and around the nail and cuticle without drying them out. You’ll need 5 to 10 minutes of soaking, so pop something on the TV, or close your eyes for a little breather. Scrub them up with a nail brush afterward.

Nail clippers are fine for shorter styles, but they tend to splinter long nails and make sharp edges. To protect your nails’ integrity for healthy growth, file them to your desired length and shape. Different nail beds and hands will call for a different shape. However, the best shape to prevent snagging and breakage tends to be a rounded almond shape. Think: elegant ’80s throwback vibes.

A classic buffer is a great way to naturally polish the nail by smoothing out the ridges and grooves. We also adore this glass buffer for a high-gloss shine that will have people double-taking those digits for a clear coat.

To keep those ridges as well as discoloration at bay, make sure you’re getting all your nutrients. Science says that certain deficiencies can show up at your fingertips. White spots and Beau’s lines (the curved horizontal lines) are a sign of a zinc deficiency, while vertical ridges (which can lead to painful breakages and splintering) are a sign of iron or vitamin C deficiencies. Taking your daily multivitamins and beauty supplements will pay off in a major way.

Keeping nails moist will keep them flexible, meaning they will bend on impact instead of snap. This is crucial if you, like, use your hands for stuff. If you wash your hands often, keep a bottle or tub of rich moisturizer by your sink. Use a nutrient-powered serum if you’re going for mega growth. Keep hand cream in your purse at all times, and don’t just rub it onto the hands. Really rub the product into each individual nail.

Use cuticle oil every night, and if you want to go the extra mile, exfoliate the nails and cuticles with a glycolic solution once a week.

Lastly, avoid trimming your cuticles when possible. They are there for a reason—to serve as a sealant that protects the nails from bacteria and fungus. Push them back, keep them nourished and moisturized, and they won’t be a problem. 

Now, prepare for the satisfying tap-tap of your very own healthy nails on your desk, keyboard, and anything else for some ASMR-level bliss. 

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