An A-List Manicurist Shares Her Nail Rules
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@MICHELLECLASSNAILS
Use Quality Tools
From my nippers to my prep cuticle pusher and remover tool, if I don’t have these with me, then I may as well not bother starting the job. I love the Lucy Pastorelli tools – they look so slick and don’t blunt quickly either. But you don’t need to buy expensive products to keep your nails looking good. It’s always useful to have some orange wood sticks on hand so you can gently push back cuticles, as well as a good nail file and a buffer to avoid any snags you might get between appointments.
Pick Classic Shades
Stick to a nude shade – whether it’s a sheer or a French, I just find it works with everything and the regrowth is less obvious. My favourite neutrals are ‘Once Chiffon A Time’, a pink-y sheer by Sally Hansen or Chanel’s ‘Ballerina’ which is a little milkier. Picking the perfect neutral shade is a bit like picking a foundation. The tone will change throughout the year when your skin tone changes. Red on the toes always looks good – I tend to go for a more orangey shade in the summer and something darker for winter. I love nothing more than looking down at a glossy red toe. It’s Naomi Campbell’s go-to as well.
Avoid DIY Gel Manicures
Biggest no-no ever. You don’t know what’s in these products, and when it comes to a professional gel manicure, there is a specific way of applying it that only a trained professional could know. You run a major risk of getting an allergy, which could stop you wearing gel in the future too.
Remove Gels Properly
If you pick off your gel polish, you’ll remove the top layer of the nail, resulting in your nails becoming more fragile. Always see a well-trained professional that will look after your nails. Gels shouldn’t cause damage, in fact, with the correct application and removal, a gel manicure should help encourage nail health and growth. Sally Hansen has a great product called Gel Rehab which I recommend to anyone whose nails are in need of some TLC.
@LUCYPASTORELLITOOLS_
Keep Up With Top-Ups
We all think a gel manicure is magic – how could it possibly chip or lift? Pre-application nail prep is key, however sometimes we just catch or knock our nails. If you do chip one, find a polish in a matching shade to tide you over until your next appointment. Bio Sculpture’s Gemini range is made up of polish shades that perfectly ‘twin’ with their gel counterparts.
Prioritise Targeted Treatments
Weak nails can be hereditary or they can be the result of an abrasive treatment. I’d start off by removing everything from your nails and trimming them down. Apply a layer of Sally Hansen’s Hard As Nails – it’s been around for decades because it actually works. Apply this every few days for a couple of weeks and you’ll see a difference. If you’re looking for a professional to help you out, try an IBX treatment. This helps bond and strengthen the keratin layers of the nails.
Take Supplements
As we get older and start entering perimenopause, our oestrogen levels drop, which can result in changes to our body – you might find that your nails become dryer, flakier or simply not as strong as they used to be. Taking supplements can help nourish brittle nails from within, I love Beauty Pie’s Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies and Dr. Barbara Sturm also does a great supplement range.
Oil Your Nails Daily
It’s a simple tip, but oiling your nails daily is the secret to keeping them hydrated and healthy, and it’ll prolong your manicure too. Think of your nails and the polish or gel like a sandwich. If the filling starts to dry out, the two slices of bread will start to curl up and separate. This is the same with nails – keep that oil on your desk, in your bag and by your bed. You’ll thank me later.
@MICHELLECLASSNAILS
Tackle Discoloration
Nails can discolour from not wearing a base coat underneath a dark colour. One way of rectifying this is by removing your polish using pure acetone and with a soft buffer, gently buffing the surface of the nail. If the stain still won’t budge, use a soft toothbrush with some whitening toothpaste and gently scrub the nails to lift the discolouration. Note that some medical conditions can cause your nails to become discoloured, so if you are concerned, seek medical advice.
Don’t Forget Your Cuticles
Cuticle nippers are handy, but only to remove a hangnail. Don’t try and give yourself a full-on Russian manicure because you’ve seen an Instagram reel. My must-have for keeping those cuticles looking neat and tidy is Sally Hansen’s r remover gel which works by softening and breaking down the hard cuticle. You only need a little bit – and be sure to wash your hands afterwards as it contains active ingredients.
Stay Consistent
With my own nails, I’m actually quite low-key. I try to keep them oiled a few times a day and regularly apply hand cream such as Supergoop!’s Handscreen. Once a week I do a thorough exfoliation and apply a mask. I also love using my CurrentBody Skin LED Hand Perfector when I can to reduce lines and age spots.
Pay Attention To The Details
To take a DIY manicure to the next level, it’s all about clean lines, perfect prep and not flooding the cuticle with too much polish or product. I like to use a fine liner brush to help smooth the edges and get right up close to those cuticles for that perfect finish. Also, make sure your skin and cuticles are hydrated and moisturised – it makes a noticeable difference to the overall appearance of the manicure.
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Inspiration credits: @MichelleClassNails | @LucyPastorelliTools_ | @Manucurist
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