Nail It From Home

Summer is here, and with it sand, sun and sandals. Chances are, sooner or later, you’re going to have to take a stab at doing your own manicures and pedicures “remotely”. Let us let you in on some tricks of the trade to make sure your nails are on point all season!

Start by soaking your nails for 5-10 minutes and then gently push back your cuticles. Use cuticle remover and an orangewood stick to prepare the nail bed, then trim and file the nail into your desired shape.

PRO TIP: File in one direction to prevent weakening, filing back and forth can damage the nail.

Remember to MOISTURIZE, especially now that we’re washing our hands more than ever. We recommend Aveda Hand Relief – it lasts through three washes, so a little goes a long way!

For pedicures, remove calluses with a foot file. You might need to repeat the process a few times to get your desired smoothness.

PRO TIP: DON’T CUT YOUR CALLUSES! This may cause sores or infection and makes the calluses thicker. Instead, massage in Aveda Foot Relief to soften calluses over time.

To apply the perfect polish, remove the lotion from your nails with a lint free pad and 70% rubbing alcohol or polish remover. Apply a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat, waiting 5 minutes between each layer.

PRO TIP: Use a nail strengthener as a base coat. We like OPI’s Nail Envy because they have a formula to address every nail issue.

After your polish dries, don’t forget to oil those cuticles! This will help with dryness and prevent hangnails. Aveda’s Beautifying Oil is great choice, but even olive oil works in a pinch.

PRO TIP:  Beautifying Oil has so many uses! Try it in or after your bath to moisturize your body and even your scalp. It also works great as a non-greasy massage oil.

Relax. Remember, if applied correctly, regular nail polish will take a good hour to dry.

Ready to take the next steps towards a career in cosmetology?

You can get an Aveda cosmetology education that prepares you for a future career in the beauty industry at Douglas J Aveda Institutes. We offer programs for cosmetology, esthiology, massage therapy and barbering. See yourself in the beauty industry by scheduling your tour of one of our campuses today.