Beautiful Nails and a Beautiful Garden

by Deanna Klan

Yes, you can have both! 

Every year at this time I see people who are saddened that they have destroyed their fingernails for the sake of their gardens, and they think it has to be this way.  But it truly doesn’t, here is an easy plan to be able to have the best of both worlds.  These tips will help if you have already ruined your nails or are about to launch into serious weeding or planting.

The main objective is to keep nourishment in and water out.

First of all and you know this, use gardening gloves, there are very good ones that will give you the ability to feel and pull out really small weeds.

Next purchase a high quality cuticle cream, preferably one with lots of Shea butter, mango butter or hemp oil.  Ideally it should be thick enough to not spill out of the jar, cuticle oil is good if you cannot find a rich cream. Keep this beside the bed where you can see it to remind you to put it on, until the habit is established (about three weeks) then you can put in a less obvious place but still handy to the bed. Use a small but adequate amount (don’t be stingy) and rub it into your cuticles and nails and you can go over dry nail polish or hardener.  This should only take about five minutes and is best done at night just before you turn out the light, as then it will remain on the nails until morning.

Have on hand a good nail file and use it at least twice a week for maintenance to keep the edges of your nails smooth and when a breakage occurs.  If you have nails that are thin and peeling, a glass nail file will be your best option.

Use a good quality nail hardener or base coat and a top coat.  The base coat will keep out dirt and water out of your nails, a hardener will provide even more protection so that they will not break as easily either.  The top coat will give a final seal to keep the nail edges protected.  Do this twice a week after a quick file and removing old base/hardener and top coats, this should take only ten minutes or so.  Hint – store these items where they are convenient like a basket or a cupboard in the living room if you plan to do it while watching TV or close to the patio door if you will be outside enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.

Have a professional manicure once in a while to address specific concerns and to learn if there is anything else that would help in your particular case.

These little tips will give long lasting results if you make them a part of your routine. To make it easier here they are again in 3 easy steps:

If you have fallen behind in good nail habits and you are heading out to the yard for some extensive work, here is what to do instead of sacrificing your finger nails.  Quickly slap on a coat of top coat or base coat or whatever is handy and allow it to dry for five minutes before going and doing your worst in the garden.  At least you will have protected them a bit and will minimize the damage; afterwards you can remove it and get back to your routine again.

Follow this advice and you should find great improvement in the appearance of your nails and for years to come, you can be enjoying the beauty of both your plants and hands.

Written by Deanna Klan

Deanna Klan has enjoyed being a licensed esthetician since 1986 and she combines her love of natural organic essences and healing energies at her salon. She can be reached at Daydream Esthetics Studio, 26-88 Duncan Ave W, Penticton, 250 490-1233 - Email:

Back to July Newsletter
Back to Main Article page
See the latest events
Home