Tips From Manicurist!

Hi all,

I mentioned that I had a manicure after a very long absence of time. My nail tech graciously endured my round of questions and gave me some wonderful tips that you may all know already, but I wanted to share in case others might like to hear them.

1. Discolored nails
A little dab of whitening formula toothpaste will work wonders on yellow or other discolorations spots on nails. Just put a dab on the nails in the area that is discolored and gently rub. Leave on for a short time and then rinse off.

2. Rub gelatin into your nails - don't drink it. Although it is a known thought that drinking gelatin will help nails, my nail tech told me to try using it on the outside of the nails. She said to mix 1 packet of unflavored gelating with 1 Tbs of petroleum jelly and massage it into the nails daily. She said it will help grow pokey nails and soften at the same time.

3. Peeling nails. This is a problem I have. She actually painted my nails and for the first time, they are not peeling. So that is good news. She recommends that you apply a face cream that has glycolic acid onto your nails which will help exfoliate dull skin from the nail beds and will help the polish stay on longer and not peel.

4. Jagged cuticles. She said to use stay away from protein fortified base coats or other nail formulas because they make the cuticles grow fast. To deal with jagged or ragged cuticles use Alka Seltzer to soak your nails in. Then gently brush. She said it will help soften the cuticles.

I have only tried a few of the tips but they all sound doable for a nail klutz like me. I would love to hear feedback or other tips.

Best wishes,
Karen

I read that champagne used in a warm water soak will help to soften the nails. The tip is to add a splash of champagne in a small bowl of warm water and soak fingernails for 5-10 minutes. Then gently remove any rough or bad cuticle spots. The champagne contains something called tartaric acid which is supposed to also help brighten the nails.

Great tips!

I haven't had a manicure at a salon for awhile. Maybe it's time I go and have it done again!!!

Good tips.
*Thanks Karen!
*Especially concerning the jagged cuticles.

Love the toothpaste idea!! I tend to break my nails if I don't have some kind of polish on them, however I have to take a break from polish because it turns them a light shade of yellow.

I have read that polishes that contain Formaldehyde (please forgive my spelling) will turn your nails yellow, so I do try to stay away from those. Plus the thought of that being in them anyways, just kind of grosses me out. hehehe