Nails

Naturally Yours: 5 Simple Steps to Strong, Healthy Nails.

Published

1 year ago

13 May 2025

Fresh, clean, and naturally strong—this is your sign to start taking your nail care seriously.

Today, let’s talk about your nails.

Because whether you’re sipping karak in Al Qasba, running errands in the Dubai sun, or typing away at your 9-5 in Abu Dhabi — one thing every woman wants is healthy, beautiful nails that don’t chip the minute life gets busy.

And the truth is that you probably don’t need fancy salon appointments or high-end products to get there. If you are a DIY babe, what you need is the simple, consistent routine that works — especially in a climate like Dubai.

The UAE’s hot weather, constant hand washing for hygiene queens, and even the gorgeous but drying air-conditioned environments can be brutal on your nails. But don’t worry — we’ve got you. This article provides 5 tips to help you grow stronger, healthier nails — naturally.

Hydration is Your First Nail Serum

It’s no news how harsh the UAE sun can be — and your nails feel it too. Dehydrated nails become brittle, break easily, and peel at the tips.

What to do:

Drink more water than your mood requires. Aim for 2-3 litres daily — even in winter.
Moisturize your hands (and cuticles!) morning and night. A lightweight hand cream with shea butter, glycerin, or aloe vera will do wonders. Bonus: it leaves your rings looking good too.

Routine options:

Keep a hydrating mist or spray in your bag for on-the-go refreshment (e.g Uriage and Avene.)
Use overnight hand masks or gloves on the weekends. Pop them on after a long week, let the hydration sink in while you sleep.

Pro tip: Keep a mini hand cream in your handbag, especially if you drive or commute — AC dries hands faster than you think.

Minimise the Acrylics

Nail wraps

We love a good set of extensions but constant acrylics or gel polish without breaks can leave your natural nails gasping for air leaving them thin, bendy, and fragile overtime.

What to do:

Try taking a 1–2 week “nail detox” every 2–3 months from acrylics. Let your natural nails breathe, file them gently, and use a nail strengthener or hardening oil.

Healthy but Pretty Alternatives:

Builder Gel (BIAB): Short for “Builder in a Bottle,” this is a softer, less damaging option that gives the look of thick, shiny nails without the harshness of acrylics.
Press-on nails: Yes, but not the ones from 2010. The new-generation press-ons come in modern shapes and salon-quality finishes. They’re reusable, easy to remove, and give you options without commitment.
Nail wraps: Lightweight, damage-free and super trendy. Nail wraps offer designs, gloss, and protection without harming your real nails.
Sheer polish + micro-nail art: If you are a minimalist babe, you can go minimal with sheer nude polish and tiny dots, gold lines, or crystals — still stylish, but gentle.

File Like a Lady — Gently!

Filing nails

Aggressive filing, especially back and forth, weakens the edges and causes splits while uneven filing can make your nails more prone to snagging.

What to do:

Always file in one direction — preferably with a glass or crystal file. It’s gentler and lasts longer. Keep nails short to medium length if you’re growing them out. The desert heat already makes nails dry, so gentleness is key.

Routine options:

File after showering or soaking. This will make your nails softer and easier to shape.
Always follow with a cuticle oil or nail balm after shaping to seal in moisture and prevent peeling.

Oil is Life — Your Nails Need Them

Nail oil

Just like your scalp needs oil, so do your nails. Dry, flaky cuticles = weak nail growth and risk of infection.

What to do:

Use cuticle oil daily. If you can’t find one, Pure jojoba, almond, or coconut oil work well and are perfect alternatives. Massage a drop into each nail and cuticle before bed.

Xclusivstars UAE Recommendations

Shiffa Sweetness Oil
The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil
DIY mix: Combine olive oil + a few drops of lavender for scent + vitamin E capsule.

Feed Your Nails from the Inside Out

DIY smoothie for your nails

If your nails are breaking faster than you can grow them, it could be your diet. Biotin, zinc, and vitamin E are crucial for nail health and should be included to your diet.

What to do:

Add nuts (like almonds and walnuts), leafy greens (like spinach or kale), eggs, and salmon to your meals.
Consider also a daily hair-skin-nails supplement to add to your routine.

For the Smoothie lovers, you can blend up a nail-loving drink:

1 banana
Handful of spinach
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tbsp almond butter
½ cup oat milk
A dash of cinnamon

The smoothie will make your skin and hair glow too. Win-win!

Conclusion

Let’s be real: We’re all busy. From handling careers to brunches, school runs to self-care — nails can sometimes feel like the last thing on the list. But they’re worth the effort. Not just because they look cute with your abaya or gold rings — but because they remind you to slow down and care for yourself in little ways.

So whether you’re at the salon or just chilling at home with Netflix and a nail file — remember, strong, healthy nails are never out of style. Let this be your sign to ditch the brittle and embrace the beauty of naturally yours nails — one easy step at a time.

ALSO SEE: 5 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes

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Nails

Bare Nails Are the New Indicator of Wealth

Published

1 month ago

20 May 2026

Ene Unazi

Photo: Pinterest

Bare nails have moved from a low-maintenance beauty choice to a visible grooming trend in modern beauty culture. Across celebrity appearances, editorial beauty coverage and social media trends, polished natural nails are increasingly positioned as the preferred alternative to elaborate nail art and long extensions.

