“The way typical nail strengthening products work is by creating a protective coating over the top of the nail but these aren’t as effective because as soon as the product is removed, so are the strengthening effects,” says Xiaoyan Tu, director of research and development at OPI, who led the development of Repair Mode. “Similar to how Olaplex products have revolutionized hair care, the Ultiplex Technology in Repair Mode allows the product to penetrate the nails, interact with nail keratin, and create new bonds.”

OPI, Repair Mode — $25.00

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You know it’s time to reach for OPI Repair Mode ($25) when your nails are brittle, weak, and flexible.

“Healthy nails are strong, smooth, uniform in color and consistency,” says Tu. “Nails are damaged by normal wear-and-tear in everyday activities, ranging from typing to gardening to usage of household chemicals. Some early signs of damaged nails are weaker, thinner, or brittle nails. If not addressed, the nail will start to show breaking, splitting, or peeling issues. We would suggest you use repair mode when you notice your nails become too flexible, easier to bend, or when you visually see any sign of surface damage to your nail.”

When your nails need some serious TLC, apply Repair Mode twice a day for six days straight. Additionally, “You can use it as a prep booster under your favorite color service,” says Tu. Just apply the serum, allow it to soak in for 10 minutes, and remove any excess with rubbing alcohol. OPI claims that when used as instructed, Repair Mode makes your nail four times stronger. And reviewers seem to be seeing the results.

“The tips [of my nails] have gone from translucent to white again, my nails feel stronger, and while some really bad cracks are still there, they haven’t gotten worse,” writes one reviewer. “I’ve tried hard as hoofs, castor oil, and even filing down the nail past where the split starts, all of which did help, but not nearly as quickly.”

Another reviewer adds, “I think I’m convinced this stuff is magic. After removing my nail polish a few weeks ago my nails were PEELIN’. I applied this a few times a day for a few days and then used it as part of my prep for press on nails about 12 days ago. Took my press on’s off last night, and my nails show no signs of peeling. They really do look visibly better after use.”

I figured the next best thing was making the Stimulail nail-strengthening device a part of my nightly routine. Stimunail ($68) is a tool that uses heat, vibration, and LED light to strengthen your nails over time. Simply place your fingers in the holes and rest your palm on the Stimunail logo, and it starts a three-minute nail-wellness session.

Stimunail — $68.00

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Stacey Steinmetz, brand founder and cosmetic biochemist, developed Stimunail as “something quick and easy that anyone could use at home, something cool and high-tech, [and] something that challenged everything we’ve been taught about caring for our nails,” reads the brand’s website.

Red light, which is able to penetrate deeper into the skin than other forms of light, aids in healthy cell function, healing damaged cells and promoting new healthy growth. It does this by reaching the mitochondria of the cell, aka, its powerhouse.

“Mitochondria contain light-sensitive molecules (called chromophores) that are able to absorb the red light, ” says Dan Pardi, PhD, chief health architect at Restore Hyper Wellness. “So when you are exposed to this type of light, mitochondria are stimulated to produce more ATP, the energy molecule that drives most of our metabolic processes.”

The gentle heat and vibration both boost circulation to the area surrounding the nails. Because our blood is what carries nutrients throughout the body, upping blood flow to the fingertips means the nails get a boost of nutrients that allows them to grow strong and healthy.

I’ve been using Stimunail every night for the past few months, and every time I change out my gel extensions, I notice my nails are stronger than the time before.

My 3-step nighttime nail-and-hand routine

1. Stimunail

This is the star of my routine, and what I credit with most of my growth. Before bed, I make sure to get in my Stimunail session. This often happens while watching TV on the couch or reading my Kindle in bed. I place my hands in and let the device do all the work while I chill.

2. Cuticle serum

Once I’ve had my final bathroom break and know I’m in bed for the night, I apply cuticle serum to my nails. Right now, I’m loving the Chillhouse On the Mend ($25) and Olive&June Cuticle Serum ($30). Both are pens, so I can target the serum right where I need it (while lying in bed in the dark!) without making a mess.

Chillhouse, On the Mend — $25.00

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Olive&June, Cuticle Serum — $30.00

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3. Retinol hand lotion

I finish off my routine with a retinol hand lotion to help promote cell turnover and boost collagen production, keeping my hands soft, radiant, and free of fine lines and wrinkles for as long as possible. Lately, I’ve been reaching for The Body Retinol from Nécessaire ($55). It’s got a buttery yet lightweight texture and is boosted with alpha-hydroxy acids glycolic acid and mandelic acid to promote skin-brightening exfoliation.

Nécessaire, The Body Retinol — $55.00

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See, now you’re looking down at your nails and either wondering what they are or why you don’t have them. (Personally, I only have them on a few of my nails, so you’re not alone if you’re noticing the same.)

To find out what it means if you’re missing half moons on your fingernails, I chatted with board-certified dermatologist Dana Stern, MD, who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of the nail. Ahead, learn what she has to say on the buzzworthy nail topic.

Why you may have half moons on your fingernails

If you’ve ever wondered where your nails grow from, Dr. Stern points to your half moons (aka the nail’s lunula). “Half moons are half of the nail’s matrix,” she says, noting that the matrix is also referred to as the nail root. “The nail matrix is an oval-like structure that produces the actual nail plate—it is the ‘nail making center.’”

Although many nail influencers have visible half moons, making it seem like they’re a key component of healthy, beautiful nails, Dr. Stern says that lots of people can’t see their lunulae. “For many people, the half moon is not visualized on most of the nails because it is covered with the skin at the proximal nail fold, but we all have nail matrixes and therefore lunulae,” she assures us.

What do small or invisible half moons on your fingernails mean?

Some Internet folks are spreading misinformation that a lack of half moons is related to having a vitamin deficiency. And it’s often believed because other nail irregularities, such as ridges, are chalked up to the same thing. In reality, Dr. Stern says that our nail matrixes (and the half moons that accompany them) are determined at birth—not influenced by the vitamins we consume.

“We are born with our nail matrix and the size and shape is what determines nail quality to a large degree,” she explains. “When someone can’t visualize their half moon on their thumb nail, it generally means they have relatively small matrixes and are more predisposed to have thin, small nails.”

Additionally, she points out that just because you can’t see your half-moons doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. “They are not missing, they are just not visible because they are under the proximal nail fold,” she reassures us.

The takeaway

While half moons may look like a critical part of a healthy nail, Dr. Stern says that it’s typically nothing to stress about (nor anything to call your doctor about) if they’re not visible. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that if you do have visible lunulae, they should be pale white in color. If you notice that they turn black, brown, blue, red, or yellow, consult your doctor, as an underlying health issue (such as diabetes, heart failure, or renal failure) could be at play. Though, this is quite rare.

“We’re really loving this lip-gloss-turned-nail trend,” says Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of nail-care band Olive & June. The brand dove into more intense sheer shades earlier this year. “We got really excited about doing a more pigmented sheer line that feels like it could be worn on its own and feel like a berry-stained lip gloss on your nails.”

After years of milky and opaque polishes taking priority, the influx of sheer lacquers feels like a fun, low-maintenance change—a single coat is all you need to achieve the look, though you can layer on more if you want more of a pop of color. To help you get bold, lip gloss nails for summer, I’ve found five gorgeous, sheer nail polishes that you’re gonna want on your vanity ASAP. Browse your options below.

Dazzle Dry, Pedal to the Metal Pink — $22.00

This one is the simplest on the list—it’s still pink, but it has a little hint of coral in it, making the color a bit warmer. Plus, it doesn’t have any white pigment in it, so it’s more glossy instead of milky. When layered, it will create a super-pretty look that stands out without being too loud. It’s from Dazzle Dry, so it’ll be fully set in five minutes.

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Aprés, Under the Tuscan Sun — $15.00

New from Aprés, this shade is so much fun. It’s a sheer orange gel polish with yellow undertones and just screams summer. Picture it: This shade on your nails as you sit under the sun sipping an Aperol Spritz. Again, there’s no white pigment in the polish so it’s nice and transparent. It’s a gel polish so know you’ll need a UV light, gel base coat, and gel top coat to make it work.

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Olive & June, This Lettuce Is Radicchio — $9.00

This is the shade Gibson Tuttle says is like berry lip gloss on your nails. It’s the perfect purple-y pink and truly gives popsicle vibes. It’s a 15-free polish, meaning it’s non-toxic and free of lots of common irritants like formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), parabens, and fragrances. This polish has a gel-like finish that comes off easily with nail polish remover.

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Zoya, Miley — $10.00

This frosty shade screams early aughts in the best way possible. It’s a sheer, cool-toned, periwinkle shade with a little milkiness to it. It’s perfect if you’re into pastels, but want something with a bit more visual interest.

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Ailla, Jelly Brown Gel Nail Polish — $8.00

Out of all five, this shade is my favorite. It’s the perfect polish equivalent of ‘90s brown lipgloss. It’s a warm-toned brown and that adds a moodiness to your look without being too heavy. This is a gel polish so be sure to have all the necessary tools.

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Luckily, a new generation of press-on nails have arrived to give me freshly manicured hands at a moment’s notice, without the expensive bill or damage to my nails, to boot. These press-on nails aren’t just cheaper (costs vary but can range between $10-$22), but they look just as good as the real thing and are super easy to apply with either a tube of nail glue (which is often included) or built-in adhesive.

For the past few weeks, I’ve worn a “handful” (lol) of different popular press-on nails from brands like Chillhouse, Sally Hansen, and more. Below are the six sets that delivered salon-quality results in sheer minutes.

How to use press-on nails

“Press-on nails can be applied with either glue for longer-term application or with double-sided sticky tabs or tape for shorter use,” says Julie Kandalec, a NYC-based celebrity manicurist and educator. Before application, she recommends laying out all of the different sizes and placing the nails over your nail bed to see if it fits—if they’re either too big or too small, that’s an indication they won’t last long.

Once this step is done, “gently place the nail onto the nail plate, use your glue or double stick tape, and apply the nail.” In my experience, it helps to hold down the nail for a few seconds to allow the glue to dry or adhesive to stick.

How to make press-on nails last

According to Sonya Meesh, celebrity and editorial nail artist based in New York and Los Angeles, nail prep is key when it comes to ensuring your press-ons last. “Making sure that your nails are free of oils and debris ensures a secure grip between your nail, the glue, and the press on,” they said. Some beginner kits come with an alcohol prep pad and a lint remover, but just in case your kit does not come with it, alcohol on a cotton pad works, too.

What to look for when buying press-on nails

Meesh tells us that “press-on nails made with gel are the best as they’re the strongest and can withstand a lot of wear and tear if you work with your hands, workout a lot, or trying, but plastic works, too!” If you’re new to press-on nails, look for kits that already come with glue, a nail file, and prep pads; however, all of these materials can be bought separately.

Are press-on nails better for your nails than acrylics?

“It’s really about how you treat them. If you treat your nails well and maintain them (i.e keeping them clean, trimming them down, keeping cuticles and hands moisturized) the press ons will work for you, not against you,” says Meesh. Additionally, they recommend resisting the urge to rip or pick them as that could rip your actual nail.

We know there’s a bunch of options to choose from, so we put several press-on nail kits to the test to determine which ones are actually worth the money. Here are six press-on kits that deliver salon quality nails in mere minutes.

Chillhouse

Chillhouse, Checked Out — $16.00

Nails included: 24

Design fans—You can now get a coveted Chillhouse manicure in the comfort of your own home, thanks to the brand’s press-on nails, which can be purchased on the brand’s website and retailers like Target and Urban Outfitters.

I tried the brand’s “Checked Out” set, which features a baby-blue checkered print and rounded nails in a Goldilocks length: not too short, not too long, but just right. I stuck these nails on during a trip to Dallas, and they were super easy to glue on (which was included, btw) and apply. One caveat to note is that these press-on nails need plenty of glue. After using a pea-sized amount on my nails, I noticed that they began to fall off after a few days. More glue ought to do the trick.

Shop more Chillhouse press-on nails here.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Cute design
• Versatile length

Cons:

• Nail file and prep pad not included
• Requires more glue to keep nails on

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Paintlab

Paintlab, Glossy Glazed — $15.00

Nails included: 24

After testing Paintlab’s Glossy Glazed nails, I can attest to how long-lasting these nails are. Made with non-toxic and cruelty-free materials, they’re a force to be reckoned with and lasted perfectly for one full week, even after workouts and days of typing at the computer.

That said, application is a bit tricky. Due to the curved nature of each nail, I found them slightly difficult to press on without the nail popping off (it might take two tries to get them to stick). Once they’re on, however, they’re on for a long time. And unlike Chillhouse’s kits, each set comes with all of the essentials needed for an at-home manicure, including 24 press-on nails, a prep pad, nail file, non-toxic nail glue, and a wooden cuticle stick. A salon manicure minus the salon price.

Shop more Paintlab press-on nails here.

Pros:

• Long-lasting
• Nail file and prep pad included
• Non-toxic and cruelty-free

Cons:

• More difficult to apply

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Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen, Perfect Manicure Press-On Nail Kit — $10.00

Nails included: 24

Sally Hansen makes press-ons in all different colors, shapes, and styles, all of which are easy to apply. The set I tested was colorful, almond shaped, and so simple to glue down (Note: they take about 20-30 seconds to really stick). The only downside is each nail was a little flimsier than other sets I’ve tried. But at $10 per set, they’re easier on the wallet than traditional acrylics and gel tips.

Shop more Sally Hansen nails here.

Pros:

• Comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs
• Sticks on easily
• Nail file and prep pad included

Cons:

• Flimsy

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Olive and June

Olive and June, Medium Press-On Nails — $10.00

Nails included: 42

Fun fact: I wore these on an interview with Joe Jonas. I couldn’t sit down with Jonas IRL without having a fresh set of nails (he complimented them, btw), and these Olive and June medium press-on nails helped me in a pinch.

Besides the color and design, I love that each set comes with a whopping 42 nails in 21 sizes, enough to ensure a custom fit on all nails. The set also includes a bottle of non-toxic glue, a prep pad, and nail file. While the purple holographic design is sold out, enjoy dozens of other patterns and colors, from gold glitter to rainbow swirls. Plus, they’re Joe Jonas-approved!

 

Shop more Olive and June nails here.

 

Pros:

• Includes 42 nails
• Stylish
• Sticks on easily

Cons:

• Color dulls after a week of wear

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Impress

Impress, Press-On Manicure — $8.00

Nails included: 30

These no-frills nails are by far the easiest nails to apply. Featuring a patented adhesive, these nails stick on within seconds of removing the plastic and require no drying time, which is perfect for people who are on the go. Heading to a business meeting? No problem. A party in 30 minutes? Also, no problem.

The nails I tried were coffin-shaped. As someone who loves longer nails but has to type on the computer for a living, I didn’t find these to be bothersome at all. What’s more, they come at an affordable price point. For just $8, it’s a manicure you can’t beat.

