The Case for Naked Nails
Why Upgrading to a DIY Routine Could Save Your Hands & Nails
Editor’s note: if you’re reading this on Gmail click the three dots or "view entire message" to view the entire post. Also, clicking the heart button up top would make me happy. It somehow makes my writing more discoverable to others. ❤️
As I type this, my fingertips clicking along the keyboard with speed, I realize, my grown-out, semi-painted nails are a bit of a disaster. They are a perpetual afterthought in my life right now, and I think of them only in a sort of “panic ahead of a social event” type way. I’ve let my most recent manicure (from March 1st, precisely eight weeks ago) grow out without bothering to even remove the polish. So, when I stumbled upon the topic of “naked nails” on Substack, this lovely, half-painted, too-long nail situation was all the confirmation I needed to know: I’m here for it.
Earlier this month, Feed Me’s Emily Sundberg posed an interesting question to her paid subscriber chat (which, by the way, is a treasure trove and worth the paid sub in itself). She asked: “Considering we’re probably entering a recession, what costs do you anticipate cutting first?” 473 replies later, and one important theme stuck out. Nails.
The most answered cost on the chopping block was, you guessed it, paying for manicures. “Naked nails,” instead, became a hot topic that many readers seemed open and eager to get behind. And you know what? I’m with them. I actually was toying with this topic anyway, not because it’s a strategy for spending less (which it is), but because it’s better for our bodies long term.
I admit, there is something about a fresh manicure that makes me feel pristinely pulled together. Whether it's a classic light pink or whatever shade Hailey Bieber has deemed the “it color” this season, polished nails have become our generation's version of the power suit. But lately, I’m with the Feed Me readers in thinking that the real power move might be letting our nails go au naturel. Not forever (there will always be moments for polish!), but for a strategic break. By focusing, instead, on other aspects of nail and hand care, our wallet and our well-being will absolutely benefit in the long run.
One Feed Me reader said: “I oscillate between wanting a gel manicure and going natural.” To which another replied, “I agree about the oscillation. But I do think there’s something chic and timeless about a well kept bare natural nail. Manicured hands don’t have to mean polish.” I couldn’t agree with them more. In fact, there is a whole host of ways to improve how we care for our nails and hands that does not involve a salon, nail polish, or, worst of all, the harmful UV lamp used for gels. Here are a few ways I’m vowing to improve my nail and hand care in lieu of a regular polish manicure. My hope it that these intentional swaps will be much better for the health, longevity, and appearance of my hands than a routine in-salon manicure habit.
To start: remove the polish that’s already there. For this, I’m turning to The Rose Wipes (acetone free!) from Ten Over Ten. If you’re not familiar with Ten Over Ten, perhaps it’s time we change that. First launched in 2011, they opened a fleet of organic, non-toxic nail salons across New York City. Since then, they’ve unveiled a lineup of thoughtful nail care essentials that you can use at home. These go far beyond polish, though they do make that too (non-toxic, of course). Other products I’m interested in trying include their Rose Oil (for cuticle repair and long term health) and their Celery Oil (for nail repair and strength). They also come as a set to make life easy!
In lieu of polish, there is nothing I love more than unleashing my nail’s own natural glow. Nail buffing offers the same satisfying shine as polish but without the chemical baggage. Using a gentle buffer, it creates a natural polish effect by smoothing the nail's surface until it reflects light. Unlike traditional manicures, buffing stimulates circulation to the nail bed, which can actually promote healthier growth over time. The best part? The subtle gleam lasts until your nail grows out. So, no chipping, no soaking, no damage from harsh removers. Just use a four-sided buffer, spending just a few seconds on each nail, and finish with a cuticle oil for that "I woke up like this" perfection. Pro tip: remember to buff lightly and not too frequently (once every two weeks or less is plenty) because buffing too often can thin your nails over time.
And what about your hands? I'm sure you've heard from your elders not to neglect your hands! They're often the first place to show signs of aging, yet they receive the least targeted care in our routines. While we diligently apply serums, creams, and SPF to our faces, our hands are overlooked, though they face equal (if not more) exposure to sun and environmental aggressors. The skin on our hands is naturally thinner with fewer oil glands, making it especially vulnerable to dryness, dark spots, and volume loss. Establishing a dedicated hand care routine, complete with exfoliation, targeted serums, and daily SPF, isn't vanity; it's preservation of function and comfort.
