Getting a manicure is such a guilt pressure for me and I really like getting quality ones so I make sure to get the most out of it by preparing well. Did you know that moisturizing your nails and softening them can make the process more pleasurable for you and can give you better results. More than just applying your usual lotions, here are some ways on how to soak your nails to get them more moisturized.
Lemon
Lemon is a wonder fruit as you all may know. But did you know that on top of its many health benefits is that it can actually soften your nails? Plus, it can make it whiter and stronger. So if you’re someone like me who has developed yellow nails because of using nail polish without a base, this is a perfect solution. All you need to do is to mix one cup of warm water with the lemon juice and soak your nails for a few minutes before your manicure.
Milk and Honey
Aside from lemon, there are other kitchen staples that you can use to create a good nail soak. Milk and Honey, as you already may know, is often used for face masks so it does do a great job in softening your cuticles as well. All you need is a quarter cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of honey and stir it well before applying an ample amount on your nails. Let it sit there for 10 minutes and then go ahead and rinse them properly. When done regularly, milk actually strengthens your nails because of its calcium contents.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
If your nails and the skin around your nails are dry, you can try the simple concoction of olive oil and lemon juice. I do this especially when my nails are peeling or breaking from being too unhealthy or brittle. You can even use this soak after a bad manicure if your nails were pushed too hard by the manicurist or when your nail bed seems to dry.
Egg Yolk and Honey
You are going to need 2 egg yolks and 1 tablespoon of honey for this soak. Make sure to beat the egg yolks well before mixing the honey because it’s easier that way. This is what I find most satisfying when I feel like my nails are too brittle. However, this concoction isn’t that moisturizing so after soaking for 15 minutes, I rinse and then pat with a towel to dry and apply nail oil.
Additional Tips for Soaking Your Nails
- If you don’t see any changes in nail health even after soaking your nails regularly and getting your regular manicure, then you’re probably not hydrated enough so make sure to drink your water.
- Make sure your nails are shorter on the side because your nails will be more brittle if they’re longer on the sides. If you prefer a square face shape for your manicure, make sure your manicurist files the sharp corners a little bit, at least.
- Avoid alcohol based products because they can be drying to the skin and to the nails.
And finally, although we all enjoy our manicures, only get them when you need them. Having them too often is going to do more damage than good.
