Picture: Beyoncé, Instagram
At-home hacks to note.
In lieu of being able to pop to our local nail salon, getting to grips with a nail care routine RN is no mean feat. Whether it’s attempting to replicate a gel or a quick mani-pedi - and let’s not get started on the different finishes... it's a complex art we're struggling to finesse.
And while it's not always paid the most attention, the skin surrounding our nails is just as important as the nails themselves, especially with the constant hand washing. As Sara Waterman, leading Aesthetician and Skincare Expert at Young LDN explains: "Over time, excessively washing your hands and using hand sanitisers will deplete the skin’s natural protective barrier. This, in turn, can leave the hands feeling dry and sore." Cue: bone dry cuticles.
When our nail beds are cracked and parched, sometimes even the richest of hand creams or cuticle oils just won't do it. Luckily, we’ve got some wise words from the nail professional who works on Beyoncé's talons.
“Cuticles are an extension of your hand. If your hand is dry, it affects your cuticle, as well as your nail condition in the long run,” says Beyoncé’s personal nail artist and representative of nail brand Essie, Miho Okawara.
Considering it’s some of the most readily-exposed skin, looking after those precious hands should move straight to the top of your agenda. “The most important thing for dry cuticles is aftercare. You must put cuticle oil on after applying nail polish to finish off. Cuticle oil not only moistens your nail but also speeds up the drying process,” says Miho.
Taming that dry, flaky skin is easier than you think. “Soak your fingertips in warm water to soften your skin and then massage your fingertips with oil or cream. Using a hand mask is another good option. After the massage, put the hand mask on your hand and wait for 20 minutes. Remove the hand mask and massage your hands again - this process helps to enhance blood circulation.”
It’s the simple things that make all the difference. A cuticle oil here, a quick soaking of the fingertips there, and the nail care routine you’re so used to is instantly upgraded for fresh and nourished at-home hands.
This article originally appeared on Glamour UK.