Shop more Impress nails here.

Pros:

• Extremely easy to apply
• Good quality
• Affordable
• Doesn’t leave stains on nails
• No drying time

Cons:

• Might not last as long as glue-on nails

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Glamnetic

Glamnetic, Press-On Nails — $20.00

Nails included: 30

This nail kit delivers exactly what you’d expect: Glam nails. From sorbet-colored tips to smiley faces, Glamnetic nails are bound to spark a conversation no matter where you are. What’s great about the kit is that it comes with everything you need to channel your inner manicurist. You get a pack of glue, nail file, and prep pad to commence sticking.

One thing to note is that the natural curvature of these nails make them harder to stick, so once you apply the glue, you may need to hold down the nail longer for the glue to adhere to your nail. Other than that, they’re chic, easy to use, and will have nails looking fresh in minutes.

Shop more Glamnetic nails here.

Pros:

• Nail file and prep pad included
• Available in a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns
• Quality nails

Cons 

• Requires more drying time
• Expensive

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“I take a lot of pills every single day, so to be able to eat vitamins that I actually enjoy is really important to me,” Hyland tells Well+Good. “My health journey has led to some side effects from medications I take daily, like hair thinning. I find that the best way to get great results is to treat your hair and skin from the inside out.”

The Sourse Hair & Nail Growth Bites ($15) and Sourse Skin Glow Bites ($15) are vegan, gluten-free, vitamin-infused dark chocolate bites designed to taste good and perform.

Sourse, Hair & Nail Growth Bites — $15.00

Sourse’s hair and nail formula includes biotin to support the cells and proteins that make up hair and nails; inositol to support hair follicles and target DHT, the cause of hair loss; and folate to add volume and target premature greying.

“Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and biotin, to name a few, have been associated with hair loss,” says Maria Marlowe, an NYC-based integrative nutrition health coach. “The good news is hair loss related to nutrient deficiencies generally isn’t permanent and can be rectified by adding in the nutrient.”

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Sourse Skin Glow Bites — $15.00

The skin formula has phytoceramides to deliver new ceramides to the skin and restore the skin’s water barrier. “Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in our skin that help our skin cells in the topmost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, to seal in moisture,” says Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island.

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“I love that I can bring health into people’s lives via chocolate,” says Hyland. “When I joined the team, I instantly had ideas for new products, because I know so much about the health space and what women need. It’s nice to contribute to something that’s been such a massive theme in my life.”

In addition to loving her work behind the scenes, Hyland also loves incorporating Sourse into her daily routine.

“I take a lot of vitamins and dietary supplements and run everything by my doctors. Now with Sourse, it’s so nice to be able to cut down my pill volume and give myself a little treat with chocolate at the same time,” she says. “My hair and nails are much stronger now that I have been treating myself daily with the Hair Grow Bites. My hair grows so fast now, which is fun to see. With our Skin Glow Bites, I notice that my skin stays hydrated and smooth during times when I usually am concerned about it, like when I am traveling. Glow is a must-have for travel!”

So if you’re looking to give your beauty regimen a (tasty!) boost, look no further than Sourse’s Hair & Nail Growth Bites and Skin Glow Bites.

Sourse, Hair & Nail Growth Bites — $15.00

Sourse’s hair and nail formula includes biotin to support the cells and proteins that make up hair and nails; inositol to support hair follicles and target DHT, the cause of hair loss; and folate to add volume and target premature greying.

“Deficiencies in iron, zinc, and biotin, to name a few, have been associated with hair loss,” says Maria Marlowe, an NYC-based integrative nutrition health coach. “The good news is hair loss related to nutrient deficiencies generally isn’t permanent and can be rectified by adding in the nutrient.”

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Sourse Skin Glow Bites — $15.00

The skin formula has phytoceramides to deliver new ceramides to the skin and restore the skin’s water barrier. “Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in our skin that help our skin cells in the topmost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, to seal in moisture,” says Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island.

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While I probably won’t swear them off forever (they do sometimes come in handy), I am increasingly more aware of these gel-induced woes, especially knowing that there is an excellent alternative sitting in my medicine cabinet. ORLY’s Shining Armor Long Wear Topcoat ($10) is my go-to for gel-worthy nails, sans the gel. True to its name, it’s like a layer of armor on my nails, keeping my polish from chipping and peeling longer.

Orly, Shining Armor Topcoat — $10.00

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The ORLY Shining Armor Long Wear Topcoat first came onto my radar a little less than a year ago, when the brand gifted me a bottle to try. At the time, I was on one of my many breaks from gel nails and decided to treat myself to a DIY manicure. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much as I’ve tried plenty of other long-wear topcoats and they’re all kind of the same. But, after one quick swipe across my nailbed, I was shocked by the outcome.

Albeit a bit liquidy, the topcoat appears to have a little more plumpness to it when applied to the nail, which creates a high-gloss finish that resembles the look of a gel manicure. And, while this was purely enough to get me hooked onto the product, it was the weeks that followed that truly convinced me of its staying power. I applied the topcoat before heading out on a week-long trip to New York City where I was surely going to chip my non-gel manicure, because that is just what happens you stomp all over the city for a week in regular polish. But, alas, they never chipped—not even a little bit. In fact, the topcoat kept my manicure intact for another two-and-a-half weeks (weeks I spent deep-diving into my art projects, might I mention) before the first chip appeared.

Since my inaugural mani with the ORLY topcoat, I have reached for my bottle dozens of times. In addition to its gel looks and staying power, I love this topcoat because it actually does a good job of hiding damage on top of my nail bed (so long as I also have a darker color polish underneath), too. After removing gels, my nailbeds look noticeably damaged; There are often ridges on them and you can see where they have been filed over. And, on the areas where I got impatient and peeled the gel polish off (trust me, don’t do this), there is a lot of uneven texture. But, the supple finish of the ORLY Shining Armor topcoat helps mask all of this and creates a smooth surface with the shiniest finish.

With this in mind, we tapped top nail experts to find out more about the lifespan of a manicure and how to prevent pesky manicure woes like peeling, plus their top picks for the best long-lasting nail polishes.

Why does my nail polish peel off?

Nail polish can peel due to a variety of reasons, says Rose Herr, the founder of Polished Mani, a manicure tracking app. “Not having a proper base or top coat and being especially rough on your hands and nails can all contribute,” she explains.

Additionally, how nails are prepped pre-polish is vital and can mean the difference between staying on and peeling off. Rachel Apfel Glass, the founder of GlossLab says preparation is key for preventing peeling nail polish. “Always make sure your nails are filed, buffed, and dried with an alcohol pad to eliminate any moisture in the nail for a smooth application that lasts,” she explains.

Do certain nail polish colors last longer than others?

As far as long-lasting nail polish is concerned, it’s typically more about formula than color. However, color is still important as some can show more wear than others. “A small chip on a super dark color is more noticeable than a large chip on a neutral one,” says Mazz Hanna, celebrity nail artist and the CEO of Nailing Hollywood. If you are prone to chipped nail polish, Hanna says to make sure you prep your nails properly before application, which includes removing any oily residue. “Wiping the nail with an alcohol pad before painting can help with chipping,” she explains.

Nail growth is another reason why some might prefer light-colored nail polish vs. dark-colored nail polish when it comes to longevity. “Dark and light colors last the same on the nail, but the benefit of doing a light-colored mani is that it hides the nail growth better than a darker shade,” says Glass. With that in mind, those with fast-growing nails might prefer lighter colors.

How to extend the life of a manicure

No matter how durable a long-lasting manicure formula may be, there are still some things you can do to support the longevity of your manicure. First, Herr says to wear gloves when washing dishes and to avoid using your nails as tools at all costs (that means no prying things open or using them to cut into boxes). “Topcoat is definitely crucial to helping your manicure last,” Herr adds, noting that reapplying a top coat every few days can help extend the life of your manicure.

Another way to support a longer-lasting manicure is to moisturize. While moisturizing beforehand is a no-no for application, once your manicure is finished and dried, Glass says hydrating with oils such as coconut oil throughout the week “actually prevents chipping and peeling.”

5 best long-lasting nail polishes

Dazzle Dry, Nail Polish — $22.00

If you’re looking for a long-lasting nail polish that can last for two weeks and, if you care for your nails properly, sometimes even longer, Dazzle Dry is a fantastic pick. “It’s a proprietary, clean formula that was developed as a system to be quick-drying and long-lasting,” says Hanna. She loves this polish because it is applied like regular polish, can last as long as gel, but is removed like regular polish, too, making it a good choice for those looking to break up with gel nails. “It’s truly revolutionary and one of my favorite products,” Hanna adds.

 

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Sally Hansen, Miracle Gel Nail Polish — $5.00

With gel in the name, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel has a professional gel manicure effect but is actually regular polish. Hanna swears by it because it’s not only an accessible product—most drugstores and Amazon Prime carry it—but it’s also easy to apply and lasts up to 10 days. Not to mention: The brush covers the nail with ease for an even, salon-worthy application. “The pigments are also impressive, especially for a product at this price point,” Hanna adds.

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Essie, Gel Couture Nail Polish — $10.00

This nail polish is another one inspired by gel manicures without the fuss of UV curation. “The brush makes application a breeze and the formula is super creamy and smooth,” says Hanna. She loves this line of long-lasting nail polish because it also has tons of amazing colors (though she gravitates toward the reds, noting that they are *chef’s kiss*).

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ORLY, Nail Lacquer — $11.00

“ORLY polishes adhere to the nail particularly well when used with their base and top coat,” Hanna notes. She swears by the brand’s rubberized Bonder Basecoat ($8) for prepping the nails for extra longevity. “It has a cult following and you’ll find it in nearly every celebrity manicurist’s kit,” she notes. The best thing about ORLY (aside from the long-lasting formulas) is that it pays particular attention to color and has a fun range of hues, including neons and one of the largest glitter lines Hanna has ever seen from a brand.

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Mineral Fusion, Nail Polish — $10.00

Even though it doesn’t have a gel-inspired formula, Hanna says Mineral Fusion is another nail polish brand that “is super clean and lasts for over a week with minimal chips, especially when used with their base and top coat.” Considering the quality, the brand also has an accessible price point and is easy to find at many natural food stores including Whole Foods. If you’re more drawn to nudes and neutrals, Hanna says this is the long-lasting nail polish brand for you.

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Thankfully, social media has found a fix. Enter: Gel cycling, the latest iteration of the “cycling”-style beauty trends that have taken over TikTok. These practices, which include “hair cycling” and “skin cycling,” involve taking a break from the more aggressive parts of your routine to allow for a reset period. In the case of gel cycling, this means swapping out those beloved gel manis every once in a while in favor of better-for-your-nails polish—or, better yet, no polish at all.

“I do think gel cycling is going to be the next big cycling trend,” says Dana Stern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in nail health. Keep reading to find out why.

Why you should consider gel cycling

Simply put, it’s better for the health of your nails. “Regular gel manicures can result in nail thinning,” says Dr. Stern.

This damage primarily happens when gel is removed, because the polish is UV cured to the nail, which makes it harder to take off. While most of us know that picking and peeling gel polish is a serious no-no, your nails can still incur damage even if you’re soaking it off properly or having it removed by a professional. “Aggressive mechanical removal, from scraping to self-peeling to the use of emery files, has caused many to see the value in having an ‘off cycle’ from their gels,” says Dr. Stern.

Marry that with the ever-evolving conversation around the health risks of continued UVA exposure during repeated gel sessions, “and we’ve been seeing more conversations regarding cycling come up a lot at our salon because nails need a break,” says Tina Wang, founder of Lunula Salon. Weaving this strategic method into your routine will help minimize dehydration, brittleness, breakage, and thinned nail plates that result from the prolonged acetone soaks and mechanical scraping required to remove gels.

How to gel cycle

A gel manicure typically lasts for two to three weeks, and proper cycling requires limiting your subsequent treatments. A good general rule to follow? “For every eight weeks of gel polish, give your nails a 1-2 week break,” says Wang.

To make the most out of the time your nails are gel-free, you’ll want to treat them to a little extra TLC. “Gels don’t provide any health benefits to the nail. So an important part of gel cycling is not only to take a break from the damage-inducing service but to effectively treat during the off-gel part of the cycle because the damage from gels can be cumulative,” says Dr. Stern.

During this recovery period, be sure to keep your cuticles hydrated with a nourishing oil, fortify your nails with a strengthening serum, and commit to making an emollient hand cream a part of your regular routine. These practices will set you up for damage-free success when your next gel appointment comes around.

“Regardless of where you are in the cycle, gels on or off, give your nails some extra love by moisturizing your nails and massaging your nail beds with antioxidant-rich cuticle oil or vitamin E moisturizer,” says Wang. Doing this allows your nails the best chance for stimulating nail growth, improved hydration, and overall repair of the underlying nail matrix.

Is gel cycling for everyone?

Anyone who regularly gets gel manicures can benefit from gel cycling, especially if they prioritize non-toxic formulas with limited LED drying during their “off” periods, but it’s extra helpful for those whose gels manis routinely result in nail damage. If you’ve noticed that your nails have taken on a wonky texture (aka they’ve got pits, dips, or grooves) or are spotted with discoloration, it’s a good sign you should lay off the gel for a few weeks.

However, it’s important to note that “some people find their nails are stronger and healthier with a protective barrier like polish, gel, or dip because they experience less breakage when they have some layer keeping their nails from cracking,” says Steph Stone, Essie celebrity manicurist. If that sounds like you, she recommends using a strengthening base coat over and under gels to prevent breakage.

“There are two major shifts a year in nails that we see,” says Gibson Tuttle. “It’s winter to spring and then summer to fall. So for spring, we wanted to do something that felt really fresh and new and brought us into the season.” For Gibson Tuttle and her team, farmer’s markets embody that freshness. As much so that they always seek them out when traveling to new cities. “We send each other pictures like, ‘look how good this farmer’s market is.'”

But it’s about more than just the crisp produce and artisanal jams. Gibson Tuttle says that these markets drop you into a new community, allowing you to meet the locals and experience their creativity. “Olive & June is so diehard for our community, and so we love going to local farmer’s markets and checking out local artisans and vendors,” she says.

The new Farmer’s Market collection is centered around six stunning colors: This Lettuce is Radicchio (sheer magenta), Strawberries Are in Season Right Now (sheer crimson), Lavender Stems (sheer lavender), Carrot Juice (opaque fresh orange), Berry Basket (opaque soft turquoise), and Not Kale (chartreuse green).

“The bold, brighter colors that are opaque are amazing. I have carrot juice on my toes right now and it’s like an amazing coral,” says Gibson Tuttle. The sheer shades were made because “we’re really loving this lip-gloss-turned-nail trend. We got really excited about doing a more pigmented sheer line that feels like either it could be worn on its own and feel like a berry-stained lip gloss on your nails or you combine it with one of our neutrals and make it milky.”

