Nails.
Looking at my analytics, it seems the post y’all like and share the most is my piece on breaking the nail salon habit. I thought maybe y’all might appreciate some tips for keeping your nails looking fly, with out the trip to the toxic salon.
- Hydrate. Drink plenty of water–always the first step to beautiful skin and nails.
- Moisturize. I alternate between coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, shea nut butter, cocoa butter… it depends on the season and climate. I always use a pure, high-quality, organic or locally-sourced oil or butter, and they are perfect to use on the hands and feet too. Make sure you don’t use too much (you’ll get the hang of it) and give it a minute to sink in. Wipe off excess with a towel. Easy peasy.
- Scrub every few days. Make your own sugar or salt scrub–super easy and lots of recipes online.
- Emery board to shape. Push cuticles if need be–never cut!
- Gently and lightly buff, if that’s your jam.
- Use a soft toothbrush on your toes, to clean and remove dead skin cells.
- Use a pumice stone on the soles of your feet. (Findable for free on many a beach.)
- Moisturize.
- Repeat as needed.
Oh! And vitamins! If your nails are breaking a lot, seem too fragile, or have weird lines going through them, you might want to consult with a nutritionist, naturopath, doctor, or other trusted holistic health practitioner.
Of course, you can also hand massage or incorporate some hand and feet yoga to help relieve tension. And soaks! Hand soaks, feet soaks, baths… There is no need to spend money in a salon.
Unless, of course, you want to–especially if you feel good about your choice and it’s a salon that respects its workers with a healthy environment and dignity.
It might not be cheap to go to a salon that treats its workers right and is designed with health in mind.
But the peace of mind might just be worth it.
Thanks for reading, and sharing!