Getting your nails done is a much more intimate experience than most might think. You spend nearly an hour holding another human’s hand as they gently take your nails from misshapen nubs to artfully crafted fingertips. For many, nails are a great source of confidence—the finishing touches on your personal style. So, with a pandemic among us that forces us to specifically not hold other people’s hands, how do you keep your nails in pristine condition? We’ve discovered some of the best professional manicure alternatives for keeping your nails in check.
The Press On Nail
Until recently, press on nails were a thing of the past—a nail technique outshined by acrylic and gel manicures. But, as the need to stay at home has grown, we’ve rediscovered an old trend. Brands such as Static Nails are offering salon quality press on nails that you can easily apply from the comfort of your living room. Whether you keep it natural or get adventurous with trendy nail art, they offer every shape, length, and design style to fit your taste. We also love Static Nails nail color kits, they dry quickly, like gel! Plus, nearly every product on their site has step-by-step instructions and tons of reviews, so you can feel confident in your purchase.
Painting Perfection
For those ready to take on the challenge of painting their own nails, we’ve unearthed a tool that keeps your hand steady, and your painting precise. Say hello to The Poppy by Olive & June. Simply place this universal bottle top onto your favorite Olive & June nail polish and instantly feel a stronger grip and more control while painting your nails. Olive & June provides a step-by-step tutorial on their site for mastering the technique as well as box sets for creating an at-home nail station.
Gel, And Only Gel
When nothing else will do, and you need the real deal, there are several at-home gel manicure kits you can purchase. A quick search on Amazon instantly pulls up pages of ready-to-use kits that will leave you with a strong, lustrous gel manicure.
Keep It Simple
When all else fails: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. You can keep your hands and nails looking clean and classic by hydrating your hands regularly and treating your nails to a gentle cut and filing. By keeping your hands, cuticles, and nails in good condition, even if they are not painted, you’ll be feeling more like your polished self in no time.
To our nail technicians everywhere: We love you, we miss you, we’ll see you soon!