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Before we get started today, I want to say that this post is more of a confession than my typical “learn something new everyday” kind of posts. I’ve very aware that there are way worse things going on than not getting a haircut, a facial, or even nails done; however, that doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to have weird feelings about not being able to get those things done. This is ESPECIALLY so when one of those things is intertwined with your self-identity.

Keep on reading for specific tips and my favorite products for natural nail upkeep!

tips for natural nails, lments of style, at home manicure, strengthen nails, finger nails, la blogger, un-painted nails, bare nails, everlane jumpsuit, outshine fruit bar popsicles

Everlane Jumpsuit (c/o) | American Eagle Sunglasses | Kendra Scott Hoop Earrings (c/o)

All my life I’ve had painted nails. Some of my favorite memories include my mom painting my nails for me or going to the salon with her and my sister. In college, I would do my nails every week. It was almost therapeutic! Being forced to stay still and not dent the polish was truly a time for my body to rest. As life went on and I did more and more photoshoots, I started going to the nail salon every three weeks, so my hands would be picture ready. That being said, whether I was 7 or 27, my hands have always felt naked if my nails weren’t painted.

Given the title, it should come as no surprise that today I’m discussing unpainted nails. Towards the end of my time at nail salons, I always felt like they were a burden and a waste of time. I would find myself getting frustrated if my dip manicure took longer than the average 45 minutes and it just wasn’t relaxing anymore.

When I lost my job last summer (July), my nail salon trips were an easy thing to cut. It felt like I finally had a real reason to not go. All my life I felt this burden to have my nails pretty and perfect. Losing my job was my out! I went to the salon with my mom and sister (one of our traditions) before we moved from Dallas to LA, but other than that I stopped going. California’s culture isn’t like that of Dallas. It’s not weird if you have bare nails… it’s this effortless California chicness! Since moving, the only time I have been to the nail salon was over Thanksgiving, with my mom and sister, It honestly sounds really silly, but I think coming to terms with my bare fingers and not feeling like I HAVE to have them painted has been really freeing.

On one of my previous nail polish posts, I recall one of you saying that one day you just stopped wearing polish and it was nice not to care. Now I TOTALLY get what you were saying. I have been debating writing this post, because honestly it just feels really dumb to say, especially with everything going on in the world right now. I decided to hit publish, because I know our salons are closed and I wanted you to know that it is okay to have bare nails. It’s okay to not wear makeup and it’s okay to have visible panty-lines or whatever thing society is telling you that you should not have. Sure, I still own nail polish, but painting my fingernails hasn’t brought me joy like it used to, so I simply haven’t done it.

Since I’ve been going bare nail for 9 months, I figured I’d share some tips and best practices. For me, unpainted nails have almost been MORE high maintenance, as nail polish tends to keep your fingernails strong. Or it always made my nails feel that way. My nails were less likely to break when I kept them painted! Regardless of your take on it, here are some tips for the upkeep of natural nails. Who says manicured nails actually have to have polish on them?!

TIPS FOR NATURAL NAILS

Have weekly trimmings and filings. I make time every week (usually on the weekends) to maintain my nails. This means clipping away any stray cuticles, pushing back my bottom cuticle, trimming any un-wanted length, and filing any ragged edges. Regular maintenance not only keeps them pretty, but it also makes them less likely to break or tear. This isn’t new to my regimen. I’m that weirdo who likes to perfect their nails before even setting foot into a salon, so these have been my favorite tools for at least 10 years.
Keep tools next to the bed. I like to keep all of my nail tools by the bed for easy access. It’s really easy to file my nails while watching a show, so I appreciate the easy access. Also keeping them somewhat in eyesight reminds me to do them.
Clean under your nails daily. I think this was the most annoying part of transitioning to not really wearing nail polish. Dirt and grime show more easily, as there isn’t any paint to cover them up. Now, obviously I appreciate knowing this as it means I know to do this more regularly than when my nails are painted; however, it was a bit of a shock when I first went without polish for a prolonged period of time.
Always travel with nail tools. I always felt like my cuticles would go rogue on trips prior to going natural; however, without painted nails, it is a million times worse. If you are able to check a bag, bring your whole nail kit. Otherwise, at least travel with a nail file. Your fingers will thank you!
Use a nail strengthener. Chances are that if you have been wearing nail polish non-stop, your nails could use a boost. There are a lot of products out there that claim to strengthen your nails, but they are usually another polish in itself and/or full of gross chemicals. Look for an oil to help your nails out! I love to use this one, but even just olive oil from your kitchen can help! Also check out your facial oils, as most can be re-purposed for your fingers and only require 1-2 drops! This is another oil I like to use on my fingers.

FAVORITE TOOLS AND PRODUCTS FOR NAILS AND HANDS

Cuticle Trimmer - I also like to cut my nails with these, as they are gentle on nails.
Cuticle Pusher / Under Nail Cleaner - I actually found a cuticle trimmer and pusher set here! Comes in pretty color options too.
Emery Board - These aremy favorite nail files!! They work the best and last the longest.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Replenishing Oil or Biossance Squalane Oil for nail strengthening and conditioning cuticles. Primally Pure has a body oil that would work too! I haven’t tried it before, but I’m sure it is great! Get it for 10% off with code ELLEMULENOS.
Primally Pure Body Butter or Baby Balm as hand cream. Try them for 10% off with discount code ELLEMULENOS.
Sunscreen for tops of hands, as they often show age and sunspots early - I use Badger on my face and hands, though I also like Juice Beauty sunscreen and Kokua sunscreen and use it on my body / hands.

If you’re looking for a cute little nail kit that has it all, I like this one from Sephora and this one from Nordstrom!

As much as I am pro-bare nails lately, something I have enjoyed (especially over quarantine) are ManiMe custom stick-on gel manicures! They are mindless to apply and give me something to do besides play on my phone. Best of all, there’s zero dry time! Just don’t get them wet for at least an hour after, though I prefer to keep them dry for several hours. Read my review of the nails here and use code ELLEMULENOS for $5 off. I’ve been wearing them on and off since the end of January and realllllly like them. I do like to make it a point to let my nails breathe in between sets though! I strengthen and condition in this time too.

How do you feel about bare nails? Or is there something similar you are hanging onto because you feel like you have to? Try letting it go and see how you feel!

P.S. If you liked this post, you might enjoy these:

Nontoxic nail polishes and why they matter

Custom stick-on gel manicure review

Monochromatic pink and purple nails

The difference between gel manicures and dipping powder