Buy them on their own for $9 each or get The Spring 2023 Mani System ($80) which also includes all the tools and care you need for a salon-quality mani at home like a file, cuticle treatment, and more.

The Spring Polish Set — $48.00

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The Farmer’s Market collection also includes three $10 press-on kits: Butterfly Party (extra short, round nails with butterflies floating on a shear pinkish iridescent base), Periwinkle Vampy Heart (short, round nails painted a periwinkle blue with a little heart on each nail), and Strawberry French (medium, almond nails with french tips and strawberries). “They’re all very sweet, delicate nail art and they all look like they were hand-painted in the salon,” says Gibson Tuttle.

The Spring 2023 Mani System — $85.00

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Get the perfect farmer’s market mani this spring by playing with Olive & June’s new colors and designs that keep your nails looking fresh, pretty, and understated.

“Nail wraps are a great way to get a curated manicure without the annoying dry time of regular lacquer, and they can be applied quickly which makes them a great option for last-minute parties or events,” says Juli Russell, a DIY nail expert for Sally Beauty. From classic solids and French tip styles to more unique, Instagram-worthy designs, the options for nail wraps are virtually endless. Add in nail decorations like stickers, gemstones, and decals, and you’re able to give yourself a completely custom look without the tedious work and dry time.

The best nail stickers and wraps, at a glance:

• Best overall: Paintbucket The Concrete Jungle Nail Wrap Bundle ($27)
• Best on Amazon: ohora Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips ($16)
• Best nail art for minimalists: Artips Mani Nail Wrap Kits ($8)
• Best nail are for maximalists: ORLY® x Lisa Frank® Zoomer & Zorbit Nail Wraps ($12)
• Best French tip nail wraps: Nail Bliss by Dashing Diva Thick French Wrap Plus ($20)
• Best nail art stickers: Qdsuh Graffiti Fun Nail Art Stickers ($9)
• Best nail tattoos: Inked by Dani Color Nail Art ($10)
• Best nail gem stickers: ULTA Nail Gems You’re Pearlfection ($12)
• Best nail wraps for wide nails: Tough Girls Nail Polish Strips ($8)
• Best nail stickers for small nails: Deco Miami Nail Art Sticker Sheet ($10)
• Best custom: Simply Crystal Finds Custom Nail Stickers ($12)
• Best nail wraps for toes: Dashing Diva Glaze Pedicure Pink Fleur ($10)
• Best semi-cured gel nail strips: DANNI & TONI Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips ($17)
• Best nail polish set: Nails Inc. Live Your Zest Life Nail Polish and Stickers Set ($16)
• Best stencils for French tips: ORLY Half Moon Guides ($6)
• Best variety pack: Maitys 16 Sheets Glitter Nail Wraps ($9)
• Best 3D nail stickers: KTAABTR 3D Heart Nail Charms ($9)

Are nail wraps better than nail polish?

In the case of whether or not nail wraps are better than nail polish, the jury is still out because, according to An Cao, an editorial nail artist and educator at ORLY, “it really depends on what look you’re going for.” Cao says, for the most part, nail wraps and polish are the same since both don’t ruin or damage the nails. The main difference—and reason to choose one over the other—is that polish often has a lot more plain color options to choose from, whereas nail wraps are more design or nail art-focused.

With that said, some might prefer nail wraps because there is very little drying time involved and they’re just as easy to remove as nail polish. “Most nail wraps can be removed with regular lacquer remover, so you don’t run into damage risks with removal like other nail enhancements [such as] acrylics,” Russell explains.

What to look for in stickers and wraps

When shopping for nail stickers and wraps, Nina Park, nail artist and founder of SCRATCH, says to look for pliability, print quality, and the removal process. She also says to look at texture and adhesion to determine whether a nail wrap or sticker is high-quality. Additionally, you’ll want to look at the overall size and shape of the wraps, too.

Pliability

One of the most important factors in a nail wrap or sticker is pliability. “The more pliable the nail wraps are, the more likely they will lay flush with the nail,” says Park. “This is important because if there are gaps or wrinkles, the wraps are more likely to peel up since dirt, water, or oils will creep in and compromise the seal and adhesion,” she explains.

Print quality

Whether you’re going for a more solid look or you prefer a dash of nail art, Park also says to consider the print quality of nail wraps and stickers. “This is especially important when selecting nail wraps with designs,” she explains, adding how some details and images can appear pixelated, which can detract from the appearance of the nail art and thus impact the overall quality of the product.

Removal process

Some nail wraps and stickers will easily remove with nail polish remover, which Park says is preferred, while others might require soaking nails in oil to remove or purchasing an additional removal solvent. Whatever you do, do not follow instructions that say to “gently” peel off nail wraps and stickers. According to Park, “this can actually damage the nail plate or peel off layers of your nail.”

Texture

“Nail wraps should feel like polish that is almost dry—smooth, buttery, and slightly tacky—not like thick plastic or paper,” Park explains. She notes that these qualities are important because, “they directly impact how flush a nail wrap will lay on the nail.” The overall hug of the wrap is important because this will make it appear like real nail polish vs. sticker nails.

Adhesion

When applying nail wraps to your nailbed, Park says they should be, “slightly tacky or squishy so that you’re able to press down firmly on the nail wrap to create a tighter seal, which should create a barrier from dirt, water, or oils, which will elongate wear time.”

Size and shape

The size and shape of nail polish strips and stickers also matter. “When picking nail wraps, choose a size and shape that best matches your own nail shape,” says Russell. “If in between sizes, choose a smaller size and stretch it to fit as best as possible—this will give you the best result and longest wear time,” she adds. And depending on the nail wraps, you can cut them down for a more custom fit.

How to use nail wraps

The directions for how to use nail wraps can vary depending on the brand and product type. That said, most nail wraps will require starting with a fresh canvas—aka, clean nail surfaces free of dirt, debris, and grime. From there, you’ll choose which wraps fit each nail so you’re not scrambling as you go. Most high-quality nail wraps will come with more than you need in a variety of sizes so you can achieve custom nails.

Once you have your selections, start with your thumb and apply the sticker starting at the base of the nail (just above the cuticle), and press firmly. Using your finger or a cuticle pusher, gently smooth out any air bubbles to give it a more slick look. Then, fold the excess over the nail’s tips and allow the nail wrap to sit for a moment to strengthen the adhesive bond. After a couple of seconds, take an emery board and file off the excess from the tip of your nail—it should detach easily. For a longer-lasting finish, some nail wraps will suggest adding a clear top coat once you’re happy with how they look (Psst: our favorite is the ORLY Shining Armor Long Wear Topcoat ($11) which has a high-gloss and gel-like finish.)

17 best nail wraps and stickers

Best overall

Paintbucket, The Concrete Jungle Nail Wrap Bundle — $27.00

Paintbucket’s option gets the No. 1 spot. We love this option because it’s formulated from real and non-toxic nail polish, which means it has a more authentic appearance when applied to the nail and can be easily removed with acetone when you’re ready to try something new. It also comes in a pack of three with two solid colors and one minimalist nail-art design, so you can mix and match and get more variety in your at-home manicure. While it comes with a file for removing the excess strip on the end of the nail, we wish it came with a wooden cuticle pusher, which can be helpful when applying the nail wrap to the nailbed and help smooth out any air bubbles. Nonetheless, they’re pretty much perfect.

Pros:

• Pack of three for variety
• Made from real nail polish, so they’re easy to remove.
• Non-toxic

Cons:

• Cuticle pusher not included

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Best on Amazon

Ohora, Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips — $16.00

For salon-worthy nails, consider our top pick for the best nail wraps on Amazon, the ohora Semi Cured Gel Nail Strips. These nail wraps have a gel-like look and feel with a semi-cured finish, making them an easy solution to at-home gel manicures. Available in 25 different colors and patterns, the nail wraps boast a ton of value considering how much it costs for a gel manicure at a salon compared to their $16 price tag. And, while you do need to purchase the curing light separately, you’ll get lots of use out of it as you play around with all the at-home gel manicure looks from Ohora.

 

Pros:

• Great value
• Available in 25 colors and patterns
• Professional quality

Cons:

• Takes longer to apply compared to other nail wraps
• Curing light sold seperately

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Best nail art for minimalists

Artips, Mani Nail Wrap Kits — $8.00

If you love nail art but prefer something a little more minimal, the Artips Mani Nail Wraps Kit is a must-try. These nail wraps feature a chic and sophisticated nail art design that is suitable for all sorts of occasions, including the office, weddings, and more. They are also made from non-toxic and 10-free gel coating, which gives them a glossy, salon-quality finish. While the brand says there is no dry time and you can just stick them on and go, we recommend adding a layer of top coat to protect them from daily activities, as consistent interaction with water and oil can cause them to peel if applied on their own. When sealed with a top coat, the nail wraps are long-lasting and durable.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Non-toxic and 10-free
• Contain real gel coating for high-quality finish

Cons:

• They only come in one color option

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Best nail art for maximalists

ORLY® x Lisa Frank®, Zoomer & Zorbit Nail Wraps — $12.00

Y2K style is back—which means so is Lisa Frank. We have worn these ORLY® x Lisa Frank® Zoomer & Zorbit Nail Wraps a few times and are always impressed by the overall quality of the wraps. Aside from the most fun and maximalist nail-art design, the wraps are made with quality in mind and don’t budge when sealed with a top coat (seriously, we had them on for four weeks.) Additionally, they’re ultra-easy to remove and require just a little bit of nail polish remove to lift away from the nails so you can start fresh with a different design (may we suggest the ORLY® x Lisa Frank® Kitten Bubbles Gel Nail Strips or perhaps the entire collection of Lisa Frank Gel Nail Strips?)

Pros:

• Cute design
• Last up to one month (with top coat over them)
• Remove easily

Cons:

• You need to use a wooden cuticle stick to push the edges down, otherwise they might lift up after a few days of regular activity.

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Best French tip nail wraps

Nail Bliss by Dashing Diva, Thick French Wrap Plus — $20.00

You can get the most gorgeous, salon-inspired French manicure at home with this kit from Sally Beauty. The Nail Bliss by Dashing Diva Thick French Wrap Plus comes highly recommended for its value (you get 10 manicures for under $20), quality, and how fast and easy they are to apply. While they are on the thicker side—which might not be preferred by everyone—this allows them to create a gel or acrylic-like finish that is long-lasting, highly durable, and oh-so chic.

Pros:

• High-quality
• Enough wraps for 10 French manicures
• Easy to apply

Cons:

• Thicker compared to other wraps

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Best nail art stickers

Qdsuh, Graffiti Fun Nail Art Stickers — $9.00

If you’re drawn to the chic abstract art nail art trends on Instagram but don’t know how to create your own designs at home, get the Qdsuh Graffiti Fun Nail Art Stickers. This pack is under $10 and comes with more than enough stickers to create multiple custom looks that feel trendy, cool, and sophisticated. Inspired by abstract artwork—including line art and funky color palettes—the nail stickers are also easy to apply and made of eco-friendly and non-toxic materials. And, while they are on the small side, you can layer them or add multiples to one nailbed for a more personalized look.

Pros:

• Chic 
• Easy to use
• Multiple, custom looks
• Eco-friendly and non-toxic

Cons:

• Small

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Best nail tattoos

Inked by Dani, Color Nail Art — $10.00

Just like traditional temporary tattoos for the skin, these nail stickers apply with a little bit of water for a long-lasting solution to nail art. The sticker pack comes with all sorts of adorable decals, too, including trendy options like mushrooms, cacti, smile faces, and crescent moons. And, with a layer of top coat, they are completely waterproof and stay put until you’re ready to remove them.

Pros:

• Cute and trendy
• Waterproof and easy to apply
• Long-lasting
• Work on top of bare nails, polish, wraps, and gel polishes.

Cons:

• Small

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Best nail gem stickers

ULTA, Nail Gems You're Pearlfection — $12.00

To add a touch of flair to your manicure—whether you have nail wraps, gels, or bare nailbeds—we love the ULTA Nail Gems You’re Pearlfection sticker sheets. These gem stickers come in a pack of three and feature hearts and stars in a variety of colors, along with 3D pearl decals for an elevated touch. Whether you’re creating a DIY wedding manicure and want to add a bit of timeless sparkle or are capitalizing on the internet’s pearl infatuation, these nail stickers are a fun way to create a unique look on your manicure with very little fuss—simply stick them on and apply a top coat to secure for long-wear.

Pros:

• Cute and trendy
• Has both stickers and pearl gems
• Work on top of bare nails, polish, wraps, and gel polishes

Cons:

• Matte finish
• Small

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Best nail wraps for wider nails

Tough Girls, Nail Polish Strips — $8.00

The best thing about nail wraps is they come in a variety of sizes with enough extras so you can find the perfect fit. However, if you have wide nails, the Tough Girls Nail Polish Strips are our favorite, since they have more size variety—with more wide options—compared to other brands. In addition to their size, these high-quality nail wraps are highly durable, come with everything you need to apply (including cleaning wipes, a wooden cuticle tool, and a nail file), and they are available in 113 different colors and patterns so you have endless options to choose from when creating an at-home nail wrap manicure.

Pros:

• Variety of sizes and widths
• Come in over 100 different colors and patterns
• Includes cleaning wipes, a wooden cuticle tool, and a nail file

Cons:

• Thicker than other wraps

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Best nail stickers for small nails

​​Deco Miami, Nail Art Sticker Sheet — $10.00

If you have small nails—or are looking for a fun way to spruce up your manicure—the Deco Miami Nail Art Sticker Sheet features stickers in the ideal size for your nailbed. With three collections to choose from, you can create a nail art-worthy custom manicure with adorable smiley faces, butterflies, flowers, and emojis. We love them because they’re super versatile. You can layer them on top of bare nails for a naked look, or add them to your gel nails or nail wraps with a layer of top coat to seal them in place.

Pros:

• Cute and trendy 
• Three design collections to choose from
• High-quality and long-lasting

Cons:

• Maximalist, which might not be for everyone

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Best custom

Simply Crystal Finds, Custom Nail Stickers — $12.00

Whether you’re wanting to create a set of custom nail wraps for bachelorette party gifts or are looking for the perfect nail art for a costume party, you can have tons of fun with the Simply Crystal Finds Custom Nail Stickers from Etsy. These custom nail wraps are created from a premium vinyl, the stickers are also highly durable, long-lasting, and easy to apply. You can add your own words and imagery with dozens of colors and fonts to choose from for an added personal touch. Since it is a custom product, the creator sends you a mockup of your design before creating the final manicure set, so you’ll know what to expect upon delivery.

