Hey bestie,
Let’s talk about something small that makes a HUGE difference—your nails.
You know that feeling when you look down at your hands and your nails are perfectly done? Suddenly you feel more put-together, more confident, more like THAT Clean Girl who has her life together.
But here’s the problem: your nails are either bare, chipped, or you’re spending $60+ every two weeks at the salon trying to maintain them.
What if I told you that gorgeous, healthy nails don’t require expensive salon visits every week? What if you could have that clean girl, perfectly manicured look at HOME—and make it last?
Your nail glow-up is about more than just polish. It’s about healthy nails, a routine you can maintain, and that elevated energy that comes from taking care of the details.
✨ Before we dive in, grab my FREE Pinterest to Dream Life Starter Kit—your action plan to turn those beauty and self-care boards into actual routines you build in 2026, not just aesthetic nail photos you scroll past.
Let’s give you the nail glow-up you deserve. 💅
Why Your Nails Matter for Your THAT Girl Era
THAT girl pays attention to details. And your nails are one of the first things people notice.
What healthy, well-maintained nails communicate:
- You take care of yourself (even the small things)
- You’re put-together (attention to detail)
- You prioritize self-care (you’re worth the effort)
- You show up fully (in every area of your life)
Translation? Your nails are part of your overall glow-up, not just vanity.
Step 1: Heal Your Nails First 💊
Before the pretty polish, you need healthy nails as your foundation.
If your nails are weak, brittle, or damaged:
Stop doing this:
❌ Picking or peeling off gel/polish
❌ Using your nails as tools (opening cans, scraping labels)
❌ Keeping polish on for weeks without breaks
❌ Cutting cuticles (they protect your nails!)
Start doing this:
✅ Take breaks between manicures (let nails breathe)
✅ Use cuticle oil DAILY (game-changer for nail health)
✅ Take biotin or hair/skin/nails vitamins
✅ Keep nails hydrated (hand cream + cuticle oil)
✅ File in one direction only (prevents splitting)
Give your nails 2-4 weeks to recover before starting regular manicures.
Step 2: Build Your At-Home Nail Kit 🧰
You don’t need expensive salon tools. Just the right basics.
Your nail glow-up essentials:
- Glass or crystal nail file (gentler than emery boards)
- Cuticle oil (use daily for healthy nail beds)
- Cuticle pusher (wooden or metal, never cut cuticles)
- Nail buffer (for smooth, shiny natural nails)
- Base coat (protects nails, prevents staining)
- Quality top coat (makes manicures last longer)
- Nail polish remover (acetone-free to prevent drying)
- Cotton pads or rounds
- Hand cream (keep hands soft and moisturized)
Investment: $30-50 one-time purchase. Saves you hundreds in salon visits.
Step 3: Master the Perfect At-Home Manicure 💅
Your step-by-step routine:
Prep (5 minutes):
☐ Remove old polish completely
☐ File nails to desired shape (square, round, almond, squoval)
☐ Soak fingers in warm soapy water for 3-5 minutes
☐ Push back cuticles gently (never cut!)
☐ Buff nails lightly for smooth surface
☐ Wash hands and dry completely
Polish (10 minutes):
☐ Apply thin layer of base coat (let dry 2 minutes)
☐ Apply first coat of color (thin, even layer)
☐ Let dry 3-5 minutes
☐ Apply second coat of color
☐ Let dry 5 minutes
☐ Apply top coat (seals and protects)
☐ Let dry 10-15 minutes before touching anything
Pro tip: Thin coats dry faster and last longer than thick ones. Patience = better results.
Step 4: Choose Your THAT Girl Nail Aesthetic 🎨
Clean Girl Nails:
- Neutral tones (nude, beige, soft pink, white)
- Short to medium length
- Natural, polished look
- Glossy finish
Soft Girl Nails:
- Pastels (baby pink, lavender, mint, peach)
- Almond or oval shape
- Sweet, feminine vibe
- Can add subtle designs (hearts, flowers)
Boss Babe Nails:
- Bold colors (red, burgundy, navy, black)
- Coffin or almond shape
- Statement-making
- High-gloss or matte finish
Pick your vibe and build your polish collection around it. You don’t need 50 colors—just 5-7 that match your aesthetic.
Step 5: Make Your Manicure Last 7-10 Days 📅
How to extend your manicure:
- Day 1: Apply fresh manicure, let it cure fully (avoid water for 2 hours)
- Day 2-3: Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals (wear gloves for dishes)
- Day 4: Apply thin layer of top coat to refresh shine
- Day 5-6: Moisturize cuticles daily with oil
- Day 7: Apply another layer of top coat if needed
- Day 8-10: Remove and redo or let nails breathe
Quick fix for chips: Dab on matching polish, let dry, seal with top coat. Buys you 2-3 more days.
