I got a rush of askers in my inbox from the past week with very similar questions, so I’ll try to answer some of them in one post rather than spam my followers’ dashboards with multiple posts. Just a reminder that I absolutely enjoy receiving questions, so feel free to ask away. If you don’t see an answer within a week, it’s either because it has already been answered in a previous post or it can be found in my FAQ page. I don’t mind anonymous questions, but it’s easier if you ask with your username so that I can answer privately. If you would like an immediate response, then you can definitely post on my Facebook wall or shoot me an email! Okay, on to the questions.

1. Hello to you, too! Thank you very much. :) Your nails may be breaking easily because you are trying to maintain square-cut nails. I love how square nails look, but they require more maintenance because they can easily snag on clothing and split easily. If this is your case, then try growing your nails while keeping them rounded. Once they grow to the desired length, then file them until you get the shape you want. I emphasize and stress the importance of FILING your nails. I very rarely cut my nails with nail clippers because it results in weakened nails, which will eventually split/crack/break within a few days (ouch). If you absolutely need to use nail clippers, make sure they are not dull. When you file your nails, file in ONE direction. Never file back and forth!

Aside from how you cut your nails, remember to take care and nourish them. Avoid soaking your hands in water for long periods of time. If you wash dishes, use gloves. If your fingers are getting wrinkly from a bath/shower, your nails are also being exposed to too much water. From experience, I noticed that keeping my hands wet for too long results in soft nails, which become brittle when dry. Not good. :( When I say nourish, I mean using cuticle creams/oils all over your fingers as well as the nail beds. Keeping your nails regularly polished may prevent breaking as well.

There’s a lot more to say, but I don’t want to repeat myself. I answered some other nail maintenance questions here, so please check them out for further tips. 

2. Thank you! I use pure acetone, which you can buy from any local beauty store. They are sold by the gallon and generally very cheap. Pure acetone cleans off nail polish very well compared to what you find at drugstores since there are no moisturizers mixed in. Please be careful with pure acetone though. You can damage your nails and cuticles by overusing it. Avoid inhaling the fumes.

3. Hello, there! I “groom” my nails by first filing to get the desired shape, then lightly buffing the nail beds to rid of any ridges or yellowing. Do not over-buff the nail beds as you can easily thin out your nails and cause them to break. Then I apply cuticles creams all over to keep my cuticles nourished. I like to use Lush’s Lemony Flutter and/or Bert’s Bees’ Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I leave the cream on my nails and cuticles to let them soak in the goodness for at least an hour. Make sure the cream is no longer on your nails when you begin to apply nail polish.

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Okay! I think that’s the best I can answer for now. You can check out other answered questions here. I gotta get back to my homework. Expect a new manicure post soon. :) - mandie