Pros:

• Customizable
• Variety of fonts and colors to choose from

Cons:

• Long shipping times

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Best nail wraps for toes

Dashing Diva, Glaze Pedicure ​​ — $10.00

Nail wraps aren’t just for manicures. You can create a toenail art look at home with the Dashing Diva Glaze Pedicure, which comes in a wide variety of hues. This set features 33 wraps so you can easily find which sizes match your toenails for that perfect polish-like fit. Additionally, it comes with everything necessary, including a file and wooden cuticle stick to rub out any air bubbles, for an easy and precise application. And, while it does need to cure under an LED light to finish, these wraps don’t require any additional base or top coat to finish, making them all the more convenient to apply.

Pros:

• Created specifically with pedicure and toenail sizing in mind
• Variety of widths and sizes
• Includes  a file and wooden cuticle stick for application 

Cons:

• They need to cure under an LED light.

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Best semi-cured gel nail strips

DANNI & TONI, Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips — $17.00

If you want the gel nail look without dealing with actual gels or press-on nails, the DANNI & TONI Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips are an excellent way to go. These nail wraps are created from real gel polish that is semi-cured so—with the help of a UV light—you can create a salon-worthy look from home. And, with an under $20 price tag, they’re much more cost-effective than a salon gel manicure, too. Additionally, the wraps come in 38 different colors and patterns, including some strong basics like a classic pink French tip, as well as fun nail art like polka dots and an extra terrestrial-inspired design.

Pros:

• Salon-worthy gel look
• More budget-friendly than actual gel manis
• Come in 38 different colors and patterns

Cons:

• Not ideal for larger nails.
• Need UV light to fully cure

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Best nail polish set

Nails Inc., Live Your Zest Life Nail Polish and Stickers Set — $16.00

Add a little twist to your manicure with this adorable nail polish set from Nails. Inc. The Live Your Zest Life Nail Polish and Stickers Set come with two long-wear nail polish bottles in a soft baby pink and vibrant yellow (perfect for spring!) along with a set of lemon nail stickers so you can create a custom nail art look. Add an accent nail with the stickers or reach for a nail art tool to create pink polka dots on top of the yellow polish for a spring-inspired manicure look.

Pros:

• It comes with two nail polish colors along with fun decals.
• You can create a cohesive custom manicure. 
• The nail polish formulas are long wear.

Cons:

• We wish you could choose the nail polish colors for a more customized set.

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Best sticker stencils for French tips

ORLY, Half Moon Guides — $6.00

You can also use nail stickers as a stencil to create classic looks like French tips. If you want to create a traditional French manicure with nail polish, we recommend the ORLY Half Moon Guides, which you can snag from Amazon for under $6 a pop. The kit comes with 78 stickers, allowing you to create multiple manicures with it, and makes French tips possible with very little effort. With that said, since it is a sticker, you’ll want to be careful about using a base polish first. We recommend creating the French tip first and then adding your layer of glossy top coat after. If you want to go for a more colorful base, you still can, but wait until the polish is fully dried before applying the sticker as it can damage uncured polish.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Professional quality

Cons:

• Since they are stickers, you can’t apply a base color when using them

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Best variety pack

Maitys, 16 Sheets Glitter Nail Wraps — $9.00

If you want to purchase a variety pack, consider the Maitys 16 Sheets Glitter Nail Wraps, which feature 16 different color glitter manicure sets. The nail wraps come in five different color schemes—including one with brighter colors as well as more classic shades—and are made from durable sticker material that lays flat on the nail and creates a professional look. On top of that, the value of these nail wraps is incredible, as each set costs around 50 cents apiece. While they don’t stick well on their own, a layer of top coat can keep them in place for longer wear and give them a glossy gel-like finish.

Pros:

• Good value
• Can mix-and-match
• They also work on toenails

Cons:

• They don’t stick well on their own and require a top coat

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Best 3D nail stickers

KTAABTR, 3D Heart Nail Charms — $9.00

3D nail art is one of the biggest nail trends of the year, and these heart charms are a fantastic way to give the trend a try at home. Available in all sorts of colors—including a fun glow-in-the-dark option—the charms are designed to stick to gel or acrylic nails and stick on with a little bit of nail glue, just like rhinestones. Wear them on their own or pair them with other 3D decals (they also come in flowers, bows, and butterflies) to create your own DIY 3D nail art look.

Pros:

• Cute and trendy
• Unique alternative to gems and decals

Cons:

• They work best with UV cured nail polish and acrylics
• You need to use nail glue to apply

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These hacks are DIY ways to switch up your routine and many of them won’t cost you a thing. To learn about our favorite TikTok beauty hacks of 2022, keep on scrolling.

10 2022 TikTok beauty hacks that actually worked

1. DIY frozen aloe vera facials

@jacattack I literally wake up every morning shocked by how good my skin looks! #fyp #aloevera #beauty #skincare #ReadyForHell #MINDORDERING ♬ original sound – Jaclynhill

I spent a week rubbing frozen aloe vera on my face every morning and loved the results. I followed a tutorial by beauty influencer Jaclyn Hill to make aloe ice cubes using a fresh aloe leaf, water, a blender, and ice molds. Although making frozen aloe vera and rubbing it on my face felt extremely extra, I came to love it. It helped to perk me up and made my skin look dewy and radiant.

2. The Bowl Method for bouncy curls

@curlyzia.xo Still get messages daily of people saying how much this helped. Makes me smile so much #ziasbowlmethod #bowlmethod #curlclumps ♬ Home – Edith Whiskers

Our former editorial intern Jihan Basyah tested out the bowl method, which involves slathering your hair with a leave-in conditioner or curl cream and dipping it section by section into a bowl of water. As you dip, you’re meant to scrunch each individual section and let the water run back into the bowl. While Basyah found the process to be too involved for her day-to-day, she said the results were amazing. “In the end, my curls looked bouncy and defined, so much so that I felt like my hair had just come out of the salon,” she writes. “It was perfectly frizz-less, with S-shaped ringlets, and once it was dry it felt super lightweight. More importantly, my hair wasn’t as crunchy as it normally is when I scrunch it with product sans bowl.”

3. Nail slugging to strengthen nails

@drcharlesmd1 ♬ Envolver – Anitta

Another former W+G intern, Kiara Thomas, tried nail slugging to revive her brittle nails earlier this year, and said the results were awesome. The process involves massaging your nails and cuticles with a petroleum jelly product (like Vaseline or Aquaphor), and works to strengthen the nails while also protecting them from water damage.  Thomas applied Vaseline to her nails and cuticles before bed and “when I woke up in the morning, my nails and cuticles were not only moisturized, but they also had a natural shine and enhanced color that made them look far healthier than they did the night before,” she writes. “They were also strong (I hadn’t seen them this fortified since the last time I applied nail hardener!) and felt exceptionally smooth. I have a few cracks on my nails, but post-slugging they were barely noticeable and blended in with the rest of my nail.”

4. Split hair washing for cleaner strands

@sl.lacy #healthyhair #healthyhairtips #nontoxichaircare #sensitivescalp #lowporosityhair #lowporosity #waistlengthhair #longhairgoals #4chair #naturalhaircommunity #washdaybelike #retainmoisture #moistureretention #shampoobar #hairgrowthshampoo #naturaltok #dryscalpremedy #type4haircare #shampootips #natura ♬ original sound – &lt3

To help manage her perpetually oily scalp, contributor Melanie Rud tried split hair washing, aka washing your hair in sections instead of all in one go. “Post-shower, my hair was definitely much easier to comb through than it normally would be, no detangling spray necessary,” writes Rud. “And while the process didn’t help me extend my washes any longer than usual (by the next day, my scalp was back to its normal level of oily), it did initially leave my hair feeling extra clean. Because it takes slightly longer than a standard hair wash, I’m not sure it’s something I’d do every day. But the next time I feel like my scalp has a lot of build-up or I’m taking a “full-on” shower—you know, the kind where you exfoliate, shave, do a mask—split hair washing will for sure be on the docket.”

5. Tin foil to smooth static-y hair

@laurentpreble Reply to @beachgirl364 ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH #tinfoil #statichair #HairHack #holycrap ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

When your hair is full of static, you can rub tin foil on it to get rid of static electricity in your strands. Once that electric energy is removed, your strands look smoother strands, fly-aways are at bay, and shine is restored. “It’s shockingly satisfying how quickly the tin foil smooths out your strands,” writes contributor Jessica Estrada.

6. Managing fungal acne with dandruff shampoo

@elysemyersyou ever look at a word so long it starts to look like a made up word? my brain started convincing me ‘zinc’ wasn’t the right spelling by the end of editing this. ♬ original sound – Elyse Myers

If you have acne caused by a fungus (it happens when sweat and oil allow normal yeast on the skin to grow to higher than normal levels), washing your face with dandruff shampoo can help. “If you have pus pimples not responding to traditional acne treatments, it could be this condition,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Dandruff and fungal acne are both caused by the same type of yeast, Malassezia. So using dandruff shampoo on your face can help to clear up that yeast over time to clear breakouts. “There’s little downside to using Head and Shoulders shampoo as a skin wash for fungal acne,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It can even be used on people with sensitive skin.”

7. French girl slugging

@fridarosengrd Replying to @Hi @La Roche-Posay ♬ original sound – Frida Rosengård

A French remix on the K-beauty practice of slugging uses the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 ($15) in lieu of Vaseline. Instead of petroleum, the occlusive (meaning it locks moisture in and keeps dry air out) ingredient in Vaseline, this balm uses dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer. Plus, it’s also packed with shea butter (an emollient that softens, smooths, and repairs skin), glycerin (a humectant that draws in water), and panthenol (an occlusive that seals in moisture).  “I’ve been using the balm myself for the past two and a half weeks, and my skin is in an exceptional state right now,” writes contributor Dominique Michelle Astorino. “While I’m typically drier than the soil in Death Valley and deal with a lot of skin concerns during the low-humidity winter months, I’ve recently been in a glowy state of comfort with no flaking, peeling, or breakouts. Plus, the balm has helped to quell some of the rosacea-induced redness on my nose.”

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 — $15.00

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8. Skin cycling for a glowy complexion

@drwhitneybowe Skin cycling for beginners: how to get started. And how to layer with Bowe Glowe #skincycling #thatboweglow #dermatologist #skintok ♬ original sound – Dr. Whitney Bowe

Skin cycling is a four-night skin-care cycle. On night one, you exfoliate; on night two, you use a retinoid; and on nights three and four, you allow your skin to recover.  It’s “a deliberate and strategic approach to skin care that involves cycling through your evening skin-care routine to drive results while minimizing irritation,” says Whitney Bowe, MD, the board-certified dermatologist who invented the skin-cycling method. When contributor Annita Katee gave it a try, she loved her results. “Over the past month, I’ve completed multiple rounds of the four-day skin cycling method, and my skin has thanked me for it,” she writes. “With a brighter, more plump complexion, I’ve found myself using less foundation and letting my natural skin shine. I’ve also noticed the fine lines on my forehead have become less visible, and the mild amounts of rosacea my cheeks have decreased too.”

9. Reverse hair washing to revive dull strands

@audreyvictoria_ The end result I’m shocked, just wait #hairtok #haircare #haircareroutine #shampoo #conditioner ♬ original sound – kekesslowedaudios

Reverse hair washing involves conditioning your hair first and shampooing right after. It’s particularly helpful for fine hair that feels weighed down after conditioning. “By first using conditioner and then shampoo, you’re removing a lot of the conditioner, meaning there’s not as much left to weigh your hair down,” explains Gökhan Vayni, a hair transplant specialist at Vera Clinic. When contributor Anna Myers gave it a go, she saw major benefits. “I first tried it after a holiday week spent mostly in the sun, when my hair was at its driest and dullest. After just one wash, I immediately noticed that my ends looked healthier and my hair looked fuller overall,” writes Myers. “I’ve stuck with this routine for a few weeks now, and the difference in volume and softness has been incredible. I might decide to revert back to a regular wash every once in a while to give my hair a full and thorough cleanse, but other than that, consider me (and my formerly lifeless hair) a true convert.”

10. Ice-water facials to de-puff

@marissalittell Gloomy day facial #skincare #skin #icefacial #summerskincare #grwm NOT an ad. :) @celsiusofficial ♬ These Arms of Mine (Live at the Apollo Theater, New York) – Otis Redding

This hack is simple: Dunk your face in a bowl of ice water in the morning to decrease puffiness. Contributor Anneke Knot tried it every day for a week and while it was beneficial, it was too much to incorporate into her regular routine. “Though I never looked forward to my morning dip, I did look forward to the way my skin looked afterward,” Know writes “My cheeks looked noticeably less puffy, and the swelling around my eyes and chin diminished. Beyond that, my skin tone looked visibly smoother and more even—so much so that I decided to skip complexion products a few times over the course of the experiment. See ya, concealer (at least for now). Overall, I loved the way my skin looked after a week’s worth of ice baths… but not enough that I plan to make it a part of my everyday routine. The process is more work than it’s worth, and the rate it requires me to refill my ice trays simply isn’t sustainable for my lifestyle.”

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account for must-know tips and tricks.

For example, we learned that niacinamide can help regulate oil production and you can use antiperspirants all over your body. To get the deets on these tips and more, keep scrolling to learn about the best skin-care advice dermatologists gave us this year.

10 best pieces of skin-care advice dermatologists gave us this year

1. A weekly scalp massage can work wonders

“No matter your hair type or texture, massage your hair and scalp with hair oil once a week,” says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. That’s because when you massage your scalp, you’re increasing blood circulation which promotes the distribution of nutrients throughout the scalp and hair. “This step in a hair care regimen helps strengthen hair follicles and promotes scalp and hair health.”

2. Base tans are a total myth

There is never, ever a need to get a “base tan” before vacation to avoid burning on the beach. “Any tan is your body’s response to DNA damage by UV radiation,” warns Jennifer Holman, MD, a Texas-based board-certified dermatologist who was diagnosed with skin cancer in her early 20s. “The way I explain it to patients is that a base tan is like smoking five cigarettes a day to get ready for a vacation when you’ll smoke twenty cigarettes a day.”

3. You shouldn’t rub your eyes too frequently

“The area around the eyes is the most sensitive part of your skin because it’s so thin. You can cause an abrasion very easily,” says Lynn McKinley-Grant, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington DC. “If you find you’re rubbing your eyes a lot, then you might have an allergy to something either environmentally in the air or nail polish, mascara, your eye cream, or even eye drops.” Plus, aggressive rubbing can lead to darkening of the skin around the eyes “and it can cause a thickening of the skin, but not in a pretty way,” she says. “We call it lichenification of the skin with a lot of wrinkles in it that look sort of like a tic-tac-toe board with little lines going vertically and horizontally.”

4. You should wear sunscreen during gel manicures

“Next time you get your gel mani, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen along,” says Adeline Kikam, DO, a board-certified dermatologist. “The UV light used to harden the nail polish can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer and cause premature aging. Nail lamps mainly emit UV radiation, it’s one of the most DNA-altering penetrative wavelengths, and the number one culprit in accelerating premature aging and also contributes to skin cancer.”

