DRAFT
Issue No. 42
The Case for Naked Nails
Why Swapping Polish for A Better Routine Could Save Your Hands and Nails
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 it only in a sort of panic ahead of a social event. I’ve let my most recent manicure (from March 1st, precisely 9 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.
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 FeedMe 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 and focus on other aspects of nail and hand care, that will benefit our wallet and our wellbeing in the long run.
One reader said, “I oscillate between wanting a gel manicure and 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.” - Sophie Lalani 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 they use 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, in the long run, will be much better for the health, longevity, and appearance of my hands than the routine manicure I’ve been investing in.
So, step one: 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 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 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, paid 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). This is when a lot of the sun damage happens – with our hands on the steering wheel!
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!
Links I’m Loving This Week
Victoria Beckham Eye Liner Shadow
Me+Em Top and Pants
