Discover how to degrease your nails naturally for a longer-lasting, more radiant manicure.
- White vinegar: a diluted acid solution that perfectly removes oily residue while disinfecting the nail.
- Lemon juice: its citric acid effectively dissolves oils while adding a natural shine.
- Baking soda: slightly abrasive properties that gently remove dead skin cells and neutralize odors.
Having perfectly prepared nails before applying nail polish is essential for a long-lasting manicure. Yet, many neglect the crucial degreasing step, which explains why their nail polish peels after just a few days. Keep reading, the nail supply expert Maryton will explain everything to you.
Why Degreasing Your Nails Is Essential for a Successful Manicure?
Degreasing your nails is a fundamental step that many people underestimate. The naturally occurring oils on your nails create an invisible barrier that prevents nail polish or gel from fully adhering. Without this essential preparation, even the highest-quality nail polish won’t last more than a few days.
Degreasing: An Essential Step to Make Your Nail Polish Last
When I first started out in the nail art industry, I wondered why some manicures held perfectly while others chipped quickly. The answer was right before my eyes: a properly degreased nail surface allows for optimal product adhesion. Removing oily residue and dead skin cells ensures a perfectly clean surface on which the nail polish will adhere for a long time.
Degreasing is clearly one of the essential steps for a truly long-lasting semi-permanent nail polish application!
Degreasing as a Barrier Against Nail Infections
Another often overlooked benefit of degreasing is that it significantly reduces the risk of infection. As a result, the oils and residue accumulated on your nails can harbor bacteria. A thorough cleaning before each application is therefore not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of health.
If you’ve ever noticed bubbles in your freshly applied nail polish, it’s probably due to insufficient degreasing. These imperfections appear when moisture or oily residue remains trapped under the polish. Proper degreasing eliminates these problems and allows for a professional, smooth, and even finish.
Three Natural Methods to Effectively Degrease Your Nails
White Vinegar, a Powerful and Economical Degreaser
White vinegar remains my favorite ally for effective degreasing. Its acidic composition perfectly removes oily residue while naturally disinfecting the nail surface. To use it correctly, prepare a mixture of one part white vinegar to two parts warm water. Soak a cotton swab or cotton ball in it and gently wipe each nail.
Fresh Lemon: Acidity and Freshness
Lemon juice is another remarkable solution for naturally degreasing your nails. The citric acid it contains effectively dissolves oils while giving your nails a natural shine. For this method, simply squeeze half a lemon and apply its juice directly to your nails with a cotton ball.
For best results, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a small container
- Soak a cotton ball in the juice and apply it to each nail
- Leave it on for 2-3 minutes to allow the acid to work
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
Baking Soda: A Gentle Exfoliator and Purifier
Baking soda is a versatile solution. Its slightly abrasive properties gently remove dead skin cells while neutralizing odors. To use it effectively, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water.
Apply this paste to your nails using small circular motions. The baking soda acts as a micro-exfoliant, removing all impurities from the nail surface, creating an ideal base for your polish.
Complete routine for perfectly prepared nails
To achieve professional results, simply degreasing your nails isn’t enough. Thorough preparation ensures a flawless, long-lasting manicure. Here are the essential steps to follow.
Start by thoroughly cleaning your nails with acetone-free nail polish remover or white vinegar. Make sure to remove all traces of your previous polish. This may seem like an obvious step, but residue invisible to the naked eye can often compromise the adhesion of your new polish.
Next, gently file your nails with an electric nail file to shape them as desired. In addition, soft files preserve the natural structure of the nail while allowing for precise shaping.
Degrease your nails using one of the three natural methods described above. This step is crucial for removing natural oils and residue that could prevent your nail polish from adhering properly.
After degreasing, don’t forget to nourish your cuticles with a natural oil like sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. This step offsets the slightly drying effect of degreasing and keeps your nails healthy in the long term.
Read also: Your Nail Drill: The Tiny Powerhouse for Perfect Manicures & Pedicures
