Never had a nail routine? Start here
New year, new habits and all that. But if you're approaching resolutions differently this time, less about dramatic overhauls, more about small changes that actually improve your daily life, then starting a nail care routine might be exactly the kind of goal that sticks. It's specific, it's achievable, and unlike many January commitments, it doesn't require reinventing yourself or taking over your entire schedule.
If you've never had a proper routine for your nails, now is as good a time as any to begin. And a basic routine takes minutes, not hours. No complicated techniques, no cabinet full of products you'll never use. Just a straightforward practice you can start this week and build on throughout the year. Here's where to begin.
Why establish a nail care routine?
Your nails can look "fine" but as you get older, fine and healthy aren't always the same thing. Nails become more brittle, grow more slowly, develop ridges that weren't there before. What you could get away with neglecting in your twenties starts to show. And your hands are always visible. Every gesture in a meeting, every email you type, every coffee cup you hold, your nails are on display.
A consistent routine prevents the small frustrations like nails that snag on fabric, cuticles that catch and tear, that persistent raggedness no matter how recently you've trimmed. Beyond avoiding problems, there's what you gain. Stronger nails that don't break at inconvenient moments. Smoother cuticles that don't require constant attention. Hands that look cared for even when bare.
The 8-minute basic weekly nail routine
The routine itself is straightforward. It’s just five steps that take about ten minutes total once a week, plus one daily habit that takes thirty seconds. No special skills required, just consistency.
Step one - Trim your nails (2 minutes, as needed)
You won't need to do this every week. Most people trim every two to three weeks depending on how fast their nails grow. Do this after a shower when your nails are slightly softer and easier to work with. Cut straight across, then gently round the edges to prevent sharp corners that catch on things. As for length, that's entirely up to you. Do what feels comfortable and works with your lifestyle matters more than any arbitrary standard. Some women prefer their nails just past the fingertip, others keep them shorter. Both are fine.
Step two - Shape and smooth (2 minutes)
File with a glass nail file, in one direction only, not back and forth like you're sawing wood. This prevents splitting and keeps edges smooth. You're looking to eliminate any rough spots or snags that could catch and tear. A few gentle strokes per nail is usually enough.
Step three - Address your cuticles gently (2 minutes)
Push them back softly using a washcloth or a cuticle pusher—this is easiest right after your shower when everything is already soft.
Step four - Moisturise thoroughly (2 minutes)
This is the most important step, and the one most people skip. Apply cuticle oil or a rich hand cream and massage it into your cuticles, nails, and hands. Pay special attention to the base and sides of each nail where dryness shows up first. This step alone will transform how your nails look and feel over time.
Nail care doesn’t have to be complicated
If the full routine feels overwhelming, start smaller. Commit to daily moisturising for one week. Once that becomes automatic, add the weekly steps one at a time.
A good routine deserves good products. Kester Black's nail care range is designed for exactly this kind of routine. It contains strengthening formulas that address brittleness, fast-absorbing cuticle oils that don't sit greasy on your hands, and treatments that work to give you stronger, healthier nails. Clean ingredients, visible results, nothing unnecessary. See the full range to find what your nails need most right now.
