Nail Care & Tips: 4 Dreamy Nail Art Ideas + Healthy Nail Habits

Healthy nails, beautiful hands, always. The prettiest manicures start with strong, well-cared-for nails, and a sprinkle of creativity. In this guide you'll find four dreamy nail art ideas you can try at home, followed by the simple nail care habits that keep every manicure looking its best.

1. Coquette bow nail art

Soft, romantic and endlessly cute, bow nails are one of the most-saved looks on Pinterest.

• Use a thin nail art brush or stickers to create the bow.
• Keep the base color soft: pink, nude or clear.
• Add a little heart or pearl for extra cuteness.

Want the full walk-through? Follow our step-by-step coquette bow nail art tutorial.

2. Cherry nail art

Cherry nails are flirty, fun and perfect for summer or Valentine's Day.

• Use a deep red or cherry shade for a rich look.
• Add small cherry details with a fine nail art brush: two red dots, a thin stem and a tiny green leaf.
• Seal with a top coat for long-lasting shine.

Styling idea: alternate full cherry-red nails with sheer nude accent nails featuring a single cherry.

3. Floral French tip nails

A fresh twist on the classic French manicure.

• Start with a nude base.
• Create French tips with white or pastel polish.
• Add tiny flowers using a dotting tool or brush: five small dots in a circle with a contrasting center.

This design looks especially lovely on almond or oval nails, two of the best nail shapes for short fingers.

4. Butterfly nail art

Dreamy, delicate and perfect for spring.

• Use butterfly stickers or hand-paint them with a thin brush.
• Try a pastel or nude base color for a dreamy look.
• Finish with a glossy top coat.

Nail care habits for healthy nails

Gorgeous nail art only looks its best on healthy nails. These everyday habits make a real difference.

How to make your manicure last longer

• Always use a base coat, your polish, then a top coat.
• Avoid too much water. Hot water can weaken polish.
• Wear gloves while cleaning or doing household work.

For a complete routine, read how to prevent nail polish from chipping.

How to care for natural nails

• Keep your nails clean and dry.
• Moisturize your cuticles daily.
• Use a nail strengthener or nourishing oil.

Best nail shapes for short fingers

• Oval and almond shapes make fingers look longer.
• Avoid very square shapes if you want a slimmer look.
• Squoval is a great middle ground if your nails break easily.

How to prevent polish from chipping

• Apply thin layers.
• Don't forget the top coat.
• Let each layer dry properly.
• Avoid using your nails as tools.

Extra tips

• Keep your hands moisturized.
• Eat a balanced diet with biotin and vitamins.
• Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Give your nails a break from polish sometimes.
• Be gentle, and don't pick or bite your nails.

Take care of your nails… they're part of your beauty story.

The bottom line

Pick one of these four nail art ideas for your next manicure, and build in a couple of the healthy-nail habits above. Your nails will look prettier and grow stronger. Healthy nails are always in style!