I’m writing this article as I sit in a dilemma about what to do with my nails.  They’re unpainted, but well kept and kept as short as possible (I cut them about once a week because I can’t stand them to be any longer).  On the flip side though, I sometimes do like getting manicures or having painted nails, but with a busy schedule of kids, work and no time to maintain it, I’m debating about trying gel nails.  However, having done some research on-line, I’ve decided, not yet and will take the natural route first.

So here are some tips about maintaining nice nails for those low maintenance folks like me.

1. Keep it short.  The trend now is in between square and oval (more oval though). 
2. Use a nail file to round off the edges. (I keep one handy in my purse).
3. Don’t shake your nail polish, it will only create bubbles which dry it out faster.  Instead, roll it between your palms.
4. Use nail polish remover to remove oils on the nails before applying anything - this will ensure extra longevity to your color.
5. Use a base coat - always.  It acts as protection and some formulas help nourish the nails.
6. To sustain the color, paint 3-4 thin layers (rather than 1-2 thick layers) to minimize peeling. 
7. Use a top coat (or the base coat again).  You can paint beyond the nail surfaces and around the nails to seal in the edges.
8. To maintain the color, repaint a top coat every 2 days.
9. For mothers who have lots to do, painting your nails is the last thing you do before you go to bed to maximize your drying time.  Brush your teeth, wash your face, change and go wee wee.  Then paint your nails (giving about 2-3 minutes between coats) and just go to sleep with your hands out.  Hopefully, nothing too serious will indent your color and you’ll wake up to a fully dried and fantastic looking manicure.  According to professionals, nails take a full hour to dry completely (unaided).
10. If stretched for time, use just at top coat.  It’s still classy.
11. Don’t keep chipped or ruined nails around.  Remove it with nail polish remover.  Colorless, clean and consistent nails look way better and more professional than a poorly kept manicure.
12. Be smart when going rough on nails.  Use gloves for dishes or gardening.  Use a thin towel to open cans, jars or flip tops (these will certainly kill your tips).

I’ve opted for doing an at home manicure for a few reasons.  After my kids are down, I do have some spare time - and I’ve been contemplating about getting some color on my plain jane nails.  Secondly, yes gel nails can last up to a month, but then I’d have to deal with the month growth, which might get annoying.  Plus, there is a risk at salons (especially the cleanliness of other people’s tools) and I’d have to find the time to go out during my work hours to get it done.  So I’ll see how my at-home manicure fares and if it’s too much trouble, I’ll just stick to clear.

It’s kind of nice though, seeing my fingers with colors.  To be fair, there is a bit of peer pressure at work here because most of the professional women at my office have their nails done and I’m feeling left out.  It definitely has to do with the industry I’m in - but like I said, if doing my nails and maintaining it is becoming too much of a pain the ass, I’ll just go back to being plain jane.

A picture of my completed manicure below.  I know, I didn’t push or cut my cuticles.  I didn’t soak or cream my hand before hand.  I didn’t even clean up some of the out-of-the-line color (just at teeny bit).  But it’s a low maintenance approach that’s still OK looking.  I think I could have picked a better color, but it didn’t occur to me until I woke up the morning after.  Next time.