When it comes to beauty and style, French women are known for their effortless, chic dresses and timeless sophistication. From their signature red lipstick to their impeccable fashion sense, they seem to have it all figured out.
But what about their nails? As it turns out, French women like Caroline de Maigret take their nail care just as seriously as any other aspect of their appearance. In fact, they have a reputation for having healthy, natural-looking nails that are always perfectly groomed. French nail care is an integral step to the complete French body care routine!
So, what are their secrets? We’ll take a closer look at how French women care for their nails and what we can learn from the European approach to nail care!
Healthy Nails
Healthy nails in France are usually smooth, strong, and uniform in color. Here are some common characteristics of healthy French nails:
Healthy nails should be a little pinkish in color with a touch of white at the base, which is called the lunula. Some people may naturally have slightly different nail colors like beige or brown. Fingernails should be smooth and even, without any ridges or bumps. Nails should be of moderate thickness and not brittle or thin. They should be symmetrical and evenly shaped with a gentle curve. Well-kept nails should have healthy-looking cuticles, which are the thin, transparent layer of skin that surrounds the nail bed. They should not be dry or cracked.
If you notice any changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, French women know that it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s important to keep your nails clean, moisturized, and protected to maintain their health.
How to Care for Finger Nails
French women understand that caring for their fingernails is an essential part of maintaining good hygiene and keeping them healthy and strong. Here are some tips on how to care for your fingernails like a French girl:
Keep them clean: Wash your hands regularly with good French hand soap and dry them thoroughly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
Trim them regularly: Keep your nails trimmed to prevent breakage and maintain a neat appearance.
File and shape the nails: use a quality nail file, like the Medium Grit file by Diamancel, a premium French nail care company that makes luxury nail files with diamonds. Most French women choose a feminine oval or almond shape for their nails, not a square or blunt edge.
Avoid biting your nails: Biting your nails can damage the nail bed and lead to infections.
Moisturize: Apply French hand cream morning and night to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized and discourage them from becoming dry and brittle. The Caudalie hand and nail cream is great for this.
Cuticle Care: The French pay special attention to their cuticles and use a product like the Crème Abricot Nail Cream by Dior to care for them. This product is a gentle emollient that fortifies the nail bed, promoting growth.
Use gentle nail products: Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage your nails and cuticles. Use gentle nail polish removers and non-toxic nail polish.
Wear gloves: Protect your nails when doing household chores or working with harsh chemicals by wearing gloves.
Be careful with manicures: Avoid over-filing or over-buffing your nails, which can weaken them. Also, make sure to use clean tools and avoid sharing them with others to prevent the spread of infections.
By following these simple tips, you can maintain healthy, strong, and beautiful nails.
How to Care for Toe Nails
Caring for your toenails is just as important as caring for your fingernails, but there are a few differences in the approach. Here are some steps to caring for your toenails:
Clean often: Wash your feet often with soap and water, and dry them completely, paying special attention to the area between your toes.
Trim them properly: Trim your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the edges to prevent ingrown toenails.
File the toenails: Use a premium toenail file like Diamancel Medium Grit toenail file to gently file and shape the nails into a round edge.
Wear the right shoes: Wear shoes that fit properly and provide enough room for your toes to move. Tight shoes can cause your toenails to become ingrown or infected.
Moisturize: Apply good French foot cream regularly to maintain your toenails and cuticles, keep them moisturized, and prevent them from getting dry, brittle, and flaky.
Be careful with pedicures: If you’re getting a pedicure, make sure the salon follows proper hygiene protocols and uses clean tools. If possible, avoid cutting your cuticles, which can lead to infections.
Check for signs of infection: Watch for signs of nail fungus, such as thick, discolored, or crumbly nails, and seek medical attention from the dermatologist if you suspect an infection.
By following these steps, you can keep your toenails healthy and strong and prevent common issues such as ingrown toenails and fungal infections.
Now you know the basic steps to French nail care!