5. Less is more when it comes to acne care

“If your acne is getting worse, I wouldn’t start using multiple products all at once,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “If you’re going to start a new skin-care product, make sure you’re only doing one at a time. Give it another three weeks, but don’t panic and try everything that you see in the drugstore aisle. Make sure that you’re thoughtful in your approach and just use one new thing at a time. Maybe start by introducing a new cleanser. So for some people who are already using a prescription active ingredient and maybe a gentle cleanser, it’s possible that they need a medicated cleanser in conjunction with that. But don’t use that plus an exfoliant plus a toner all at the same time.”

6. Scratching or exfoliating psoriasis can make it worse

“There’s a known phenomenon called the Koebner Phenomenon, where any type of trauma—so cuts, scrapes, even self-induced trauma, like a scratch or a rubbing—can flare your psoriasis,” says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California. She explains that oftentimes patients with mild psoriasis will try to get rid of it by scrubbing the area with a loofah or pumice stone, and will then find that the scales got worse or spread to a larger area. “And that’s what we call the Koebner Phenomenon, where if you manipulate, scratch, or abrade your psoriasis, it can spread.”

7. Permanent filler is a major no-no

When opting to get filler, you can get permanent filler that sticks around or temporary filler that uses ingredients like hyaluronic acid that break down over time and require re-injection. Ranella Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Massachusetts won’t go near the former. “Permanent ones like certain silicones and others carry the risk of delayed and often permanent complications,” says Dr. Hirsch. “While no procedure is entirely without risk, those of temporary fillers tend to be more immediate, temporary, and often reversible.”

8. You can use antiperspirant all over your body

“Antiperspirants contain aluminum salts which are ingredients used to block the sweat glands and reduce sweating,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. “Most antiperspirants also contain ingredients to eliminate or mask odor too, but the primary aim of an antiperspirant is to reduce sweat.” She adds that it’s totally okay to use your regular antiperspirant on your arms, legs, chest, stomach, and wherever else you may need it—the only exceptions are your face and your intimate areas.

9. Staying on top of moisturizer makes a difference as you age

When your skin is dry, it’s tight. And when it’s tight, it’s easier for fine lines and wrinkles to settle in and stick around. So keeping your face moisturized can help stave off premature signs of aging, explains Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, and the founder of Image Dermatology. “I wish that I had moisturized more when I was younger,” she says.

10. Niacinamide can help regulate oil production

“Niacinamide has calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which counteract the effects of stress hormones on the skin,” says Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Southern California. “Stress hormones increase oil production on the skin, so decreasing inflammation makes your skin less oily.” That’s because the glands that create oil and sebum have hormonal receptors on them. So calming your skin and protecting it from stress hormones helps to normalize the oil glands.

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account for must-know tips and tricks.

Chillhouse On the Mend — $25.00

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Chillhouse On the Mend ($25) includes a crystal nail file, a rubber cuticle pusher, and a brush-on nail serum. Start using the nail file to shape and prep your nails. Crystal files, also known as glass files, are great for your nails. “The best nail file for natural nails is a glass nail file,” says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec. “Glass files are etched instead of glued, so they never dull and can be used for many, many years.”

Next, use the rubber tip to push back your cuticles. Pushing your cuticles is much better for your nails than cutting them, because it cutting opens your fingers up to bacteria and other grime.“Regularly pushing back cuticles and removing dead skin not only discourages dryness, but it cleans up the appearance of the dry skin you inevitably have in winter,” Nina Werman, founder and brand director of Valley Nail previously shared.

Finally, it’s time to add the pièce de résistance—the serum. This serum nourishes your nails with a blend of jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, apricot oil, vitamin E, sea buckthorn oil, and aloe leaf extract. It hydrates dry cuticles and gives your nails a gorgeous shine.

I love the ease of this kit. I am a die-hard lover of gel polish and gel extensions and the removal process can leave my nails a bit frail. Between applications, I use On the Mend to give my bare nails some much-needed nourishment. I also apply them around my nails when they’re polished to keep my cuticles moisturized and healthy. Because the serum brushes on, it’s much easier to apply than nail serums or oils that come in a bottle with a dropper. And for that reason, I use it way more often than I ever have the drop-on serums. If you’re looking for a tool that can seamlessly fit into your self-care routine, On the Mend is perfect.

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“In certain cultures, such as the ancient Greeks and Hebrews, red was considered a color of love and passion. To this day, we continue to associate red—especially vibrant crimson tones—with sexuality, passion, and romance,” says Dr. Manly. “Many men find red nail polish enticing due to its long-time connection with sexuality and eroticism. In fact, research shows that men unconsciously find women more attractive when they wear red. Just as men are drawn to the beauty of a shiny red sports car, they seem to have an affinity for women who wear shades of red nail polish.”

Believe it or not, there’s actual science to back this up. According to research, the color red enhances males’ attraction to females in non-human primates (so, monkeys and apes), and a 2008 study demonstrated “a parallel effect in humans.” The report reads, “Red, relative to other achromatic and chromatic colors, leads men to view women as more attractive and more sexually desirable.” Go figure.

As the red nail theory has made its rounds on social media, many have attributed the power of red to some… Freudian roots. “Some men may certainly unconsciously find red nail polish attractive if their mothers or other key female figures tended to wear red-toned nail polishes,” says Dr. Manly, but she thinks the attraction is tied more to the power of the color red. Julie Kandalec, a celebrity nail artist and educator in New York City, agrees. “With regards to the red nails theory about men liking red because it reminds them of their moms, I don’t think it’s the case at all because for the most part the women I grew up with in the ’90s weren’t really wearing a lot of red—mauve was the color.”

That weird tidbit aside, know if you want to give #RedNailTheory a try, Dr. Manly says it’s pretty harmless as long as it makes you feel good.

“If someone dislikes red nail polish and wears it solely to attract men, it might be time to take a step back to focus on self-love,” she says. “While it’s often important to look your best when dating, it’s always wise to act in ways that feel good to you. If you find yourself creating a look that makes you feel inauthentic or uncomfortable, you may be in danger of shapeshifting to please others. Allow yourself to act in ways that reflect the real you—not a version of you carefully created to please others. In the long run, if a man doesn’t like you as your true self, you’re far better off waiting until you find someone who adores the real you.”

While the narrative around the #rednailtheory trend on TikTok largely focuses on heterosexual relationships, know that you can put it to use regardless of your gender or sexuality. “The allure of red can be enticing regardless of gender,” says Dr. Manly. Whether you choose to wear red nail polish, crimson lipstick, or a red shirt, “focus on what makes you feel sexy, upbeat, at home in your beautiful skin.”

Kandalec says she’s seen an uptick in red polish requests since this phenomenon went viral. “I just did red on set and last week on a private client,” she says. “There has been a slight increase [since the theory went viral] but it’s always going to be popular color because red is classic.” To get the look at home, shop three of Kandalec’s favorite red nail polishes.

OPI Nail Lacquer Big Apple Red — $12.00

Made to provide up to seven days of chip-free wear, this gorgeous red is perfect to get you started in your #RedNailTheory journey.

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Lights Lacquer True Apple Red — $11.00

This richly pigmented formula is 12-free, meaning it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, formaldehyde resin, xylene, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, animal ingredients, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate.

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CND Shellac Wildfire Kit — $42.00

If you have a nail UV light , you can use shellac, which is a blend of regular polish and gel. You need the light to cure (aka dry and harden) the shellac.

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Despite the rainbow of nail polishes on the market, there are a couple neutral polishes with name-brand recognition consumers regularly request during their nail appointments (or paint on themselves.) Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” certainly comes to mind, as its beloved by stars like Jennifer Aniston, Kate Middleton, and, reportedly, the late Queen Elizabeth. Similarly, OPI’s “Bubble Bath” is a close second, revered for its simple pink hue that’s subtle and sweet.

But they’re certainly not the only ones out there. Being a beauty writer, I narrowed it down to the top five brands in my rolodex and went directly to the source to request their top-selling neutral colors. Once the samples arrived, I chose the colors that most closely mirrored each other to get the best possible comparison between brands.

To put the polishes to the test, I painted one nail in each color. By the end of my swatching, my left hand had a coat of Orly “Prelude To A Kiss” ($8) on my pinky, JINsoon “Muse” ($18) on my ring finger, OPI “Bubble Bath” ($14) on my middle finger, Olive & June “CCT” ($9) on my pointer finger, and Essie “Ballet Slippers” ( $9) on my thumb. In an effort to give each polish the best possible chance of lasting, I topped them all off with Olive & June’s cult-favorite Olive Your Mani Topcoat ($9).

Here’s my honest thoughts.

Orly, Prelude To A Kiss — $8.00

This nail lacquer is an opaque peachy-beige that goes on smoothly but is too pigmented for a true neutral nail look. It’s worth noting that of all of Orly’s top neutral polishes, this was the most neutral, and on my skin tone, it just didn’t look natural. It’s also too opaque to look like you’re not really wearing anything at all. The silver lining is that it’s one of the longest-lasting polishes of the bunch.

Pros

• Long-lasting  
• Affordable

Cons

• Thick and opaque    
• Too pigmented to be considered a true neutral

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JINsoon, Muse — $18.00

This neutral nail polish has a milky, slight peachy hue that makes it pigmented without overdoing it. If you’re going for a transparent look, this is the one for you, as it stays clear, even with too coats. But if you want an opaque finish, skip it. What’s more, it has such a thin brush that it doesn’t apply super evenly. That said, it’s the number-one longest-lasting of the bunch, with zero chips after five days of wear.

Pros 

• Buildable neutral color
• Pretty hue
• Extremely long-lasting

Cons 

• Small brush head
• Expensive

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OPI, Bubble Bath — $13.00

One of the most renowned neutral nail polishes, Bubble Bath is a semi-opaque pinkish-white polish that’s the perfect neutral hue after two coats. Since it has a thin, classic brush, though, it doesn’t apply super evenly. With that in mind, for fully opaque coverage, three coats is probably best, but then you run the risk of premature chipping due to extra layers. After five days, this polish only slightly chipped on the edge.

Pros 

 

• Buildable neutral color
• Doesn’t require a ton of coats
• Affordable

Cons

• Chips easily with more coats
• Thin brush head

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Olive & June, CCT — $9.00

Here we have the most beautiful neutral nail polish I’ve tried to date. Designed with a wide brush, this sheer milky pale pink polish glides on more evenly than any other polish of the bunch and looks picture perfect in just two coats. If you do want more color, you can get it, but I find two coats to be *Chef’s kiss.* After five days, it chipped at the top edge.

Pros 

• Buildable neutral color
• Doesn’t require a ton of coats
• Wide brush
• Affordable

Cons

• Chips over time

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Essie, Ballet Slippers — $9.00

Considering how wildly popular this nail polish is, I was surprised to see just how poorly it applied. The sheer pinkish-white polish doesn’t go on evenly and it chipped on the edges and in the middle of my thumbnail within the first two days. It’s worth mentioning that my thumb nail is ridged for whatever reason, so perhaps that plays into it, but overall I’m sadly unimpressed.

Pros 

• Sheer (if you want that)
• Affordable

Cons

• Thin, uneven polish
• Chipped quickly
• Tough to build color

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And the winner is…

Of the top five most popular neutral nail polishes that I tried, the Olive & June CCT was the clear star, with its easy-to-use wide brush that makes for impeccable application. It’s a very similar color to the JINsoon Muse polish, albeit a bit more opaque.

That being said, it all depends on your preference for a neutral nail polish. If you want something that’s almost clear, maybe go with the JINsoon Muse or the Essie. If you prefer something more opaque, OPI or ORLY will do the trick (just invest in a solid topcoat.) But in terms of application, price, and look, CCT is a good go-to, and will be accompanying me to all formal events from here on out.

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A few months ago, I got the chance to spend a few days at Canyon Ranch spa in Lennox, Massachusetts. I got fabulous facials and amazing massages, but the service that stood out the most was the pedicure. It was hands down the best pedicure I’ve ever had. My super smart and kind technician introduced me to Dazzle Dry, a line of nail polish designed to dry fast, last long, and keep your nails healthy.

“Dazzle Dry was created by a biochemist who wanted to create products that were really clean but effective,” says Sam Cooper, the director of spa, fitness, and beauty for Canyon Ranch resorts. “It doesn’t have any of like the nasty ingredients [that are often in nail polish]. There’s no toluene, no formaldehyde, or nitrocellulose, which is what makes nails yellow.”

In addition to weakening the nails over time, ingredients in certain polishes can also cause an allergic reaction on the skin around the nails or even under the eyes, if you rub them often. While the ingredient list is what drew Canyon Ranch to Dazzle Dry, the performance is what hooked them—the four-step system has just a five-minute dry time and will stay chip-free for at least seven days.

“It hits every box. I’m surprised, to be honest, that it’s not the go-to for pretty much every spa salon,” says Cooper.

When I got my pedicure, I loved that Dazzle Dry had tons of pretty polishes to choose from—I picked Ocean Motion ($22), a periwinkle blue. My nail technician assured me that I’d be dry in five minutes but to give it 15 minutes before getting in water just to be on the safe side. My nails were dry to the touch before I even got out of the chair, no UV light required.

“Dazzle Dry is our go-to,” says Cooper. “We always keep other polish brands on hand just because there are some beautiful lines out there. But all of our guests, the minute they tried the Dazzle Dry, they just like, ‘Nope, that’s all I want.'”

Learn more about the Dazzle Dry System below

Dazzle Dry Mini Kit 4 Step System — $38.00

This four-step set comes with everything you need to get started.

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How to apply Dazzle Dry

Applying Dazzle Dry is pretty similar to applying regular polish—but note that it’s meant to be used as a four-step system, meaning that Dazzle Dry’s polish only works its magic when it’s used alongside other Dazzle Dry products.

Start by cleansing your nails with the brand’s Nail Prep solution, which removes oils and other debris that hinder polish adhesion while infusing the nail with moisture and vitamins to strengthen them and keep them flexible. Then, apply two layers of the Dazzle Dry Base Coat to each nail, allowing each coat to dry matte. Now it’s time for the color. Apply two layers of Lacquer to each nail, allowing each coat to dry matte in between. Finish off with one layer of the brand’s Top Coat, let that dry for five minutes, and you’re done!

Maintaining your polish

Like many polishes, Dazzle Dry may dry out in the bottle and get thick with time. If you notice the base coat getting cloudy, stand the bottle in one inch of hot water until the product becomes clear. For the color and top coat, you can use Revive, which is a product that’s included in the starter kit. Just add six to eight drops of Revive to full-size bottles and three to five drops for mini bottles (or more, if necessary).

