Nail Care 101: The Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Hands & Feet

From cuticle care to polish tips and everything in between, this ultimate nail care guide covers how to get healthier nails, better manicures and pedicures, and the best products for gorgeous hands and feet.

NAILS

7/29/202510 min read

Want strong, healthy nails and salon-worthy manicures and pedicures at home? This guide covers everything you need to know about nail health, pro tips, product must-haves, and how to take care of your hands and feet like a total beauty pro. Whether you're obsessed with polish or just want your natural nails to grow like crazy—this is your go-to resource.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and purchase, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

Nail Anatomy & Why It Matters

Understanding your nail structure can help you care for them more effectively. Each part of the nail plays a specific role in how your nails grow, stay strong, and protect your fingertips. By learning what each part does and how it can be impacted by your habits, you’ll be better equipped to prevent common issues like breakage, dryness, and slow growth.

Parts of the Nail:

  • Nail plate – The hard part you paint

  • Nail bed – The skin underneath the nail plate

  • Cuticle – The protective seal around the base of the nail

  • Matrix – Where new nail cells are formed (beneath the cuticle)

Signs of Healthy Nails:

  • Smooth surface with no pits or grooves

  • Uniform color

  • Moisturized cuticles

  • No splitting or peeling

Common issues like brittle nails, discoloration, and ridges often indicate nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, or environmental stress.

Nail Health From Within

Healthy nails aren’t just about how they look—they’re a reflection of what’s happening inside your body. Brittle, peeling, or slow-growing nails can signal nutrient deficiencies, stress, or poor nail habits. Nail care starts internally, and supporting your overall health can lead to noticeable improvements in nail strength and appearance.

Common Nail Issues and What They Mean:

  • Peeling or splitting nails – Often linked to dehydration or overexposure to water and harsh soaps.

  • White spots – Usually from mild trauma (like banging your nail), not a calcium deficiency.

  • Vertical ridges – Often a normal part of aging, but sometimes linked to iron deficiency.

Nutrients That Promote Nail Growth:

Want stronger nails? Start within.

  • Hair/Skin/Nails Supplement – Instead of plain biotin, we recommend Pure Encapsulations Hair/Skin/Nails Ultra, which includes biotin, zinc, vitamin C, and other key nutrients for visible results.

  • Peptides: Especially helpful if you're dealing with brittle or slow-growing nails. Bioactive precision peptides can support collagen and keratin production while also boosting recovery and circulation.

  • Magnesium Glycinate – Magnesium helps with calcium absorption and supports stronger, less bendy nails. We personally take Pure Encapsulations Magnesium Glycinate and notice a big difference.

  • Vitamin D + K – Helps calcium get where it needs to go. Biote ADK 10 which combines D3, K2, and A for better nail (and overall) support.

Pro Tip:

Add collagen peptide powder to your morning coffee or smoothie to support nail strength from the inside out.

Related: Beauty Starts Within – Why Inner Health Affects Outer Beauty

The Nail Care Routine: Daily, Weekly & Monthly

A great nail care routine doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be consistent. By taking small, intentional steps every day, week, and month, you’ll protect your nail health, prevent damage, and keep your hands and feet looking their best. Here's how to break it down:

Daily:

  • Apply cuticle oil

  • Use hand cream with SPF

  • Stay hydrated (inside + out)

Weekly:

  • Trim and shape nails with a gentle glass file

  • Exfoliate hands and feet

  • Buff nail surface lightly if going polish-free

Monthly:

  • Deep moisturize hands + feet overnight with gloves/socks

  • Take a polish break

  • Try a paraffin treatment or foot peel mask

Shop Favorites:

Manicures: Types, Tips, and Maintenance

Manicures aren’t just about looking polished—they’re part of maintaining nail health, protecting your hands, and expressing your personal style. Whether you’re into sleek gels, long-lasting dips, or good old-fashioned polish, this section breaks down your options, how to make them last, and how to keep your nails in top shape between appointments.

Most Popular Types:

  • Regular Polish – Easy to remove, quick to chip

  • Gel – Long-lasting, requires curing light

  • SNS/Dip Powder – Durable, thicker finish (author's personal favorite!)

