Start with clean hands
Wash your hands with soap and water before a manicure and dry them well. Clean under the tips with a soft nail brush. Keep the work surface clean and put down a fresh towel or paper each time.
Cleaning your tools
| Tool | How to keep it clean |
|---|---|
| Metal clippers, nippers and pushers | Wash with soap and warm water after each use, dry fully, and store dry |
| Glass or metal files | Scrub with soap and water and dry |
| Paper and foam files, buffers | Brush off dust after use and replace them when worn or dirty, since they are hard to clean |
| Wooden pushers | Treat as disposable and replace them often |
| Nail art brushes and dotting tools | Wipe with remover right after use, then let dry |
Some people also wipe metal tools with rubbing alcohol after washing. Whatever you use, follow the directions on its label.
Keep your tools to yourself
Files, clippers and cuticle tools touch skin and can carry germs from one person to another. Keep a set for each person in the house, and do not share them with friends. If you paint someone else's nails, use separate tools or clean them well between people.
Everyday habits
- Keep nails a manageable length. Short nails are easier to keep clean.
- Wear gloves for washing up, cleaning and gardening.
- Dry your hands well after washing, including between the fingers and around the nails.
- Use a hand cream after washing, rubbing a little into the skin around the nails.
- Avoid biting nails or picking at cuticles and hangnails. Trim a hangnail with clean nippers instead of pulling it.
- Give your nails polish-free days now and then if they feel dry.
Gentle cuticle care
The cuticle helps seal the base of the nail. Pushing it back gently after a shower gives a neat edge for polish without breaking that seal. Many dermatologists advise against cutting cuticles at home. See the prep guide for the method.
When to see a doctor
Polish can hide changes that need attention. Leave the nail unpainted and see a doctor or a dermatologist if you notice any of the signs below. This site cannot tell you what is causing them.
- Redness, swelling, warmth, pain or pus around a nail.
- A nail lifting away from the skin underneath.
- A nail turning yellow, green, white, brown or black without an obvious reason such as dark polish.
- A new dark streak running along the nail, or one that is changing.
- Thickening, crumbling, pitting or a change in shape.
- Itching, a rash or irritation on the skin around the nails after a manicure.
- Any nail change that does not grow out or that worries you.
If skin around your nails reacts after using a polish or remover, stop using it and ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Bring the product with you so they can see the label.