Exploring the colors

Dazzle Dry is available in over 160 stunning colors. You can buy full-size bottles for $22 or flights that include five mini lacquer bottles for $44. Shop a few flights below.

Dazzle Dry Mini Flight — Coronado — $44.00

This flight of nail polish is perfect if you go for pinks and purples. It includes Paparazzi Pink, a cool dusty pink with purple undertones; Yoga Mama, a light chalky bubblegum pink; Raspberry Créme, a light raspberry milkshake; Heart of Fire, a bright pink; and Sultry Samba, a medium plum purple.

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Dazzle Dry Mini Flight — Hamptons — $44.00

The Hamptons set is perfect if you like to really switch up the colors you wear. It includes Smitten, a pale almond with warm undertones; Sentimental, an oatmeal nude with gray undertones; Faith, a cool, pastel lavender with gray undertones; Day Dreaming, a nude mauve with shimmer dusting; and Mesmerize, a copper base with green to brown color shifts.

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Dazzle Dry Mini Flight — Laguna — $44.00

If you gravitate toward cool-toned polishes, grab the Laguna set. It includes Silver Lamé, a metallic galvanized steel; Mystic Blue, a dark, indigo denim blue with purple undertones; Fine China, a simple and clean, milky white; Aegean Cruise, a cool, light blue with silver undertones; and Bold, a dark gunmetal grayish black.

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“Next time you get your gel mani, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen along,” says Dr. Kikam, who also goes by Brown Skin Derm. “The UV light used to harden the nail polish can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer and cause premature aging. Nail lamps mainly emit UV radiation, it’s one of the most DNA-altering penetrative wavelengths, and the number one culprit in accelerating premature aging and also contributes to skin cancer.”

 

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Gel nail polish has really only been popular for the past 10 to 15 years. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, it takes much longer than that for skin cancer to develop, so there isn’t any way for researchers to determine if UV exposure from gel manicures can cause skin cancer. A 2020 review of literature related to the incidence of cancer on the hands found that there are little to no inherent carcinogenic risks to gel manicures, but researchers and dermatologists still recommend the application of broad-spectrum sunscreen prior to manicures as a precaution.

“We don’t necessarily have enough epidemiologic data to necessarily say whether or not skin cancer from gel nail application is common or not, but we do know that the science is there in the sense that it certainly can happen,” says Dr. Garshick. “At the same time, the amount of exposure is relatively limited, all things considered. So the question really remains is how much exposure through that UV light you need to actually develop these types of skin cancers over time.”

When using sunscreen during your gel mani appointment, Dr. Kikam says to apply your sunscreen a couple of minutes before the polish is applied so you don’t have to wash it off and it has time to start working. “For this, I typically like to bring serum sunscreens because they dry faster,” says Dr. Kikam. For bonus protection, Dr. Garshick adds that you can also get special fingerless UV-protective gloves to wear during your manicure. Shop three of Dr. Kikam’s favorite sunscreens along with UV protective gloves below.

Ava Isa Sun-È-Serum Drops SPF 35 — $45.00

Made with zinc oxide, this silky mineral sunscreen goes on to your skin and dries down nice and fast.

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Kinlò Golden Rays Sunscreen SPF 50+ — $20.00

Designed by tennis star Naomi Osaka, this mineral sunscreen is tinted so it can easily be worn by those with deeper complexions. It’s water-resistant so if your hands do get wet during the process, you should be good to go.

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Tizo Photoceutical AM Replenish SPF 40 — $48.00

Made with zinc oxide, ceramides, and antioxidants, this mineral sunscreen provides sun protection along with long-lasting moisturization.

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MelodySusie Anti UV Gloves for Gel Nail Lamp — $10.00

As a bonus, you can get these gloves from MelodySusie which are UPF 50+, meaning they’re certified to block 99 percent of UV rays. They come in black, pink, white, and purple.

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Working with dark nail colors can definitely be challenging for those who aren’t the most practiced in DIY manis. After all, if you don’t properly prep your nails, you can stain them, and if you veer the slightest bit outside the lines, it’s much more apparent than if you were to use a pale or neutral color. Don’t let that discourage you, though. You can do a few things to make your dark and moody nails look like a pro’s work. Ahead, find not only nail-safe dark polishes, but tricks that’ll keep nails healthy and bright no matter how many times you paint ’em black or dark cherry red.

To kick things off, prep your nails.

“Go back to the basics,” says Morgan Haile, Marketing and Morgan Taylor spokesperson. “Before applying your desired color, prep your nails with light grit buffer, apply Gelish Ph Bond ($12) to the natural nail, and apply a base coat. Buffing will help even out the nail surface. Ph Bond dehydrates the nail’s surface so extra oils are eliminated. Base Coat not only helps your manicure last longer, but it protects the natural nail pigment from the nail polish.” The Orly Bonder Base Coat ($9) is also a shopper-favorite.

You can also try the FAMILIFE Professional Manicure Kit ($30), which has everything you need to clean and trim nails, push back cuticles, and more.

Then, after applying your nail color, finish your mani with a top coat and quick-dry drops to speed up the process. The Olive & June Super Glossy Top Coat, $9, and Dry Drops, $10, are great for fast, glossy shine. Another favorite (that a lot of salons use) is Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat ($7).

Don’t over-apply.

Applying too many layers can lead to uneven coating and difficulty removing (which can damage the nail). “Less is more, when applying dark shades use two thin coats. Applying excess coats can lead to tougher removal time,” Haile tells us.

Lastly? When you’re removing the polish, take your time.

It’s better to give your nails a soak when removing polishes, especially dark polishes. “We are all guilty of quickly wiping off our polish. When it comes to dark colors, soak with a lint-free nail wipe/cotton ball or wrap nails with a cotton ball in foil,” Haile says, and suggests Gelish Wrap It Off ($24), a foil remover system that makes polish removing so much more seamless. “Soak for a couple of minutes. This will help ensure the remover is contacting the nail polish, and helps avoid any additional cleaning,” Haile adds.

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to shop for the best dark polishes that are way less likely to leave your nails in a bad place.

The best dark nail polishes that won't damage your nails this fall

JINsoon Absolute Black — $18.00

If you’re looking for a classic black, JINsoon has you covered. The applicator brush is extremely easy to use, and the color is so opaque, you can cover the entire nail with a single coat! The formula is super smooth, and long-lasting. JINsoon is our senior commerce editor’s absolute favorite polish brand—it’s on the pricier side, but worth every penny (plus, the color options are divine, including this confetti-style shade that the internet can’t get over).

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Sally Hansen Insta-dri Nail Polish in the Shade ‘Go Garnet’ — $6.00

Dark oxblood-red nail polish is a seasonal staple come autumn, so this fast-drying option from Sally Hansen is a shoo-in. Best of all, the richly-pigmented polish is designed to offer optimal color payoff in just one coat, so it makes the DIY mani process especially speedy.

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Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in the Shade ‘941 Désir’ — $30.00

Love the idea of a rich oxblood manicure, but prefer a slightly earthier tone? Chanel’s new 941 Désir shade has a deep brown undertone, making this polish your perfect choice. The color isn’t the only awe-worthy aspect of this nail lacquer, though. The brush has a wide, squared design that makes painting each nail in a single stroke (two at most) easier than ever.

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Essie Nail Lacquer in the Shade ‘Force of Nature’ — $10.00

Switching gears a bit here: Green is one of the most popular colors of 2022 and come fall, you’ll want to reach for deep, mossy-hues. If you’re hoping for your mani to pop, this gorgeous new forest green hue is a great option. It offers just enough moody vibes without being ultra-dark.

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Olive & June Nail Polish in the Shade ‘HJ — $9.00

If you’re craving an eggplant-inspired nail look sans shimmer, Olive & June’s HJ nail polish is a beautiful choice. The richly pigmented polish doesn’t only look great thanks to its hue, though. The fact that it’s renowned for staying chip-free for a week or more makes it top-notch.

(Psst: If you love fall polish colors but are hoping for something a little less dark and moody, be sure to check out Olive & June’s new cafe-inspired autumn collection.)

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Smith & Cult Nail Polish in the Shade ‘Goodnight Ashbury’ — $18.00

If the darker, the better in your book, look no further than this nearly-black forest green polish from Smith & Cult. As one of the brand’s new fall 2022 shades, it’s an obvious choice for the coming months.

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ILNP Nail Polish in the Shade ‘Eclipse’

Love autumn’s earthy tones, but still want to have fun with shimmer and metallics? The ILNP Eclipse Nail Polish will make you swoon. The graphite base is infused with holographic rainbow pigment that makes for one seriously magical (but totally moody) mani.

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J.Hannah Nail Polish in the Shade ‘Ikebana’ — $22.00

Not all moody nail polishes have to be extra dark. Case in point: This grayish-plum shade that’s perfect for fall. It’s self-described as a moody haze, and we couldn’t agree more.

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OPI Long Lasting Nail Polish in the Shade ‘Midnight Mantra’ — $3.00

Blue might seem like more of a wintry color, but this sultry navy hue will leave you reaching for it all fall. Once dry, it has almost a dark gray allure. It all depends on the light.

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Hermès Beauty Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in the Shade ‘Gris Etain Métal’ — $45.00

Gray is a perfectly appropriate nail color for autumn, as well. Rather than reaching for any boring charcoal shade, though, consider this shimmer graphite option from Hermès Beauty. It’s a beautiful choice—both on the nails and in the bottle (not to mention the mini iconic Hermès box it comes in).

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Dior Vernis in the Shade ‘111 Night’ — $28.00

This reddish, brownish, blackish polish is one of Dior’s newest creations and it’s bound to be a big hit this fall. Point blank: It’s a versatile shade that’s hard to describe and easy to ogle over.

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Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color in the Shade ‘Love Yourself’ — $20.00

Part purple, part oxblood, this pretty plum nail polish is one of Deborah Lippmann’s best-sellers. While it’s designed to create the look of a gel mani, this polish doesn’t require any UV curing to make it look its best or last its longest.

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Dear Sundays Nail Polish in the Shade ‘No. 42’ — $18.00

Last but not least, we have a traditional black polish that can be worn on its own, or layered beneath shimmer or glitter polish. In either case, it’s sure to make your mani stand out.

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Londontown — $16.00

Whether you’re looking for the perfect polish to accompany your Halloween costume or you simply love the color purple, Londontown’s Black Thorn nail polish is a fan favorite. The light-reflecting purple polish has the finest-milled glitter, as well as a perfectly-shaped brush for first-time painters and pros alike.

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“If you look for an answer that says the manicure is dead, you’re going to find the things you’re looking for. However, nail professionals like myself—who live, eat, breathe, and sleep nails—we know that it’s not. And it’s not going anywhere,” says Julie Kandalec, celebrity nail artist and educator in New York City.

Though nail salons took a financial hit when brick-and-mortar studios were forced to close in 2020, the years since have seen numbers surpass their pre-pandemic levels. The nail salon industry is projected to grow 9 percent year over year, to reach a value of $22.6 billion in 2025—which is more than three times the $6.5 billion it was valued at in 2020—and the owners behind Chillhouse, Jinsoon Hand and Foot Spas, and Pear Nova Studio all tell Well+Good that their 2022 sales are higher than they were in 2019.

When Kandalec reopened her doors in late 2020, she was immediately booked solid. “I have a wait list a year long. I had to raise my prices twice. And I’m not just saying this for me, because of what I do with celebrities and whatnot. One of my students in South Carolina, for example, has a 400-person waitlist. This is not just New York. This is not just me. This is in Ohio, this is in South Carolina—small towns. We’re booked and we are busy,” she says.

As salons have come back in full force, we’re seeing the lingering influence of the DIY manicures we relied on during the peak of the pandemic. At-home experimentation piqued an interest in nail health and led to a rise in bold designs as a form of self-expression, igniting a continued shift in nail care that proves the manicure is far from dead.

 

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How lockdown changed our relationship with our nails

Flashback to April 2020, when your sourdough starter was failing to thrive but your whipped coffee game was on point. You finally pried off that three-week-old gel manicure to find your natural nails were suffering and realized it was as good a time as any to try and nurse them back to health.

“There was definitely a spike in hand and nail health interest during the pandemic which led to increased purchases in the nail treatment category,” says Tal Pink, vice president of business development at Orly, citing an 800 percent increase in the brand’s sales of nail treatment products in early 2020. OPI shared a similar sentiment with The New York Times, reporting that interest in its treatment line increased dramatically during that same time period, Google searches for cuticle oil saw a big spike in April 2020 that has continued to steadily increase, and this heightened attention to nail health undoubtedly paved the way for the “nail slugging” trend that took TikTok by storm earlier this year.

“Now, people finally learned how to give themselves a little manicure and now during those in-between days when they can’t make it to the salon, they’re able to groom themselves,” says Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, CEO and founder of Chillhouse. “They know how to properly file their nails. They know how to put cuticle oil on. There was a lot of learning during that time.”

But, as Pink puts it, “That was only part of the story. The focus never went away from polish and color; rather, there was consumer demand for new, innovative color options that keep their nails beautiful and healthy looking.” He notes that Orly’s Breathable line, which features bold, colorful polishes infused with nail-nourishing ingredients like argan oil, vitamin B5, and vitamin C, saw exponential growth during the early days of the pandemic.

 

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Nail health aside, lockdown reconnected many to the idea of what a manicure meant to them. Though some people realized that they didn’t actually like getting their nails done and were thrilled to go bare without any perceived judgment, many others realized that they still wanted their nails to feel cared for even though they weren’t leaving the house. And those who decided to keep up with their nails at home were reconnected to why they get their nails done: Simply put, it makes them happy.

“A manicure, to me, is one of the first steps of taking care of yourself,” says Ramirez-Fulton. “If my nails don’t feel clean or groomed in any way, it automatically sends off a signal in my brain that I’m not in a good place…it’s just how I present myself to myself. If I’m not taking care of them, I just automatically started my day on the wrong foot.”

With no expectation to have manicured nails, the practice was based solely on self-care and joy. More and more people started playing with bold designs and colors, either by leaning on pre-designed press-ons, wraps, and stickers or by painting their nails by hand. Time spent experimenting at home (when there was no one around to judge your skills) gave way to more fun in salons, and this joy has manifested in the surge of over-the-top nail art we see today.

Finding joy in nail care

The bold manicures that emerged during the pandemic show no signs of slowing down. “If anything, the pandemic created a stronger interest in manicures,” says Jin Soon Choi, celebrity manicurist and founder of Jinsoon nail care and NYC-based salons.”Last year, we saw a huge explosion of creativity and color in an almost maximalist way.”

“Nowadays there are definitely more requests for what I call ‘extreme maximalism’ nail art designs,” adds Brittney Boyce, a celebrity nail artist in Los Angeles and founder of press-on brand Nails of LA. “There have been more requests for textured, 3D nail art looks… Think diamond manicures, fried egg designs, and space-y, shiny orbs.”

