Nail Rehab

I've come to the conclusion that nail polish only looks good when they have a healthy foundation (nails) to sit on. This is the routine I stick to when my nails are on a health kick. 

Step One: Hydrate Cuticles

Step Two:  Apply treatment strengthener 

Step Three: Apply Nail Hardener

Step Four: Rock That Polish

Cuticle Hydration

Tea Tree Oil can be used as an effective and low cost alternative to soften cuticles. 

Mine tend to become very dry and tend to crack and bleed often. Because mine are in especially bad shape I used it 2-3 times daily as needed. But for most people I would just recommend applying it before bed. (You can use any cuticle softener you like, I just happen to have tea tree oil lying around). 

Strengthener

Choose a nail strengthener that is right for your nail situation. This should not simply be a 'hardener' as this does nothing but make your nails, well... hard. The point of a strengthener, at least in this case, is to treat the nails with vitamins and nutrients enabling them to stop brittleness, yellowness, creaking, breaking, splitting, peeling, etc. Most times when you're using a strengthener of this nature you should not paint them for 1-2 weeks while applying the treatment. This'll be hard at first, but it's necessary. 

 Some of the better products come from a the Nail Tek line including the Citra formaldehyde free formulas, as well as the hydration Therapy formulas from the same brand. Both Sallys Beauty Supply and Ulta carry these products, however the prices will fluctuate from $12 to $15. It is quite the investment, but they really do the job. If you're looking for  low cost alternatives Sally Hansen is a good affordable line. I would steer you in the direction of the Continuous Treatment Strength Time Release formula if you're feeling unsure. Anything that says 'treatment' should be fine, and present your nails with some kind of improvement. 

Also, consider taking a multivitamin, or dietary supplement so your nail will receive internal help as well as topical help. You can't go wrong with Hair,Skin and Nail supplements as well as supplements with Biotin. (As always consult your doctor before altering your diet and medication regimen).

*Remember to maintain your nails throughout by filing and pushing back cuticles.

Hardener

After you have successfully completed the strengthening routine, it is time to use a hardener to seal in your results. the beauty of a hardener is that it can be used as a base and top coat for your nail lacquer, and allows you to protect your hard earned results while still being able to indulge in color.  

Again, choose any hardener you want, this is not as important as choosing the right strengthening treatment for your nail type. However Diamond strength and Triple Strong from Sally Hansen are good bets. 

Rock that Polish 

The time has finally come. This is probs the nail equivalent to bikini season. Choose the polish you have been waiting weeks to wear and apply it over the nail hardening base coat and your favorite top coat. And rock the sh*t out of that polish!

Cannot wait to try this collection! 

Randomness:

The suspicious exercise trails.  

Ugh ya'lls. This is why I do not go to the gym. 

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