With the new year upon us, many people have set fitness goals and are determined to live a more active lifestyle. For women, this often means rethinking their nail care routine. After all, certain nail shapes and lengths are less conducive to an active life than others.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: almond and square nail shapes tend to be the best choices for active women, as they are less likely to break or snag than longer nails<\/b>.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of various nail shapes for active women. We’ll provide tips from nail experts on how to pick the right shape for your lifestyle. Read on to learn all about finding a nail look that complements your fitness regimen.<\/p>\n
High-impact exercises like running, jumping, and aerobics classes can be tough on nails. The repetitive impact against hard surfaces can cause nails to crack, peel, or even fall off (onychoptosis). To protect nails:<\/p>\n
For extra protection, some dermatologists recommend wearing gloves with gel padding<\/b> over tips of fingers during high impact activities.<\/p>\nWeightlifting<\/h3>\n
Lifting free weights or weight machines can also be rough on fingernails if proper precautions aren’t taken including:<\/p>\n
In one survey, over 30% of female weightlifters reported some kind of nail damage like splits (onychoschizia) from their fitness routine. Keeping nails short and covered with gloves is key.<\/p>\n
Gentler activities like yoga, pilates, and low-impact aerobics are easier on nails. However, nails still require some TLC between workouts by:<\/p>\n
Though lower impact, over time mats and equipment can still dry nails. One trick is to alternate using yoga gloves and sanitizing hands before and after class<\/b> to prevent germ exposure and contamination.<\/p>\n No matter your workout, it’s important to listen to your body and nail health<\/b> to prevent painful breaks or infection. If any swelling, redness or pus appears, consult a dermatologist. With some minor adjustments, you can keep nails looking great while staying active.<\/p>\n The almond nail shape is a fantastic choice for active women. It has a rounded tip and tapered sides that give an oval-like appearance. Almond nails are strong yet not too long, making them less prone to breaking during sports or exercise.<\/p>\n The versatile shape complements most nail lengths and looks great with any outfit. For these reasons, the almond is one of the most popular nail shapes today.<\/p>\n Square nails offer durability and are another excellent option for active lifestyles. The straight edge across the tip distributes force evenly when nails hit or scrape against something, reducing the chance of cracks or chips.<\/p>\n Square nails also tend to be on the shorter side, further boosting their resilience. At the same time, the squared corners give fingers a bold, fashionable look. Overall, women who lead busy lives will appreciate how square nails remain polished and intact.<\/p>\n For those who like the tidy appearance of square nails but want a softer edge, rounded squares are the way to go. These nails have the same straight sides yet with corners that curve slightly. The rounded shape means less chance of sharp corners catching and splitting.<\/p>\n Rounded squares are an ideal hybrid nail that pairs strength with a delicate style. They work with any outfit and activity while adding a touch of femininity to your look.<\/p>\n Though they may seem counterintuitive for active women, coffin nails can also work well. The trick is keeping them on the shorter side, 1\u20444 inch long at most. Short coffin nails are essentially a hybrid of square and almond shapes.<\/p>\n They have the straight-across tip of squares for durability plus a subtle taper like almonds. The dark polish often used on coffin nails also helps hide chips and scuffs that can occur during sports or workouts.<\/p>\n So, while they require more upkeep, short coffin nails can absolutely be an option for busy fingers.<\/p>\n Keeping nails strong and healthy can be a challenge, especially for active clients. Using a nail hardener is one of the best ways to reinforce nails and prevent breakage. Many salons offer nail hardening services, but there are also great at-home options.<\/p>\n Look for hardeners with nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and proteins. Apply a thin layer on clean nails every few days. Some popular nail hardener brands include OPI Nail Envy, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, and Essie Treat Love & Color Strengthener.<\/p>\n Dry, cracked cuticles can lead to hangnails and peeling that damages nails. Make moisturizing cuticles part of your regular nail care routine. Massage cuticle oil onto the nail beds and cuticles daily focusing on dry areas.<\/p>\n You can find cuticle oils with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. For an intense treatment, apply a thick cuticle cream before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight to lock in moisture. Healthy cuticles seal the nail plate protecting it from bacteria and dirt.<\/p>\n While proper at-home care is essential, professional manicures take nail maintenance to the next level. Treat yourself to a salon manicure every 2-3 weeks. Technicians can trim and shape nails keeping them smooth and uniform.<\/p>\n Regular manicures also allow for close monitoring for any irregularities or nail problems that may arise. Many active women find shorter nail lengths easier to manage. A square or rounded shape is most conducive to an on-the-go lifestyle.<\/p>\n Opt for a long-wear polish or gel formula to extend the life of the manicure. With some planning, it’s totally possible to maintain fabulous looking nails while pursuing all your favorite activities!<\/p>\n Selecting the right nail polish is crucial for women who lead busy and dynamic lives. The products you use should stand up to your everyday wear and tear without limiting your active schedule. Consider these nail polish tips to keep your manicure looking great on the go.<\/p>\n Look for nail polishes labeled “quick-dry” when shopping. These formulas often contain solvents that help the color set faster. Popular quick-dry brands like Essie Expressie<\/b> and OPI RapidDry<\/b> dry in as little as one minute.<\/p>\n Quick-dry polishes form a tougher layer of color that resists chips and scratches better. This keeps your manicure intact through activities like exercising, running errands, and household chores.<\/p>\n While quick-dry polishes help, always finish your manicure with a quality top coat. Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat<\/b> dries completely in as little as 5 minutes while locking in nail color.<\/p>\n The protective properties of top coats prevent exposure damage to your polish. According to nail care brand Ella+Mila<\/a>, 60% of nail polish without a top coat shows tip wear in just 3 days.<\/p>\n Neutrals like nude, pale pink, gray, and taupe hide chips and growth better as they grow out. Dark colors like wines, berries, and blacks show imperfections faster.<\/p>\n\n
\n Exercise Type<\/td>\n Potential Nail Damage<\/td>\n Protective Tips<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n High-Impact<\/td>\n Cracks, peeling, breakage<\/td>\n Cushioned shoes, gloves, keep nails short<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Weightlifting <\/td>\n Splits, jammed fingers<\/td>\n Gloves with wrist support, proper form and grip<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Low-Impact<\/td>\n Brittle, dry nails<\/td>\n Hardener base coat, cuticle creams, sanitize equipment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n The Best Nail Shapes for Active Women<\/h2>\n
Almond<\/h3>\n
Square<\/h3>\n
Rounded Square<\/h3>\n
Coffin<\/h3>\n
Tips for Maintaining Your Nails<\/h2>\n
Use a Nail Hardener<\/h3>\n
Moisturize Cuticles<\/h3>\n
Schedule Regular Manicures<\/h3>\n
Choosing Nail Polish for an Active Lifestyle<\/h2>\n
Pick Quick-Dry Formulas<\/h3>\n
Use a Top Coat<\/h3>\n
Go With Neutral Colors<\/h3>\n