According to Boyce, this increased interest in statement-making manis can be attributed, at least in part, to pandemic-induced societal shifts that have allowed for bold nail designs to be more widely accepted. Working from home and in more relaxed environments means workers aren’t limited to short, pink, or nude shades in order to look professional. “Long nails with elaborate designs aren’t frowned upon as they have been in the past,” she says. Plus, there’s a bigger push to have more fun with fashion in general after months spent in sweats. “If you look at fashion from late 2019 to now, you see a big shift away from the beige, minimal aesthetic to a bolder, more vibrant aesthetic. And that is reflected in the nail designs and colors that people are choosing,” she says. It’s dopamine dressing—the social media trend that focuses on wearing clothes that make you happy—applied to nails.

Outside of salons, art-y manicures continue to reign supreme, too, and the industry has stepped up to make them easier than ever to achieve. In the early months of the pandemic, brands like Chillhouse and Nails of LA launched trendy press-on nails, and in late 2021, Olive and June and Paintlab followed suit. This past year, Harry Styles and Machine Gun Kelly both launched gender-neutral polish lines meant to make bold, at-home manis feel inclusive; Prés Nail just introduced a 100-shade line of gel polishes; and Glamnetic’s products made their way to Sephora shelves, marking the first time press-ons have ever been available at the retailer. Even Gucci has gotten in on the nail-art game with a limited-edition line of luxury nail stickers, created in collaboration with Billie Eilish. They’re one of many brands offering easy-to-apply nail decals, including JinSoon, Deco Miami, Sephora Collection, Nails Inc., and—most notably—Ciaté London, which launched its Cheat Sheet Nail Stickers in April 2020, sold 100,000 in the first week, and continues to sell 4,000 a day.

One look at social media will show you just how deep this maximalist nail trend runs. On Tiktok, #nailart has 30.4 billion views (and #pressonnails has an additional 4.5 billion), and the posts are filled with the types of “extreme” designs Boyce mentioned. As she puts it, “There is more room for self-expression, and people are extending that to their nails.”

 

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Above all, the manicures of today center on joy. “[A manicure] can help brighten your entire mood,” says Choi. “It’s also a time for relaxation while you get pampered, a time to hit pause on life and your busy schedule, which is why people return to the salon again and again.”

But whether people are heading back to salons or sticking with their at-home sessions, many of them have one thing in common: They’ve begun to realize that nail care shouldn’t feel like a chore. “People who are crafty and already had an interest in nail art are still having fun experimenting at home,” says Boyce. “Others who want to simply sit back and let a pro do their work are back at salons.”

Now, more than ever before, we’re empowered to handle our nails however we want. We’re taking better care of them and having more fun with our manicures, and how we choose to do those things—whether at home or in the salon—is entirely up to us. In other words? Long live the manicure.

“The nail should be clear or mostly transparent for the light to reach it to be able to cure it. It won’t cure through an opaque nail,” says Kandalec. And when the gel can’t cure, “it will be tacky, not adhere, and can cause an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis.”

Many people are now speaking out on TikTok sharing how they tried this and are now allergic to gel polish.

“I did it,” says Karissa Wampler in a video that now has over 1.5 million views. “My nails looked great until they started itching so bad that I had to literally pour almost boiling water on my fingers just to ease the pain. And then my fingernails were like so squishy underneath they were falling off.”

@k.wamp Repost this for me please i dont want this to happen to others #gelx #gelxnails #nails #viral #trending #ShowOffLandOFrost ♬ original sound – Karissa Wampler

Contact dermatitis takes time to develop, so while your nails may look and feel great at first, it can take a few days for the allergy to develop.

“Usually with contact dermatitis, it takes several days for the reaction to appear as your body becomes sensitive to an ingredient in the product,” says Payel Gupta, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist for Get Cleared. “That is why sometimes it is difficult to figure out what may be causing the reaction you are having. You may have used the products days before your actual reaction.”

If you do want to gel-cure nails so your nails look longer, seek out clear options. Kandalec likes the Gelish Soft Gel Tips ($30). Once they’re cured onto your nails, you can paint them.

Gelish Soft Gel Tips — $30.00

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But if you want to use pre-designed and painted press-ons, gel curing is a no-no. Instead, you can take the steps to make them last nice and long with their intended glue. Wipe your nails with alcohol before applying your press-ons to make sure they have a clean surface to adhere to. And take your time to find the best press-on fit for each of your nails and file them down if needed to get the a perfect fit. “Proper fit is everything—and not just the width, but also the apex or the curve of the natural nail,” explains Kandalec.

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account for must-know tips and tricks.

Have no fear—a few swipes of a nourishing nail treatment a few times a week can whip your nails into shape before the thermometer starts to drop. As Essie global lead educator and celebrity nail artist, Rita Remark, tells us, strengthening polishes and nourishing products can prep your nails ahead of time, so they’re ready for sweater weather. “Strengthening treatments work two ways. They can help bond together and repair a weak nail, and they provide a shield against the elements,” she explains. “Using a nail strengthener and a cuticle oil together are a great way to prepare your nails for the winter.”

And it’s not just adding density to those delicate digits—you’ll want to add moisture, too. As we’ve previously reported, brittle nails are also commonly caused by a cycle of repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails—something that tends to get worst come winter, thanks to more exposure to dry heat. Rather than wetting them with water (which inevitably just dries them out), quench their thirst by applying a rich hand lotion and massaging it deeply into your skin and cuticles. Remark says that using a moisturizing or strengthening base coat can help prevent polish from further drying them out, too.

Fall is here and winter is knocking at the door, so knock back with a fist full of healthy, long and strong fingernails that are prepped for the cold months.

OPI, Nail Envy Original

A fan-favorite amongst beauty buffs, OPI Nail Envy will give you longer, healthier nails your friends will certainly swoon over. The clear lacquer can be used on its own or as a base coat to prevent polish from weakening or drying out your nails. If your fingertips really need some TLC, it’s buildable and recommended to add a coat once a day for a week to get ’em back into shape. The secret to its protective powers lies in its formula, which is enriched with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium your nails will appreciate (and admirers will covet).

What reviews say: “Lots of polish out there that claiming to strengthen—THIS ONE DOES! Get yours for troubled nails, you will be thrilled,” — Amazon customer

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Isdin, Si-Nails (15% off with code GOOD15) — $32.00

No time for a professional manicure? No problem—ISDIN’s nail treatment pen takes all of one minute to use and can be applied anywhere, thanks to its click ‘n go design. Each “pen” contains a strengthening treatment designed to promote growth and bolster brittleness over time. For the best results, apply it once a day for 1-2 weeks, making sure you get everything from the cuticle to even underneath the nail (yes, really). That felt tip makes application super simple and dries in a flash, which is particularly helpful when you’re on a time crunch. Don’t forget to use the exclusive W+G code GOOD15 for 15% off when you try it!

What reviews say: “It works much better than treatment lacquers that eventually have to be removed and usually make nails look worse afterwards thanks to the products used to remove them. I have far less splitting and peeling and my severe nail ridges look smoother from this product. My only problem is getting used to using hands that now have fingernails after a lifetime of them barely having anything growing beyond the nail plate,” —ISDIN customer

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Essie, Hard to Resist Nail Treatment — $11.00

Want a powerful polish with a bit of tint? Essie’s got you covered. Instead of using it every day, you only have to use it once: Simply apply two coats to clean, dry nails, let them dry, and go. Its built-in nail bonding technology is like spinach for your nails, strengthening them to protect from future damage while instantly giving them a harder feel. It doubles as a glossy clear coat, too, and is tinted with juuust a touch of color (in pink or violet) to give your nails a healthy looking glow.

 What reviews say: “I’ve been using this for a few months now and it’s my go-to nail treatment/polish. It gives such a nice shine and a VERY subtle pink tone to your nails. I’m pretty hard on my nails, so they break a lot. I’ve never had long nails before, so I bought this to finally get nice nails, haha. The polish does peel off pretty easily for me. But again, I’m hard on my nails! The good thing is that you can reapply it and it looks like new. Definitely recommend!” — Ulta customer

 

 

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ORLY, Breathable Calcium Boost Strengthener — $12.00

Remember the “Got Milk” ads of our youth? Imagine that, only for your nails. This vegan calcium-based concoction by ORLY is infused with all the goodness you need to grow your nails big and strong or reverse damage. To really “nail” its effects (lol), use it once a day for a week, layering that top coat in thin, even strips. You’ll notice that it’s lighter than other strengtheners, thanks to its breathable formula that lets your claws get some oxygen. Combined with vitamin B5, vitamin C, and argan oil, and your nails can skip that glass of milk altogether.

What reviews say: “This calcium booster exceeded my expectations. My nails stopped splitting, and as a bonus this polished looks good and shiny. I put it on every night for several nights in a row, then remove it, and start anew,” — ORLY customer

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Sally Hansen, Hard As Nails Serum — $6.00

Few treatments are as classic as Sally Hansen’s Hard As Nails serum, which you can find at virtually any drug store. This easy-to-use, budget-friendly treatment is loaded with restorative proteins and vitamins that bring your nails back to life (and let them grow to their fullest potential). True to its name, they not only get harder, but healthier-feeling from the cuticle down. Use it once a day for a week to get nails that are, well, hard as nails.

What reviews say: “Does exactly what it say—My nails were very brittle due to chlorine from frequent swimming, so [I] tried this. Now my nails don’t break from swimming, and are the longest they have been for a long time. Would definitely recommend,” — Amazon customer

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Dr.'s Remedy, Hydrating Moisture Treatment — $21.00

It’s only autumn (and not even), but soon enough, the air is going to get cold and dry, and your nails are going to be thirsty. Quench ’em with this hydrating treatment by Dr.’s Remedy, which infuses nails with long-lasting hydration to get them through the chilly months. As for the formula, there’s plenty of good stuff, including biotin, wheat protein, lavender, and tea tree oil, your fingertips can sip in serenity.

What reviews say: “A foot doctor recommended this stuff when I complained about my fingernails always splitting and cracking. This stuff actually works! For the first time in my life I have actual working fingernails that grow so long I need manicure scissors to cut them… I can’t recommend this polish highly enough,” — Amazon customer. 

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Olive & June, Nail Strengthener — $14.00

Olive & June is a goldmine for vegan, cruelty-free, nontoxic nail polish that is good for your nails, and their nail strengthener is no different. Underneath that cute pink bottle is a potent formula that penetrates nails deep down to the nail bed, healing them so they can go long and strong. Its star ingredient? Celery seed extract, which helps everything from filling ridges to preventing breakage, peeling, and flakiness.

What reviews say: “I’ve been using O&J products for a few months now and I am in love with some of the products—this one included. My nails were severely damaged, thanks to acrylics and gel polis—and after about three months they’re finally starting to look great,” — Olive & June customer

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Typology, Hand and Nail Serum — $16.00

Another hydration hero to keep handy when the temps dip. Typology harnesses the power of plant to put your best foot, er, hands, forward. Drop a few drips of the silky serum onto your hands and massage its magic into your skin, working it into your palms, cuticles, and nail beds. Between the vegan keratin and hyaluronic acid, you’ll feel like you just walked out of a dreamy spa session—but for half the price.

What reviews say: “I have eczema and this stuff helps keep my hands from cracking when used with hand cream. Will definitely repurchase,” — Typology customer

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Deborah Lippmann The Cure — $24.00

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Made with raspberry stem cell extract, red algae, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamins A, C, and E, this cream will instantly soothe and moisturize roughed-up cuticles and offer protection from dryness with daily use.

According to Deborah Lippman herself, a cuticle cream is a crucial step in any hand-care routine. “Healthy cuticles are key to healthy nail growth,” says the celebrity manicurist. Cuticles are easy to forget, but they play a very important role.

“The cuticle is dead, often sticky tissue that is attached to the nail plate and forms a seal between your nail and living skin,” says licensed manicurist Kelley Baker of The Nail Executive in San Francisco. “Cuticles help prevent bacteria from entering living tissue.”

This rich cream feels so good, that you’ll be very tempted to use it on your hands as well. And while you can use regular body lotion on your hands, there’s something incredibly luxe and effective about using a designated hand cream.

The skin on your hands is “more delicate, and can more easily show signs of aging,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “Typically, hand creams are formulated to be thicker than traditional body lotions and, as a result, do a better job of locking in moisture.”

Treat your hands like Jenn Garner and add Deborah Lippman’s The Cure to your cart ASAP.

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Similar to other popular TikTok hacks like “skin slugging” and “hair slugging,” nail slugging involves massaging your nails and cuticles with a petroleum jelly product like Vaseline or Aquaphor. “We all know acrylates can be harsh and damage nails,” said Charles Puza, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in a recent TikTok video. “Slugging the nail cuticle can strengthen nails and protect them from water damage.”

As someone who doesn’t often wear acrylics and who hates when her natural nails break off, I was excited to give this trend a try to see if it lived up to the hype.

@drcharlesmd1 Slug your nails?! Yes. #slugging #nails #nailart #drcharlesmd #dermatology #nailtech #nailhack #skincare #lotion #nailsartvideos #fyp #needtoknow #slug ♬ Envolver – Anitta

The benefits of nail slugging

Petroleum jelly is an occlusive, which means it seals in moisture and prevents water from evaporating. When applied to your nails, it hydrates your cuticles to leave them soft and supple.

“Nail cuticles are crucial for our overall nail health. It’s the layer of dead skin cells that form a barrier on our nail plate to prevent dirt, bacteria, and anything foreign from getting into our nail bed to cause an infection,” says Brittney Boyce, celebrity nail artist and founder of NAILS OF LA.

Healthy cuticles protect and thicken the nail plate to allow your nails to grow thicker and stronger. When they’re strong, they act as your body’s natural moisture barrier—but when they’re dry and cracking, it means the barrier is compromised and foreign objects can get in.

According to Dr. Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology based in Los Angeles, petroleum jelly gives our nails the much needed moisture so that they don’t become brittle. It also helps protect the nail fold, the thick skin at the bottom of your nail, from water damage.

How to slug your nails

To properly slug your nails, Jeffrey Fromowitz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology of Boca recommends soaking your fingertips in warm water for a few minutes to hydrate the skin and nails, drying your hands, and applying petroleum jelly to add in further moisture and lock it in.

While there are plenty of pricy moisturizing products you can use to achieve similarly hydrating results, petroleum jelly is really the best (affordable) bet. “People think they need fancy products or serums or tools for their nails, but most of the time, simple is better, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get good results,” Vivian Nguyen, a manicurist at Nail Lounge of La Jolla in La Jolla, CA, previously told Well+Good. “Vaseline works so well for so many things—I use it literally all the time.”