  • Acrylic – Sculpted length and structure

Related: Best Types of Manicures—Which One is Right for You?

Tips for a Long-Lasting Manicure:

  • Use a base coat to prevent staining

  • Let each layer dry fully

  • Seal the tip of each nail

  • Finish with a top coat every 2–3 days

💡 Author’s Tip: I keep these quick-dry drops in my nightstand for last-minute manis.

Pedicures: Safety, Tools & Pro-Level At-Home Care

A well-done pedicure is more than just pretty polish—it’s an essential part of foot care. Pedicures help smooth rough skin, prevent calluses, and keep nails healthy and groomed. Whether you're pampering yourself at home or heading to a nail salon, knowing the right tools and safety practices will help you get the most out of every pedi.

At-Home Pedicure Steps:

  1. Soak in Epsom salt water (add tea tree or peppermint oil)

  2. Use a callus remover or foot file

  3. Gently push back cuticles (don’t cut them!)

  4. Trim nails straight across (this helps to prevent in-grown toenails)

  5. Apply thick balm or shea butter

Pro Tools to Try:

Salon Pedicure Safety:

  • Don’t shave before your appointment – Shaving can create tiny nicks and micro-tears in your skin that increase your risk of infection. Skip the razor for at least 24 hours before your pedi to keep your legs protected from bacteria that may linger in foot tubs or tools.

  • Look for sterilized tools or bring your own – Unsterilized tools are one of the most common ways bacteria and fungi spread at salons. Always check that the technician is using freshly sanitized or individually packaged tools—or bring your own kit for peace of mind.

  • If you’re prone to nail fungus, opt for a polish-free treatment now and then – Going polish-free occasionally allows your nails to breathe and helps you keep a close eye on their natural color and health. This is especially important if you’ve had nail fungus before or are concerned about nail discoloration.

Author’s Note: I once had a small fungus spot show up on one of my toenails during a salon pedicure. The nail tech gave me a tip I’ll never forget: keep a spray bottle of vinegar in your shower and spritz it on your toes, toenails, and the bottoms of your feet daily. Sure enough—it worked! Thanks, pedicure guy! (P.S. white distilled vinegar is usually best for fungal care, though apple cider vinegar can work too—it just has a stronger smell!)

Nail Problems & Solutions

Even with a solid routine and healthy habits, nail problems can still pop up from time to time. From discoloration and rough texture to pesky infections, these issues can often be reversed or managed with simple adjustments. Here’s how to spot, treat, and prevent the most common nail troubles—no salon required.

Common Issues:

  • Brittle or Peeling Nails – Often caused by excessive handwashing, harsh nail polish removers, or a lack of moisturizing. Focus on protecting your hands with gloves when cleaning, apply nourishing cuticle oil daily, and limit how often you use acetone-based products.

  • Yellowing Nails – Typically caused by dark nail polish without a base coat, smoking, or mild fungal infections. Use a nail brightening treatment or gentle buffing to restore clarity, and always apply a base coat before polish.

  • Fungal Infections – Look for thickened, discolored, or crumbly nails. Treat early with antifungal sprays or foot soaks, and keep your feet clean, dry, and aired out. Vinegar sprays (like the one mentioned above) can help keep fungus at bay.

  • Ridges or Texture Changes – While some vertical ridges are normal with age, sudden texture changes can signal trauma or health concerns. Light buffing and improved hydration can help, but if ridges deepen or discolor, talk to your healthcare provider.

When in doubt, skip polish and focus on repair until your nails recover. Add biotin, peptides, and avoid overexposure to water.

Related: The Ultimate Skincare Guide – What Your Skin Needs at Every Age

Shop Favorites:

Hand & Foot Skin Tips

Your hands and feet go through a lot—daily wear, frequent washing, and seasonal dryness can all take a toll. Beyond just keeping nails trimmed and polished, taking care of the skin around them ensures a more youthful, healthy appearance. Here’s how to give your hands and feet the TLC they deserve.

