J.Lo & Selena's Manicurist Shares His Secrets For Flawless Nails

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A #nailfie is the new selfie. If you don’t believe us, check it out for yourself – the search term has over 2.6 million results on Instagram. And let’s be real, that number will only increase because nail art is one of the hottest beauty trends RN. This means knowing how to care for your nails is a must. So, we spoke to celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, who buffs and styles the hands of goddesses J.Lo, Keke Palmer, and Selena Gomez. HE revealed all his top nail care tips for strong healthy nails, so grab your nail buffer and get to work…

How to Care for Your Nails

Tom’s top three rules for healthy, strong nails:

1. Regular Manicures: According to Tom, the best way to care for your nails is to get “Regular manicures to keep your nails in tip-top shape.” When you’re getting your mani, make sure your nail technician is not cutting your cuticles. Tom explains, “It’s always best to gently push back the cuticle and remove only the excess bits and pieces with a nipper. Then use a soft sponge buffer to smooth and tighten cuticles while lightly smoothing the surface of the nail.”

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2. Stay Healthy: We’ve all heard the saying “beauty comes from within” but this is true, even with your nails. “A healthy diet and regular exercise will impact your nail health. The right food gives your nails the nutrition they need and regular exercise increases circulation allowing as much of the nutrients as possible to the nails,” explains Tom.

3. Hydration is Key: When it comes to beauty, hydration is everything! Tom says, “My number one recommendation is always to use a great cuticle oil at night before bed. Proper hydration keeps nails resilient and flexible, helping to prevent many things like cracking, splitting, and peeling.”

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How to Avoid Weak Nails

To “Prevent weak nails from breaking keep them coated” insists Tom, continuing, “Traditional lacquer works in most cases but gel polish can definitely add strength. Be sure to use a licensed nail technician who can properly apply and remove them. Protect them by getting regular manicures as this will help increase circulation.”  However, Tom does add that “The only way to truly strengthen your nails naturally is from the inside with a healthy diet and regular exercise.”

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How to DIY a Perfect Mani

As much as we’d love to get weekly manicures, it can be hella-expensive, not to mention, time-consuming. Here’s how to maintain healthy nails at home for a fraction of the cost.

For the longest wear: “After performing the manicure portion (creating length, shape, pushing back cuticles), be sure to cleanse the natural nail with isopropyl alcohol prior to polishing (not polish remover). Most nail polish removers contain moisturizers that can block adhesion if left on the nail.” Tom says.

For speedy drying & perfect edges: If you’re in a rush, Tom says, “Apply polish in two thin, even coats. Then, let it dry for one minute before applying the topcoat. While you wait, use an old gel eye or lip liner brush dipped in remover to clean up any excess polish that may have gotten on the cuticles.”

For healthy, chip-free nails: “Once again hydrate!”, says Tom. “Most people don’t realize that even your polish dehydrates within days. Using a cuticle oil nightly keeps not only your nails but also your polish hydrated and flexible helping to prevent cracking and chipping,” explains Tom.

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For more nail care tips, check out how to keep your mani chip-free.