Here’s how to up your hand-care ante:
Habelo Activating Hand Serum is the antidote to aging hands. New to Violet Grey, this Korean skincare brand keeps repeatedly selling out. The serum is not your typical hand cream. It’s scientifically formulated for hands, using a natural form of retinol to help combat hyperpigmentation. To really up the ante, pair it with Habelo’s Treatment Boosting Gloves. They’re made with natural silicon to help the serum really sink it. Best to wear them overnight after applying the serum for full effect. With my new mouth tape + hand glove routine at bedtime, all I can say is… poor Tim. Also, I haven’t gotten here yet (I should), but I can see these gloves doubling as a driving glove (as touted by Lauren Bosstick of the Skinny Confidential). The car is when a lot of the sun damage happens – with our hands on the steering wheel! For SPF, I’ve been mixing my face sunscreen with my (new) daily moisturizer, and making sure to apply it to the back of my hands at the same time.
So with that, your nail and hand routine revamp is complete! Just think of how many times you've heard someone say they can tell someone's age by their hands. Let's swap our polish manicures out for a bit and instead make that conventional wisdom obsolete!
I got a lash tint from Striiike this week (my favorite trick to then forego mascara). The stylist doing it was wearing this Victoria Beckham Eye Liner Shadow in Cornshadow Blue. I promptly purchased it and have been wearing it every night in Cabo!
I’ve long been intimidated by eye shadow, but this Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick is changing that. I layered it underneath the Victoria Beckham (above ^) for a light, shimmery, glow-y lid. My favorite make up artist’s tip is to add a shimmery eye shadow to kick a natural makeup look up a notch for a night out.
Ilia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick in Soft Pearl Shimmer ($32) | My mom and me in our happy place, the beach Mother’s Day is on my mind, and last year I wrote a heartfelt newsletter on the topic. It can be a tough holiday for anyone who doesn’t have their mom physically with them anymore. So, if you’re in that boat, I found comfort in learning that it’s actually a holiday that was designed to honor and remember the mothers and mother figures who have passed on. So, recirculate those pictures, tell those stories, and remember that, in doing so, you keep their memory alive. 💛
On the topic of mother’s day, I feel a little conflicted about the consumerism of it all. Now that I’m a mom, I will admit, I do think it’s sweet to be shown appreciation by way of a thoughtful gift. I’ve had my eye out for something I can give my mother-in-law and a few of my close mom friends. This mother’s day box from Violet Grey has my attention. It’s such a stacked lineup of Violet Grey best sellers:
The Nudist Exfoliating Body Bar: cleanses, nourishes, & polishes skin.
111Skin Cyro De-Puffing Eye Mask: cooling mask to soothe tired eyes.
Make Beauty Inner Tube Treatment: for softer, plumper lips.
Liis Bo Candle: think aromas of smoked wood mingling with vanilla.
Dr. Sturm Glow Drops: an instant glow powered by healthy minerals.
C & The Moon Body Oil: I used this every day of pregnancy. It’s heaven.
iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser: cleanser that exfoliates with the purest raw honey.
It’s $250 for the complete set, but buying these individually would normally run you $533. It’s taking the guess work out of gifting for me! Also, Tim, if you’re reading this… wink, wink.
Beauty In A Bottle supplement for healthier hair, skin & nails | Omega Rich Moisturizer from Sofie Pavitt Speaking of Violet Grey, I stopped into their Melrose Place store this week and tested out so many products I’ve been eyeing online. This Omega Rich Moisturizer from Sofie Pavitt is one of them. It delivered the most gorgeous hydration, and quickly earned a spot as my daily am and pm moisturizer.
Since this is a nail-care newsletter, I’d be remiss not to mention my favorite Beauty In A Bottle supplement. I’ve been taking these religiously ever since having Elsie (originally to avoid the dreaded postpartum hair loss) and can attest, they really work for hair, skin, and nails.
Also love the Bare Hands Dry Gloss manicure Kit for natural nails! The glass buffer is so chic.
Bare nails forever! I find them endlessly chic and, since I adore working with my hands, super functional as well—shorter length earns bonus points.