Hands and feet are often the first to show age. Here’s how to keep them soft and youthful:

Hand Care:

  • Use hand cream with SPF daily

  • Exfoliate weekly with a gentle scrub

  • Apply retinol hand cream at night for aging hands

Foot Care:

  • Use foot cream or balm before bed

  • Exfoliate with a pumice or scrub 1–2x/week

  • Wear cotton socks to lock in moisture

Try:

Nail Polish & Tools: What to Use and Avoid

Using the right tools and polish products can make a big difference in both the health and appearance of your nails. From clean formulas to long-lasting finishes and gentle shaping tools, here’s what to keep in your routine—and what to leave behind.

Tools:

  • Use a glass file, not a metal one

  • Sterilize clippers and cuticle tools between uses

  • Store polish upright in a cool, dry place

Products to Look For:

  • 7-Free or non-toxic polish brands

  • Base and top coats for polish longevity

  • Nail oil with jojoba, vitamin E, or tea tree

Try:

Nail Trends, Shapes & Inspo

From trending colors to elegant shapes, your nails are an extension of your personal style. Whether you like to stay on top of seasonal shades or need a timeless look for everyday life, this section is full of inspiration—and a little etiquette too.

Popular Nail Shapes:

  • Almond

  • Coffin/Ballerina (our personal favorite!)

  • Round

  • Oval

  • Square

  • Squoval (square with rounded corners)

  • Stiletto

Seasonal Trends:

  • Fall: matte shades, burnt orange, chrome

  • Winter: deep burgundy, icy silvers, dark greens, holiday reds and golds

  • Spring: pastels, floral nail art, French twists

  • Summer: neons, brights, tropical patterns, shimmer finishes

Professional & Everyday Neutral Styles:

  • For Job Interviews or the Office: Stick to neutral or natural-looking nails like sheer pink, soft beige, or a classic French tip. These colors are clean, polished, and won’t distract from your confidence.

  • For Formal Events: Try a chic nude, soft mauve, or elegant milky white, or pearl. Short, rounded or almond-shaped nails always feel timeless.

  • Low Maintenance Options: Opt for sheer nude polish or a clear gloss to keep things simple but tidy between manicures.

  • 💅Fun Fact: The late Queen Elizabeth II had a nail color rule for herself and other members of the British Monarchy. Royals were expected to wear naked, natural nails—or one approved shade only: "Ballet Slippers" by Essie. It became the Queen's signature color and remains one of the brand's all-time bestsellers.

Pro Tip: Create a “Nail Inspo” board on Pinterest and save seasonal ideas to show your nail tech. The Beauty Vault authors do this all the time! Give us a follow on Pinterest, too!

Product Roundup

Below you'll find our top product picks, organized by the main sections of this guide. Click the linked headers to jump back and review that section of the article!

Nail Health from Within

The Nail Care Routine: Daily, Weekly & Monthly

Manicures: Types, Tips, and Maintenance

  • Quick-Dry Drops – Speeds up drying time and helps set polish to avoid smudges.

Pedicures: Safety, Tools & Pro-Level At-Home Care

Nail Problems & Solutions

Hand & Foot Skin Tips

Nail Polish & Tools: What to Use and Avoid

Nail Trends, Shapes & Inspo

Final Thoughts

Healthy, beautiful nails are totally achievable—whether you’re a polish lover, a DIY manicure queen, or just want your nails to stop breaking. Focus on the foundation (internal health), invest in the right tools, and treat your hands and feet like the beauty essentials they are.

✨ Check out our Ultimate Hair Guide and Skincare Guide next for a full-body beauty routine.

topless woman with eyes closedtopless woman with eyes closed

Beauty Starts Within: How Your Inner Health Creates Outer Glow

a woman is doing a manicure on a child's handa woman is doing a manicure on a child's hand

Best Manicure Options for Healthy Nails

Keep Reading

© 2025 The Beauty Vault. All Rights Reserved.

Your ultimate guide to beauty reviews, tips, and luxury product roundups for every beauty lover.

Some of the links shared here are affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission as part of various affiliate programs. There’s no extra cost to you, and we truly appreciate your support!

Privacy Policy