How to Detox Your Nails: 9 Products For Spring’s Chicest Anti-Manicure
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
There was a time not long ago when I knew the women at my local nail salon by name—when I’d show up for my regular, biweekly manicure with all manner of Chanel, Dior, or RGB polishes in one hand, and a leash attached to my 45-lb rescue dog in the other. Cindi, Lan, and Margaret would smile a slightly unnerved, but still very kind smile that said, “Welcome back!” and, “your dog is way too big to be in here!”
But a few months ago, the combination of a packed schedule and a newfound preference for bare nails caused me to give up my manicure habit, kickstarting a new obsession with the art of the at-home, no-polish job instead. I’m not the only one hooked on clean, healthy, perfectly square-oval nails (aka “squoval”). Just look at some of spring’s biggest runway moments—Saint Laurent, Prada, and Valentino; there’s rarely a trace of lacquer in sight.
“Polish isn’t going anywhere, but I do I think there’s a whole normcore nail movement happening,” insists Dana Stern, M.D. a Manhattan dermatologist whose Fifth Avenue practice is nail-focused. “It’s liberating,” Stern says of giving your tips a holiday from polish as she describes focusing on their overall health, rather than camouflaging any ridging, peeling, or discoloration with high-impact, seasonal colors. Her newly launched three-part system is dedicated to prepping, priming, and strengthening nails to “get the canvas back into shape,” which will remedy any damage—and allow your favorite varnishes to last longer if and when you’re ready to return to a bold fuchsia or a classic crimson come summer.
The other big draw of creating a ritual around filing, buffing, and moisturizing your nails, facial-style? It’s incredibly cathartic—and a great way to multitask a marathon of Broad City Season 3. Here, a compendium of tools and products to help you dare to go bare.
Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Dana1/9The first nail product to incorporate glycolic acid, the popular skin-care ingredient in this fast-absorbing click pen removes dead cells in the same way it does in your favorite exfoliating facial salves and serums.
Dr. Dana Glycolic Prep Pen from The Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System, $40, buy it now
Photo: Courtesy of Reverence de Bastien2/9Formulated with cultured pearl powder, this ultra-luxe cream gently resurfaces nails, to remove buildup and minimize ridging for a perfectly primed finish.
Révérence de Bastien Nail Brightness Buffing Cream, $55, buy it now
Photo: Courtesy of Margaret Dabbs3/9While a typical emory board will create a lot of microscopic tears, says Stern, “crystal files don’t do that,” she confirms. Bonus: they can be easily disinfected in the dishwasher.
Margaret Dabbs Crystal Nail File, $17, buy it now
Photo: Courtesy of Elf Cosmetics4/9For those who prefer to push, rather than cut their cuticles, these easy-to-wield sticks are more durable than their wooden counterparts (and surprisingly fun to use).
E.L.F. Cosmetics Cuticle Pushers, $1 for 2, buy it now
Photo: Courtesy of Uka5/9The lavender, vanilla, and orange essences in this made-in-Japan roller ball provide a small dose of aromatherapy after a long day. Apply up the lengths of fingers and around the nail bed, then massage.
Uka Nail Oil 24:45, $36, buy it now
