I’ve been doing my own nails for a few years now, and finally figured out a routine that works well for me! Here’s what I do to keep my nails healthy and prepped for polish:

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Step 1: File Nails with a Glass File

I file and shape my nails with a glass nail file. Glass files are more gentle than emory boards, and they last longer too! For my peeling nails, it’s better for me to file in one direction instead of going back and forth. Find what works best for you!

Glass Nail File: Holo Taco | Bliss Kiss | Loud Lacquer

Step 2: Push Back Cuticles

I use a metal cuticle pusher to GENTLY push back the live skin at the edge of my nail – that skin is technically called the proximal fold, but it’s more commonly known as our cuticle. I don’t like cutting that skin because it could lead to bacteria and infections down the line. You could also use an orange stick or your thumbnail from your other hand to push this skin back, just don’t push too hard or you could cause damage.

Metal Cuticle Pusher: Bliss Kiss | Target

Step 3: Remove Invisible Cuticle

The cuticle is actually that clear sticky substance that sometimes grows down onto your nail plate. This can affect the longevity of any nail polish or enhancements you want to wear, so I like to remove it. I used a cuticle remover gel to soften it, then gently scraped it off with the flat side of an orange stick. Try not to get too much of the gel on your skin or leave it there for too long.

Cuticle Remover Gel: Bliss Kiss | Target

Orange Sticks: Target | Amazon

You can also use a glass cuticle stick to gently buff that substance off! I’ve recently started using this on days that I don’t want to use the remover gel, and it does a really nice job.

Glass Cuticle Pusher: Loud Lacquer | Target

Once I’ve removed all the cuticle from my nail plate, I use a lint-free pad and rubbing alcohol or a nail prep solution to remove any excess gel and to clean any residue off my nails.

Lint-Free Pads: Sally’s | Walmart

Nail Prep Solution: Zoya | Target

Step 4: File Peeling Nails

My nails are prone to peeling, so I like to use a glass nano file to gently file down those peels. This helps keep the peel from continuing up the length of my nail plate and causing further damage. It also helps smooth my nail and sort of “seal” the layers of my nail back together.

Nano File: Bliss Kiss | Amazon

Step 5: Apply Nail Oil

The last step in my at-home nail care routine is to apply and massage nail oil into my hands and nails. I love using jojoba oil because it’s the closest to our body’s natural sebum, and it soaks into my skin and nails instead of just sitting on the surface like some other oils. You don’t need a lot, just a couple drops massaged in and you’re done!

Cuticle Oil: Bliss Kiss | Target