Before I was introduced to liquid gel manicures and didn’t pay attention to my overall health, my nails really suffered, and so did my nail health. They would be thin, peeling, and bloody from me breaking them. I didn’t start getting my nails professionally done until I was 21 years old. It took almost a year after finding the right nail technician to bring my nails to a healthy natural length and strength.
Are you looking to do the same? Here are my commandments of getting healthy, strong claws of your own!
1. Take your supplements.
Take a combo of 1 Biotin supplement 5000 mg + 1 zinc 500 mg, or 1 Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails supplement to promote the growth and strength of your natural nails. DISCLAIMER: if you’re prone to acne, Biotin can aggravate it. If you’re like me and get nauseous taking vitamins, then try taking them right before bedtime!
2. Use a primer.
I love using a growth promoting primer on my nails such as Nail Envy by OPI. This was my GO TO nail growth product when I did my own nails because it really helps nourish nails, create a healthy nail bed, and repair damage. Perfect for your nail health.
3. Apply as much hand cream as possible!
Don’t neglect hand cream, and give love to your cuticle area when applying! I forget to use hand cream at night so whatever oil I use on my face, I rub the excess into my hands and around my nails to keep my skin healthy. Honestly, my hands now look better than ever!
4. Follow a healthy diet.
A healthy diet, drinking adequate amounts of water, sleeping well and generally staying stress-free helps growth cycles stay on point!
5. Be picky when it comes to your nail salon.
Do research into the nail salon you go to — hygiene is a serious matter since you can end up with a fungal infection if you don’t watch out for sanitation practices. And no, you don’t need to get your cuticles cut, it’s not necessary.
6. Ensure your technician has your nail health in mind.
Be sure that your nail tech is always being mindful of your nail health, uses methods that will work for your nails and which will be aesthetically pleasing. Not all nail shapes suit every nail bed or hand.
6. Critique your technician’s work.
Look for before and after photos as well as photos that show the longevity of their work (ex. A photo of one of their clients 4-6 weeks after getting their nails done). Also, when nail techs are drilling, it should always be quick and gentle, they shouldn’t be thinning your natural nail or leaving dents! The purpose is to lightly buff the nail as a prep for acrylic or gel!
7. Ask for a liquid gel overlay instead of acrylic.
Acrylic breaks on impact and that, in turn, can also break your natural nail! Liquid gel is more malleable and will bend with your natural nail, it won’t lift when done correctly, protecting your natural nail from damage and reinforcing it to prevent breakage.
8. You don’t always need “tips” glued on.
Find a nail tech that knows how to free-form nail extensions.
Jasmin Rahman is a Jersey girl traveling the world on a mission to spread beauty. She pursued an education in mental health counseling at Rutgers and Rowan Universities. Now a New York City-based, freelance makeup artist and mental health counselor, she can be found with brushes or a book perfecting her crafts! She loves dancing, traveling, and all things fashion.
Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.
The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.
Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.
Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.
Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.
Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.
If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.
Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.
This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!
Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.
UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!
Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.
I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!
Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!
According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.
Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!
Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!
Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.
In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.
1. Take your supplements.
Jasmin Rahman is a Jersey girl traveling the world on a mission to spread beauty. She pursued an education in mental health counseling at Rutgers and Rowan Universities. Now a New York City-based, freelance makeup artist and mental health counselor, she can be found with brushes or a book perfecting her crafts! She loves dancing, traveling, and all things fashion.
