Celebrity manicurist Aja Walton shares a routine for strengthening and protecting natural nails through consistent hydration and proper maintenance.
Key facts
- •Aja Walton recommends rounded nail shapes because they are less prone to breaking than sharper styles.
- •Overfiling the nail plate can lead to weakened nails over time.
- •Walton advises applying cuticle oil to damp hands twice daily to maintain hydration.
- •Consistency in applying care products is described as more important than the quantity of products used.
- •Essie’s Break Fix Liquid Nail Patch is suggested for reinforcing edges that show signs of splitting or tearing.
Maintaining healthy bare nails requires a balance between strength, flexibility, and hydration, according to celebrity manicurist Aja Walton. Whether transitioning away from gel manicures or recovering from damage, the foundation of nail health relies on a consistent routine of repair, hydration, and protection. Walton emphasizes that consistency in applying care products is more effective than using a large variety of different items.
Routine and Maintenance Techniques
To minimize breakage, Walton suggests opting for rounded nail shapes rather than sharper silhouettes. If a split or tear appears, she recommends addressing it immediately with a reinforcement product to prevent further damage. When managing the nail plate, a light buff can smooth ridges or peeling, though she warns that overfiling can weaken the nail structure over time. For cuticle care, Walton advocates for hydration rather than aggressive cutting. She advises applying cuticle oil to damp hands in the morning and at night to seal in moisture. Finishing a routine with a strengthening treatment coat and hand cream provides additional protection and shine.
Recommended Products for Nail Recovery
Walton personally uses Essie’s On a Roll Apricot Cuticle Oil both at home and on set. For nails requiring recovery after frequent polish changes, she utilizes Essie’s To The Rescue treatment. Other products noted for moisturizing dry or brittle nails include Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil and Olive & June’s Cuticle Serum.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Elle.