👉 Mid-Glow Up PSA: Want the complete system for leveling up every area of your life (including those details like nails)? Grab my Dream Life Crash Course—the framework that shows you how to build your THAT girl life through strategic daily habits, not just occasional motivation.
Step 6: The Daily Nail Care Routine ✨
Morning (30 seconds):
☐ Apply cuticle oil to each nail
☐ Massage into cuticles and nail beds
☐ Apply hand cream
Evening (1 minute):
☐ Wash hands thoroughly
☐ Apply cuticle oil again
☐ Massage hands and nails with thick hand cream
☐ Optional: wear cotton gloves to bed for extra hydration
Weekly (5 minutes):
☐ Exfoliate hands with gentle scrub
☐ Deep moisturize with hand mask or thick cream
☐ Push back cuticles gently
This daily routine keeps nails healthy between manicures.
Step 7: Nail Shapes for Different Vibes 💎
Your nail shape matters for your overall aesthetic.
Square: Classic, clean, strong (clean girl energy)
Round: Soft, feminine, low-maintenance (soft girl vibes)
Oval: Elegant, elongating, versatile (timeless beauty)
Almond: Sophisticated, feminine, trendy (THAT girl favorite)
Coffin/Ballerina: Bold, statement, high-maintenance (boss babe energy)
Squoval: Square + oval hybrid, practical, modern (everyday chic)
Pick based on your lifestyle. If you type all day, shorter shapes (round, squoval) are more practical than long coffin nails.
Step 8: The Best Nail Polish Brands for At-Home Manis 💅
Budget-friendly (under $10):
- Essie (long-lasting, huge color range)
- OPI (salon-quality, chip-resistant)
- Sally Hansen (easy to find, good formulas)
Mid-range ($10-20):
- Olive & June (long-lasting, wide brush)
- Lights Lacquer (clean ingredients, beautiful colors)
- Ella+Mila (vegan, cruelty-free)
Splurge ($20+):
- Dior Vernis (luxury finish, elegant shades)
- Chanel Le Vernis (iconic, high-quality)
You don’t need expensive polish to get salon-quality results. Technique and prep matter more than brand.
Step 9: Nail Health from the Inside Out 🥗
Your nails reflect your overall health.
For stronger, faster-growing nails:
- Protein (eggs, chicken, fish, beans—builds keratin)
- Biotin (almonds, sweet potatoes, supplement)
- Iron (spinach, red meat—prevents ridges and brittleness)
- Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts—prevents dryness)
- Vitamin E (avocado, nuts—promotes growth)
- Water (64+ oz daily—hydration shows in your nails)
Timeline: It takes 3-6 months of consistent nutrition to see major nail improvements. Be patient.
Step 10: Know When to Splurge on the Salon 💰
DIY at home for:
- Weekly maintenance manicures
- Simple polish changes
- Neutral colors and basic looks
Go to the salon for:
- Gel manicures (lasts 2-3 weeks, worth the investment)
- Intricate nail art (detailed designs)
- Special occasions (weddings, events, photoshoots)
- Deep nail treatments (if nails are severely damaged)
Budget hack: Get gel every 4-6 weeks at the salon, maintain with regular polish at home in between.
Your Nail Glow-Up Action Plan
Week 1: Heal & Prep
☐ Remove all polish and let nails breathe
☐ Start daily cuticle oil routine
☐ Take biotin supplement
☐ Order your at-home nail kit
Week 2: Practice
☐ Do your first at-home manicure
☐ Start with neutral color (easier to work with)
☐ Practice your technique
☐ Continue daily cuticle oil
Week 3-4: Perfect Your Routine
☐ Try different colors and shapes
☐ Find what works for your lifestyle
☐ Build your maintenance routine
☐ Track how long manicures last
Ongoing:
☐ Manicure every 7-10 days
☐ Daily cuticle oil (non-negotiable)
☐ Monthly nail health check
☐ Quarterly salon gel treatment (optional)
Final Thoughts
Bestie, your nail glow-up is about more than just pretty polish.
It’s about showing up for yourself in the details. It’s about feeling put-together even when life is chaotic. It’s about that small confidence boost every time you look down at your hands.
You don’t need expensive salon visits every week. You just need the right tools, a simple routine, and consistency.
So invest in your at-home kit. Learn the technique. Build the daily habit. Make nail care part of your THAT girl routine.
Because THAT girl takes care of herself—even down to her fingertips.
✨ Download your free Pinterest to Dream Life Starter Kit to turn all those beauty and self-care boards into actual routines you maintain.
🔥 And grab my Accountability Bestie 12-Week Guided Planner to track your self-care habits (including your nail routine) week by week—because THAT girl life is built through daily consistency.
Because your glow-up includes every detail. Starting with your nails.
Xo, Chelsea Elise 💖