The trend focuses on nails that appear healthy, neatly shaped and lightly polished, often finished with sheer nude, soft pink or clear glossy coatings. Instead of decorative design, the look prioritises nail condition, cuticle care and a smooth, well-kept surface.

Photo: Surface

Celebrity influence has shaped its visibility. Public appearances from figures such as Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner and Daisy Edgar-Jones have appeared with simple manicures often in neutral tones or near-invisible finishes. These choices goes with a broader shift away from long acrylics, chrome textures and heavily styled nail designs.

The appeal of naked nails is linked to minimal beauty routines. Instead of ornate nail work, attention has turned to maintenance: strengthening treatments, hydration oils, regular shaping and finishes that enhance natural nail tone. The look relies more on upkeep than decoration.

Photo: Pinterest

Social media aesthetics such as “clean girl” and minimalist beauty aesthetics have amplified the trend, with natural-looking nails repeatedly appearing alongside pared-back makeup and neutral styling. The pattern is consistent: short to medium length nails, soft finishes and a preference for subtle sheen over bold polish shades.

It shows a shift a broader change in nail preferences after years of maximalist nail trends. Where intricate nail art, sculpted extensions and decorative finishes once defined trend cycles, current demand favours simpler styles, even if the maintenance behind the look remains consistent.

Photo: Pinterest

Bare nails now sit within a broader beauty direction that prioritises neatness, care, and a pared-back finish. The look appears simple, but it depends on regular maintenance, shaping, and strengthening treatments that keep nails visibly healthy and smooth.

Nails

Sparkling Nail Designs for the New Year

Published

6 months ago

24 December 2025

Ene Unazi

As the days bring 2026 closer, your nails deserve to shine as bright as the New year. A neat, sparkling manicure is the perfect way to start fresh on the first day of the year. From jewel-studded designs that catch every glim of light to mirrored metallics. These six glittering nail design ideas will make your fingertips the life of any event, whether you’re celebrating quietly at home or attending a large gathering.

Silver glittery nail — Pinterest @Masha

Silver Glitter Nails

This high shine of glittering silver nails shouts celebration all round. Its design reflects the lights of the party and instantly improves any outfit. For multidimensional sparkle, consider covering a chrome base with holographic silver.

Gold glitter luxe nails — Pinterest @Mellisa

Gold Glitter Luxe Nails

Nails in this shade are usually bold and bright, the dense gold glitter captures the spirit of New Year’s Eve. Pair with neutral tones to let the gold shine.

Holographic nails —Pinterest @ Leona

Holographic Shine Nails

For a standout choice that feels both modern and festive do a holographic nail polish. it’s futuristic twist shifts colors as you move, catching every light source in the room.

Sparkle French tip — Pinterest @Allison Campbell

Sparkle French Tips

Add some gold or silver glam at the tip of your regular whitish french manicure, and give it a party upgrade. This dazzling design is a fresh addition for the New Year.

Midnight galaxy nails— Pinterest @Kristie Johnston

Midnight Galaxy Nails

Deep black or navy nails with star-like sheen recreate a beautiful night sky on your fingertips. Add tiny designs or star decals for a dreamy cosmic effect.

Rhinestones nails — Pinterest @ Makeup muddle

Rhinestone & Crystal Nail Accents

For extra glam, embellish one or two nails with rhinestones or crystals. These jewel accents catch the light and add luxurious texture to any base.

These designs combine classic elegance with contemporary trends, so whether you enjoy modest shimmer or full-on glitter, there’s a look here to help you shine into the New Year.

Nails

Best Nail Colors for Winter 2025

Published

7 months ago

5 December 2025

Ene Unazi

Winter season means chilly days indoors with often less activity but that doesn’t mean your nails should be boring. There are so many gorgeous polishes that are perfect for the winter weather, from festive jewel tones to icy blue shades that will make your cold and dry fingers look a lot better and improve your appearance. Additionally this is an excellent opportunity to improve your DIY nail skills.

A winter white — Huesthethic @Pinterest

Winter White Nails Shade

A white winter nail is a color you shouldn’t miss, it gives you that charming snowy vibes. Apply one additional top coat for a glassy, iced-over look, or go matte for a softer, powdery snow finish.

Emerald green nail inspo — Isabelynn @ Pinterest

Emerald Green

The rich tone of this coat will make your nail perfectly chic. Emerald green is a winter-style color that is darker, moodier, and perfect for the holiday season.

Frosty blue nail — The Pink Issue @Pinterest

Frosty Blue Nails

A cute approach to cope with the cold is to have an icy manicure to match the frigid weather. There are different types of tints to get that frosted impression. A light blue jelly collection or pastel polish can give you that effect. Finish it with a touch of glitter for the wintry energy.

Deep purple nail — Teri Thomas @Pinterest

Deep Purple Shade

Plum seems like the perfect winter color. Deep purple is a sophisticated yet subtle choice if you don’t want to go the traditional red or green for the holidays.

Burgundy for the season — Ashleigh michelle @Pinterest

Burgundy For Winter

Almost everything about Winter is in burgundy spirit, Santa’s outfit, ribbons, red wines, stockings and the festive holiday polishes. Your name can also scream winter by giving it a bold burgundy shade.

also read: Nail the Season: Why Aquamarine is the Go-to Manicure Shade Right Now