Whether you paint your nails regularly or prefer going au natural, you still have to put a certain amount of effort into keeping your nails healthy. Our non-toxic nail care routine involves more than just using non-toxic nail polish—it’s about supporting nail growth, protecting the surrounding skin, and promoting long-term nail strength.
7 Steps to Keeping Your Nails Healthy
What it takes to have healthy, natural nails can be condensed into the following steps:
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Moisturize
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Replace nail care products regularly
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Protect your hands
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Use nail polish remover
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Choose a strong nail shape
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Use cuticle oil & nail strengthener
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Avoid gel nail polish
This nail care regimen echoes the recent advice found on Self.com, Camila Coelho, and our own website. These healthy nail care tips can help reduce brittle nails, protect your nail bed, and minimize issues like peeling or rough edges.
In our article on the pros of choosing non-toxic nail care products, we discuss the advantages of avoiding acetone and gel polish and committing to the healthier, greener alternatives offered by our 21-free nail care company. The non-toxic nail care routine is not very different from a typical nail care routine; it just involves making healthier product choices and avoiding harsh chemicals.
The Liberation Nails Non-Toxic Nail Care Routine
1. Commit to Non-Toxic Nail Care
The chemicals you use in your nail products affect your health and the health of our planet. You’ll find 3, 5, 8, and 10-free nail polish on most cosmetic store shelves. These nail polishes are free of some of the harmful chemicals typically found in nail care products, like parabens, formaldehyde, and toluene. These chemicals are known to cause pollution and health problems, and many have already been banned in Europe.
“I love the color and how it applies. It’s smooth and dries quickly. Plus, knowing it's 21-free makes me feel good about using it.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
Here at Liberation Nails, our mission is rooted in wellness, sustainability, and radical self-expression. That’s why we’ve gone beyond standard formulations to create 21-free nail polish—a bold leap toward cleaner beauty. Our founder designed the brand to empower conscious consumers with safe, expressive color that’s inclusive, vegan, and never tested on animals.
2. Hydration Is Key
Find an allergen-free hand moisturizer. Like those found in tubs, the heavier weight creams tend to lock in moisture best. Pay special attention to your cuticles by incorporating cuticle recovery oil into your regular nail care routine. Hydration supports blood circulation around the nail bed and softens dry, loose skin that could otherwise peel or crack.
We developed our award-winning In Good Hands cuticle oil with intensely moisturizing ingredients like avocado and apricot oils. This nourishing cuticle oil is made to be part of your daily ritual, supporting strong nails, supple skin, and moments of mindful self-care.
3. Keep Your Non-Toxic Nail Care Products Fresh
One of the most important things you can do in your nail care regimen is replace your nail file every few months or when the grit is becoming noticeably worn. Worn-out tools can cause uneven edges or tear the nail plate, leading to brittleness.
Liberation Nails is built on the belief that clean beauty should never come at the cost of performance. That’s why we encourage routine refreshes of your tools and formulas—so you’re always using fresh, effective products that align with your values.
4. Wear Gloves
It’s essential to wear gloves when cleaning and during the winter. Whether you use natural cleaners or more potent chemicals, scrubbing can take a toll on the skin, especially when washing dishes. The same is true of winter weather. Cold wind can cause dry, chapped skin and more fragile nails. Excessive hand washing or cleaning without gloves can break down the nail’s protective barrier.
As part of our holistic approach to hand and nail health, we advocate for simple habits—like wearing gloves—that help protect your natural barrier while supporting your long-term wellness.
5. File Correctly
It’s so tempting to saw back and forth when filing nails, but filing in one direction prevents splitting and minimizes damage to the nail plate. Choose a smooth file and always aim to remove only rough edges with care.
The shape of your nail matters, too. An oval shape will give your nails the most strength and can reduce the likelihood of breakage. Before filing, consider gently soaking your hands in warm water to soften the nails and make the filing process easier.
Our commitment to education means helping you master the basics—like gentle filing techniques and conscious shaping—for healthy nails that last.
6. Avoid Acetone and Gel Nail Polish
Gel nail polish takes a significant toll on fingernail health. There is no breathability, and it takes a massive amount of harsh acetone to remove the polish, resulting in weaker nails and a compromised nail bed. Nail professionals recommend taking breaks between gel manicures to give your nails a chance to recover.
We believe in polish that respects your body and the planet. Our Time for a Change polish remover blends Frankincense and Abyssinian oil for a luxurious, restorative experience. It gently lifts color without damaging your nails—no acetone, no stinging, no regrets.
Bonus Tips for Strong, Healthy Nails
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Gently clean under your nails using a dampened Q-tip rather than sharp tools to avoid damaging the nail bed.
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Avoid biting your nails or picking at the surrounding skin, as both can lead to irritation or infection.
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Soak your fingertips in warm water and apply a cuticle softener before gently pushing them back with a cuticle pusher or orange stick.
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Use a base coat and top coat to protect your nails from stains and extend the life of your manicure.
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Maintain a healthy diet rich in biotin, protein, and healthy fats to support nail growth from the inside out.
Non-Toxic Nail Polish and Nail Care Are Vital Components of Overall Health
Nails may be small, but how you take care of them matters. If your skin and cuticles become dry and cracked, the experience is painful and leaves you vulnerable to infection. Keeping your nails clean and moisturized keeps them strong, and using products with healthy, eco-friendly ingredients keeps you healthy.
At Liberation Nails, we believe nail care is more than a beauty ritual—it’s a wellness practice. That’s why we’re committed to creating clean, non-toxic products that support healthy nails and nourish your whole self. From our carefully curated shades to our restorative treatments, everything we make is rooted in safety, sustainability, and self-care that feels as good as it looks.
Learn more about non-toxic nail products from Liberation Nails and begin your own non-toxic nail regimen by browsing our online store.