What happened when I tried nail slugging

I began the nail-slugging process by removing my nail polish so that I would have a clean canvas to apply the petroleum jelly on top of. Per Dr. Fromowitz’s advice, I then washed my hands and soaked them in water for three minutes before slathering Vaseline onto my cuticles. I had globs of Vaseline left over so I massaged my hands with the excess—which brought back memories of the Vaseline-and-shea-butter hand massages my mom used to give me when I was little.

When I woke up in the morning, my nails and cuticles were not only moisturized, but they also had a natural shine and enhanced color that made them look far healthier than they did the night before. They were also strong (I hadn’t seen them this fortified since the last time I applied nail hardener!) and felt exceptionally smooth. I have a few cracks on my nails, but post-slugging they were barely noticeable and blended in with the rest of my nail.

All in all, this particular trend really *is* as good as TikTok says it is, and it will be a part of my routine for the foreseeable future.

“Your nail plate is composed of three different layers, with the top layer being tightly packed old nail cells, and the bottom layer being the newest and softest nail cells,” says Boyce, who is the founder of press-on brand Nails of LA. “When you peel off polish, you’re peeling off a thin layer of the nail plate. If you do it repeatedly, you can thin out your nails, making them more prone to damage.”

Your nails have between 150 and 200 layers, and according to Julie Kandalec, celebrity nail artist and educator, peeling off your polish removes the top three to 10 layers. The amount of damage you do depends on the type of polish you’re wearing.

“Peeling off natural polish does not take off nearly as [many layers] as if you peel off gel polish,” says Kandalec, author of Nail Art Design Book ($24). “The reason is that gel polish cures via UV light, so the base coat in gel polishes really gets into the nail layers and cures into the natural nail bed. For example, Gelish’s base coat [which is commonly used in salons] actually corkscrews into the nail bed, where the keratin in the nail lives, so when you remove it properly, it-un corks it out correctly, which is why it’s so important to remove gel polish properly.”

She continues, “Natural nail polish does not cure the same way, so it’s not going to damage the nail, however, it still removes some layers of your nail, when you peel your polish off.”

I’ve peeled off my polish one too many times…now what?

If you tend to peel off your nail polish, please accept this gentle nudge to stop. But, if you’re already dealing with some damage, there are a few easy things you can do to nurse your nails back to health.

“Keep the nails hydrated with cuticle oil and moisturizer,” says Boyce. “Eat a balanced diet with a lot of minerals, vitamins, collagens, and essential fats. I’ve noticed that when my clients eat really healthy, their nails stay healthier.”

And if you’ve pulled off your gel, you need to give your nails some time to heal before reapplying any polish. “Give your nails two to three weeks to rehabilitate before getting another set,” says Boyce. “It takes time for your body to generate more nail cells.”

You can also use nail strengthening supplements and serums.

BareOrganics’ Beauty Water Enhancer — $10.00

Boyce likes this powder that you can add to hot or cold water. “It has collagen, biotin, and other superfoods in it that are good for nails,” she says.

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CND RescureRXx — $21.00

Kandalec is a fan of this treatment from CND. “It’s a keratin treatment for your nails,” she says. It’s designed to be massaged into bare nails twice daily. You can see results in one week, but are able to use it for up to four.

 

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Orly Nailtrition — $12.00

Boyce, who works with Orly, recommends the brand’s nail strengthener. “It helps rehab your nails over a week,” she says.

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How to properly remove nail polish without damage

For regular polish, you can use acetone or non-acetone products to soak a cotton ball and then remove.

Orly Genius Remover — $7.00

“While a lot of people think acetone-free removers are better and less drying, acetone-based removers work the fastest,” says Boyce. “Look for one that’s infused with hydrating and soothing ingredients like Orly’s Genius Remover. Then wash your hands and apply a cuticle oil afterward.”

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Lights Lacquer Polish Potion — $13.00

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For gel, Boyce says it’s best to get them removed professionally. But if you need to, you can remove it at home.

“Typically I don’t recommend completely removing gel between sets–I prefer to fill them,” she says. “To do so, I file a thin layer of the gel off, leaving the base coat, so this way the nail plate isn’t disturbed. Because no matter what, the removal process can be damaging and drying.”

But if you need to fully remove the gel, follow the steps below.

1. File to start

“File the top slightly so the acetone works faster to soak off,” says Boyce.

2. Apply acetone and wrap

Instead of soaking your nails in acetone, take one-fifth of a cotton ball, soak it in acetone, place it on the nail, and wrap it in foil. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made option like Orly’s Gel Foil Remover Wrap ($10) which has a square of cotton built into a small piece of aluminum foil.

Orly Foil Remover Wraps — $10.00

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3. Apply a warm towel and wait

“Place a warm towel over your hands for about 15 minutes,” says Kandelec. “This helps contain the heat that your hands produce, activating the acetone work much faster. Don’t ever heat up the actual acetone as it is flammable:

4. Remove foil one nail at a time and scrape

“Working one nail at a time, twist and squeeze, and pull off the foil,” says Kandelec. “Only one foil should come off at a time or the gel can re-harden as the acetone evaporates. Using a wooden stick, softly scrape away the gel towards the free edge only—don’t push back.”

5. File to finish

“If any gel is left over, you can repeat the steps above or use a fine, 220-400 grit file to gently remove the rest of the gel,” says Kandalec. “Buff gently with the padded buffer and cuticle oil to create a smooth surface.” This set from Teenitor ($14) has everything you need.

Teenitor Professional Nail File Set — $14.00

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“We’ve seen a lot of ingrown toenails, fungal nails, and warts after pedicures,” says Dr. Levine. To avoid these issues, it’s important to go somewhere that’s following good hygiene protocols. Keep reading for seven red flags to look out for ahead of your next pedicure. Depending on the severity of the issue and how you feel, seeing any of the above is enough to ask your nail tech to change what they’re doing or, in some cases, straight up leave.

7 pedicure red flags to be on the lookout for

1. The space is dirty

“The first thing do is the look-and-see test,” says Dr. Levine, meaning that you want to tune into what’s going on in the space and make sure things appear clean. If there’s visible dirt and grime or any open food sitting around, for example, that’s usually a sign that things aren’t quite as hygienic as they should be. If this is the case, your best bet is to find a different salon.

2. You don’t see certifications

All states require pedicurists to obtain a license, and most salons hang their certifications on the wall so clients can easily confirm that they’re legit. “Check and see if they’re really specifically trained and if they’re nail technicians,” says Dr. Levine. If they’re not certified, that means they didn’t receive proper training to understand the right, hygienic way to do things, and are more likely to do any of the below—which can lead to issues like infections.

3. The tub isn’t properly prepped

“When you submerge your feet into the bath, make sure they’re using one a single-use plastic covering that’s changed between clients,” she says, adding that it’s also important to ensure the tubs are being cleaned between each use (yes, even if they’re covered in plastic). Understandably, it’s not great to share foot water with someone else. Unlike, say, swimming pool water, this water doesn’t contain self-cleaning ingredients. Since the technician is removing dead skin from people’s feet, all of their potential foot fungus and bacteria are left floating around in the tub (which is exactly as gross as it sounds). If the tub isn’t properly cleaned and filled with fresh water, you run the risk of catching any and everything that they may have.

4. Their hands aren’t clean

Keep a close eye on what your nail tech is doing when they switch from treating the previous client’s feet to treating yours. Did they wash their hands? And if they’re wearing gloves, did they swap for a fresh pair? If not, it’s the same situation as the pedicure water: they may be passing their previous client’s foot fungus and bacteria onto you.

5. You can’t tell if the instruments are new or sterilized

When your technician sits down with their tools, make sure their instruments are taken out of a bag. Porous items like buffers and non-metal files should be new for every client, as it’s impossible to sanitize them. And metal instruments should be in a bag following cold sterilization between clients. If they’re not following these steps between clients, once again fungus and bacteria “are taken from client to client, point A to point B, so that’s an issue,” says Dr. Levne.

6. They’re trying to use a scalpel

“In order to use a blade in the state of New York, you have to be a physician,” says Dr. Levine. “Unfortunately, a lot of medical spas use the blades and it’s dangerous.” She adds that for people who have diabetes, vascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, or other comorbidities, one wrong move with a scalpel (which can happen easily in an untrained hand) can cause a whole host of problems, including infection.

Although this law isn’t the same from state to state, it’s a good general rule to follow wherever you are and make sure your tech isn’t using a scalpel. (And FWIW, don’t try to use one on yourself at home!)

7. They want to cut your cuticles/file the sides of your nails

“I would not have them cut the cuticles on the nails—especially the toenails—or cut the sides of the nails. That’s hands off,” says Dr. Levine. “That can cause some real issues, so you don’t want them to do that. The best thing you can do is have them massage [your feet], maybe push back the cuticles, and cut the nail straight across.”  When they do cut cuticles and get to the sides of the nail, there is a higher risk of ingrown nails and infections.

Skip the salon altogether and try an at-home pedicure:

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I asked Vivian Nguyen, a manicurist at Nail Lounge of La Jolla in La Jolla, CA, to share her favorite product is—aka what she regularly uses for strong nails, healthy cuticles, and soft skin on her hands and feet. Hint: It’s under four bucks, has been around for a hundred and fifty years, and is almost definitely a part of your usual beauty routine. You guessed it—Vaseline.

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly — $4.00

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“People think they need fancy products or serums or tools for their nails, but most of the time, simple is better, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get good results,” says Nguyen. “Vaseline works so well for so many things. I use it literally all the time.”

This manicurist favorite turns out to also be a derm favorite, too—and the American Academy of Dermatology seconds Nguyen’s recommendation for using it on your cuticles. “It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight,” says Nguyen. “The best part is that it’s affordable and probably already in your medicine cabinet!” she adds.

Because of the nature of her work, her hands and nails are exposed to a constant stream of chemicals and products that can be pretty harsh. “Vaseline, or any petroleum jelly really, is what I use to keep my nails and the skin on my hands healthy. It’s the best.”

While the Vaseline brand has various products on offer, the classic petroleum jelly is what Nguyen recommends. It’s versatile, works on nails, hands, and feet, and can be used for wound healing,  slugging, and a whole lot more. At only $4 a pop, it’s a worthy investment, indeed.

Want to keep your toes in tip-top shape, too? Check out the video below to learn about the best at-home pedicure money can buy. 

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account) for must-know tips and tricks.

Because of this, bi-weekly pedicures have become one of those beauty treatments that I absolutely cannot skip. Not only do they keep the comments from my loved ones at bay (you’re welcome, guys), but they’re actually legitimately important for the health of my feet.

“I usually suggest medical pedicures every 8-12 weeks depending on nail growth,” says David L Rossman, DPM, and co-founder of Park Avenue Podiatry Associates. “They are important to avoid toenail injury while participating in physical activity, walking in shoe gear, and to help avoid and prevent infections and diseases.” He adds that regular pedis are especially helpful for anyone who is prone to ingrown toenails, to which I say “it me.”

But while getting my toes professionally rubbed and polished on the reg is an undeniable luxury, it is also an expensive habit that I frankly cannot afford to keep up with. So for the latest episode of Zoë Tries It All, I learned how to do the entire process at home.

My secret weapon? The Olive and June Pedi System ($70-$104), which comes equipped with everything you need to recreate a spa-grade pedicure on your own. On the foot health front, the kit includes an exfoliating foot file, softening cuticle remover solution, and a hydrating foot balm. To keep your nails looking their best, it’s got clippers, a file, a buffer, and one polish of your choice (you can upgrade to a six-pack of polish for $34 extra dollars)—plus nail polish remover and a brush so you can clean up any mistakes.

The piéce de resistance, though, is the brand’s “Pink Posey” footstool, which props your feet up at a perfect angle for performing your pedicure. It makes it so easy to reach your toes to perform every step of the pedicure, including applying polish on that tough-to-wrangle left pinkie.

To see it in action—and learn exactly how to give yourself a pedicure at home, even without a fancy tool—press play on the video above. Your feet (and, if you’re anything like me, your friends and family) will thank you for it.

Olive and June Pedi System— $70-$104

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Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Follow our Fineprint Instagram account) for must-know tips and tricks.

Orly Nail Rescue Kit — $17.00

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This super-simple kit includes nail glue, repair powder, and a file. It makes fixing broken nails incredibly easy. In the past, I’ve tried everything to rehab my broken nails—including painting on a thick layer of polish and hoping for the best (didn’t work), repurposing the paper from a tea bag (time-consuming, annoying, and left me with a bumpy nail), and using superglue (just… no). This kit allows me to seamlessly fix a broken nail in seconds.

How to fix a broken nail using the Orly Nail Rescue Kit

1. Prep nail

If you’re wearing nail polish, start by removing any polish, buffing, and cleaning off the nail. I used rubbing alcohol to make sure the Fix  Kit had something nice and clean to adhere to.

2. Paint on the nail glue

Next, take the nail glue, which comes with an applicator brush, and put it over the area that needs repair.

3. Dip finger

Immediately after applying the glue, dip your finger in the repair powder.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3

Depending on the size of your break, you may want to add an extra layer or two. I fixed the above nail with two layers.

5. Clean up

Since I was fixing the side of my nail, I used a pointed stick to quickly clean up the crevice between my nail and skin. Next, I used a file to shape my nail, starting on the outer corners of the nail and filing up toward the center.

6. Finish up with polish

Once your nail is back in a solid piece, you’ll want to seal your repair job with polish. I lacquered my go-to gel on top, and it looked great and felt strong.

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According to Hanna, people have been tossing nail trends to the wind in recent years, and really dialing into their own preferences. “Not surprisingly, I think people are starting to make their own rules about what they want their winter nails to look like,” she tells Well+Good. “I’m seeing a lot less of the deep dark red and light nude, and much more light metallics and frosts than I have seen in a while. It’s a nice change.”

However, for her part, Hanna is spending a lot of time rocking Dior Nail Glow, a transparent, pink polish designed to bring out the pinks of your own nails. “I’ve been really into Dior Nail Glow for a quick nail fix if I’m in a rush. Even just one cost gives nails a healthy and fresh look that goes unnoticed while looking perfectly polished,” she adds. Dior describes the Nail Glow as a”nail enhancer that gives your natural nails a shiny, healthy glow. But take note: While the product offers a pinkish sheen, it doesn’t contain any of the special ingredients that strengthen and fortify your nails—so make sure you’re still applying cuticle oil and taking care of them in other ways.

Dior Nail Glow — $28.00

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The big sister of the clear coat, Nail Glow takes approximately 60 seconds to apply (although, the brand does recommend layering on three coats), and you can keep it in your purse or car for easy touch-ups on the go. Even better? If the coat does start to chip, no one will be the wiser unless they’re really, really analyzing your hands. As one product reviewer writes, “It gives your nails the right amount of pink tint to look fresh, healthy, professional, and put together. Perfect for anyone who wants to look polished without having to hit the salon.” Isn’t that what we all want?

 

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