6 best natural nail care products.

Sure, taking care of your nails keeps them looking good, but caring for your nails isn’t just about making them pretty. Nail care also helps to prevent hangnails and other problems, such as snags and rough edges.

For a flawless manicure, we recommend using a manicure kit like Terra Beauty Bars 7-Piece Manicure Kit and following these 8 easy steps:

1. Clean your hands (or feet), including under the nails, and make sure they’re dry
2. Apply nail polish remover as needed — see how-to’s below
3. Moisturize and soften your cuticles with a cuticle oil treatment, gently massaging the oil into each nail bed
4. Use a cuticle stick to push back this natural skin barrier. To prevent irritation and infection, do not cut your cuticles!
5. Trim your fingernails and toenails with a nail clipper. Start at the corners and clip toward the center of your nail to avoid splitting and tearing.
6. Use a nail file to smooth and shape your nails, and rinse away any particles
7. Buff your nails with a buffer block to remove excess oils
8. If you prefer, select your favorite natural nail polish, starting with something like Terra Beauty Bars Growth Base Coat before adding color and sealing it with a top coat. Or, keep it simple with a clear coat.

You may be ready to get up and go in minutes, but your nails can take some time to set, depending on how many coats of polish you apply. Typically, it takes 1–2 hours for nail polish to finish drying, especially if you use a natural, formaldehyde-free polish. Don’t be fooled by the appearance of dry nail polish — that may just be the top coat! If you don't wait until nail polish is fully dry your beautifully polished nails can smudge.

Painting on a layer of nail polish that’s too thick may also cause the polish to smear. To prevent scratches, dents, and nicks on freshly polished nails, apply a thin coat of polish to each nail. Be sure to allow your nail polish to dry before applying another coat.

To speed up the nail drying process, set your blow dryer on the cool — never hot — setting, then hold it half a foot away from your nails. After about five minutes, your mani or pedi should be dry.

Traditional acetone-based nail polish remover tends to remove nail polish faster than natural, non-toxic alternatives, but it can also dry out your nails, cuticles, and the skin around your fingertips. Consider using an acetone-free, alcohol-free option to nourish your nails while removing old nail polish color like this Terra Beauty Bars Soy Plant Based Polish Remover, which actually conditions your nails — without the nasty chemical smell and strong fumes.

To remove nail polish effectively:

• Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with polish remover and immediately place it on each nail, one at a time
• Let your nail absorb the natural nail polish remover for at least 20 seconds before wiping it with the cotton ball
• Repeat the process for multiple layers of polish or nails decorated with glitter
• Be patient! The thicker the polish, the more you’ll need to rub the nail before your nail polish is fully removed

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.

If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.