Isla Bennett
Softening your finger nails is an important step in achieving a salon-quality manicure at home. It is also necessary for treating certain nail conditions, such as thick toenails, and ingrown toenails. There are many ways to soften your finger nails, including soaking them in warm water, applying cuticle oil, olive oil, or body lotion, and using a cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles. Other methods include applying urea cream, vinegar, or tea tree oil, which can also help treat nail fungus.
How to Soften Finger Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soak nails in | Warm water, Epsom salt, cuticle oil, olive oil, body lotion, vinegar, or lemon juice |
| Moisturize with | Mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, or cuticle cream |
| Treat infections with | Urea cream, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, antifungal medication, or vinegar |
| Prevent infections by | Wearing properly fitted shoes and socks, avoiding walking barefoot in wet public places, and keeping feet clean and dry |
| File nails | In one direction with a fine-grade emery board |
| Remove old polish with | Non-acetone nail polish remover and a paper towel or cotton pad |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water
Soaking your nails in warm water is a common practice, especially before a manicure. It helps to soften the nails and cuticles, making them easier to work with. However, some nail technicians are moving away from this practice as it can potentially compromise the manicure itself.
When nails are soaked in water, the nail plate absorbs the water, causing it to swell and change shape. This is because the water molecules crowd in between the layers of the nail plate, lubricating and separating them. As a result, the nail becomes more flexible, and its shape can be altered. If nail coatings are applied at this point, they will not adhere well to the nail as it dries and returns to its original shape. This can cause the polish to chip, peel, or crack as it loses adhesion to the natural nail.
Despite this potential drawback, some nail technicians continue to use warm water soaks as part of the manicure process. They argue that soaking helps to soften and clean the nails and cuticles, making it easier to push back or cut the cuticles. It also helps to remove any dirt, dust, or dead skin left over after filing and buffing. For those who prefer not to cut their cuticles, soaking can help to loosen them, making it easier to push them back.
To soak your nails in warm water, fill a shallow bowl with warm water and, optionally, add a few drops of soap. Soak your hands for a few minutes, and then remove them from the solution. Gently clean your nails and the skin around them using a nail brush. You can also use a variety of other ingredients, such as lemon juice, honey, vinegar, or milk, to enhance the softening and brightening effects of the soak.
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Use a moisturising agent
Using a moisturising agent is an effective way to soften your fingernails. This method is especially useful for softening cuticles, the skin at the base of your nails.
You can use a variety of household items as a moisturising agent. For instance, you can soak your nails in a mixture of warm water and a moisturising product such as cuticle oil, olive oil, or body lotion. After about 10 minutes, dry your hands and apply cuticle cream or lotion.
Another option is to use natural oils such as petroleum jelly. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the base of your nails and the edges to keep your skin hydrated and prevent cracking and peeling. However, avoid applying petroleum jelly right before a manicure as it will prevent nail polish from adhering to your nail beds.
You can also try conditioning your nails with mayonnaise. The fats in the mayonnaise will moisturise your skin and soften your cuticles. Simply dip your nails in a bowl of mayonnaise for about five minutes, then wash your hands with warm water.
Additionally, you can use commercial products such as urea cream to soften your nails. Apply the cream to your nails, wrap your hands in bandages overnight, and wash off the cream in the morning.
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Exfoliate with a washcloth
Exfoliating with a washcloth is a great way to soften your nails and cuticles. This method is simple, effective, and can be done at home without the need for a salon. It is also a safer alternative to cutting your cuticles, which is often done at salons for a quick, clean look. However, cutting your cuticles can be risky as they form a protective seal that prevents irritants from getting into your skin.
To begin the process of exfoliating with a washcloth, start by preparing a mixture of warm water and cuticle oil, olive oil, or body lotion in a bowl. The warm water will help to soften your nails and cuticles, while the oil or lotion will provide additional moisture and nourishment. Soak your nails in this mixture for about 10 minutes to allow the ingredients to work their magic.
After the soak, dry your hands and nails thoroughly. Then, take a clean, warm, damp washcloth and gently rub your nails and cuticles in a circular motion. This action will help to slough away any dead cuticle skin, which is that white membrane that forms around your nails. Be gentle and patient during this process, as you want to avoid causing any irritation or damage to the delicate skin in this area.
Once you have finished exfoliating, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any remaining oil or lotion. Finally, dry your nails thoroughly and apply a nourishing cuticle cream or lotion. This will help to lock in moisture and keep your nails and cuticles soft and supple.
By following these steps, you can effectively soften your nails and cuticles at home, leaving them feeling smooth and looking healthy.
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Apply a nail-strengthening base coat
A nail-strengthening base coat is a great way to improve the health of your nails, especially if you frequently paint your nails. There are many options available on the market, such as Olive & June's Nail Strengthener, Chanel's Protective and Smoothing Nail Treatment, and Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat. These products are designed to nourish and hydrate your nails, improving their overall health and making them stronger and less prone to breakage.
When applying a nail-strengthening base coat, it is important to start with clean, bare nails. Ensure your nails are free of any polish or residue by wiping them down with a strengthening lacquer remover or using a pre-prep nail dehydrator. This will help the base coat adhere better to your nails. Apply a thin and even layer of the nail-strengthening base coat to each nail, being careful not to apply it too thickly. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
If you plan to wear nail polish, you can follow the base coat with your chosen colour. Apply one to two coats of your desired nail polish, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Finally, seal your manicure with a top coat to add shine and protection. This will help your manicure last longer and prevent chipping.
For maximum results, some nail-strengthening base coats recommend specific application instructions. For example, OPI's Nail Envy line suggests applying two coats on the first day, followed by additional coats on the third and fifth days, then removing and restarting the process on the seventh day. It is always a good idea to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you are using.
By incorporating a nail-strengthening base coat into your nail care routine, you can improve the health and strength of your nails while still enjoying your favourite nail colours. This simple step can make a big difference in maintaining healthy and beautiful nails.
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Use a quick-dry top coat
A quick-dry top coat is a clear coat that you can apply over your nail polish to speed up the drying process. It contains solvents that dry all the layers of your nail polish. You don't have to wait for your nail polish to dry before applying the quick-dry top coat—it can be applied on wet or tacky nail polish.
To use a quick-dry top coat, start by applying two thin coats of your chosen nail polish colour to all your nails. After you've finished applying the colour, pull the top coat brush out of the bottle, ensuring you remove all the polish from one side of the brush by pulling it against the neck of the bottle.
Using the bead of product on the other side of the brush, start applying the quick-dry top coat to your nails. Start at the base of your nail and pull the brush towards the free edge. Use a light hand to avoid dragging or pushing the brush into the coats of colour. Allow the product to self-level and flow over your nail. Apply one more stroke of product to the left side of your nail and one to the right.
Within 30 seconds of applying the quick-dry top coat, you'll get a hard outer shell on your nail polish. However, your nail polish will still need time to dry completely. To speed up the drying process even more, you can submerge your nails in an ice bath or run them under cold water. You can also use a fan on a low setting to help the solvents in the nail polish evaporate faster without moving the polish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can soften your nails at home by soaking them in a bowl of warm water mixed with cuticle oil, olive oil, or body lotion. After a 10-minute soak, dry off and apply cuticle cream or lotion.
To soften your nails before a manicure, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the base of your nails and the edges. However, this method should be avoided right before a manicure as it will prevent the polish from adhering to the nail bed.
Home remedies to soften finger nails include vinegar, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.
