JH Polish Guide: The 2021 update
We’ve had some time to perfect our at-home manicure tips…
Jean Michel at Yanna’s nail salon, August 29, 1983, by Andy Warhol. Photograph: The Andy Warhol Foundation
In the name of tiny tasks that still feel like accomplishments - we collaborated with our friend @nyahnailartist, the JH studio team, and our community to collectively crowdsource all the best products for upleveling an at-home manicure from a self-defeating chore to indulgent treat.
Part 1: The Tool Kit
Polish:
To begin with our piece de resistance: JH Polish
Our highly-pigmented colors are inspired by imagining color as the embodiment of mood — a fun yet chic layer to fold into a wardrobe of neutrals or more classic-leaning pieces. Every JH polish is non-toxic (read here for our spiel on greenwashed beauty industry language) and inspired by artists’ palettes, ideas, places, flavors, and the muses we imagine embodying a particular shade.
Nail File:
We suggest a glass nail file as a long-lasting alternative to a standard disposable file. This chic option by French line Reverence de Bastien is a solid pick, and we also got many recommendations for the version by Bona Fide Beauty.
Nail Clippers:
Kiya Nail Clippers: It’s no surprise that Japan does tiny nail tools very, very well. This one is made from sleek black steel. Bonus points for a built-in “sheath to catch clippings.”
Seki Edge SS-106: Sturdy, easy to use, and excellent for fingernails. Bonus point for the textured handle that feels very ergonomic in your hand. This feels luxurious.
Nail clippers by Green Bell: These are a great affordable yet elevated, well designed option.
Feather Parada M Nail Clippers: Winner in the large clipper category, good for both toe and fingernails. Finely crafted in Japan and love the included nail file.
If you’re wanting to go even deeper on the clipper conversation, The Strategist did a good round-up in spring 2020.
Image from @fur_oil
Cuticle Oils, Pushers and Removers:
Nail Oil by UKA: We’re suckers for all things tiny and nicely designed, so this nail oil sits at the top of our list. This oil works on the spot to hydrate nails and cuticles, leaving a silky finish.
Superfood Repair Oil by Nails Inc.: Cuticle oil designed to repair nails and cuticles, including almond and argan oil. This oil is vegan, made with non-animal tested ingredients, and is cruelty-free.
Fur Oil: Originally meant to soften your hair down there, Fur Oil works double time as a skin softener and is excellent hydrator for rough cuticles.
Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment: Eliminates dry cuticles while replenishing moisture into them.
Grown Alchemist Cuticle Oil: This oil is formulated to noticeably repair and strengthen cuticle skin and nails while minimizing fine lines around the cuticle area.
Or make your own cuticle oil: A blend of jojoba, chamomile and a tiny bit of sea buckthorn, applied with dropper to avoid contamination.
Classic Tweezerman “Dual-Sided Pushy” (Tweezerman is also a good pick for cuticle nippers)
Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a Japanese version by Suwada, forged by Japanese artisans from high-carbon stainless steel.
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover: Remove and repair. This oil gently loosens dry dead skin around the cuticle to ease the removal process. Follow up with a moisturizing oil.
Brushes and Buffers:
Buff and brighten. Each of these brushes is designed to clean beneath nails and exfoliate rough or dry (or over-washed!) skin around nail beds. After brushing, follow with a buffing block to smooth scuffs and add natural shine.
Cuticle Brush by The Body Shop
Oak Brush Tampico Fibre by Iris Hantverk
Image by @hannahykwon
Base coat:
Nailkale Superfood Basecoat by Nails Inc.: Great for nail strengthening.
The Foundation Nail Strengthening Base Coat by tenoverten: Infused with Horsetail Leaf Extract and Vitamin E, this polish works to heal brittle nails while prepping for polish.
La Base Protective and Smoothing by Chanel: A safeguard for fingernails, this polish features Vitamin E and Argan Oil. This base coat offers a subtle pink hue that can be worn alone but is subtle enough to layer with color.
All About that Base, Correct and Conceal Base Coat by Deborah Lippmann: Conceal, brighten and prime. This polish helps to smooth ridges and drys with a matte finish. Color coat optional.
Strong Care Strengthening Base Coat by Nailmatic: A base coat that helps to rehab dull nails back to strong and smooth.
Top coat:
Shield Top Coat by tenoverten: A smooth and shiny finish that helps to fight chipping and cracking.
Le Gel Coat Longer Top Coat by Chanel: The great protector. Activated by natural light, this long-wear polish binds to color and extends polish wear up to 7 days.
Nail clean up:
If you’re feeling like a pro or if you tend to stray outside of the lines, these brushes can level up your manicure from pretty to perfection.
A Case for Making Brushes
Polish Remover + Cotton Balls:
Onyx Professional 100% acetone: Straight to the source. This professional grade polish removes polish, glitter polish (!) and gel with ease.
+ non-acetone removers
tenoverten Rose Polish Remover: Gentle yet effective, this remover does the job without stripping, thanks to the presence of aloe and vitamin E. It’s acetone-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan.
Zoya 3-in-1 Nail Polish Remover: A multi-purpose formula that functions as a polish remover, nail prep and nail conditioner.
Côte Takeoff Polish Remover: An essential oil based, acetone-free polish remover made with wild sea rose and Egyptian geranium oil.
Karma Organic Nail Polish Remover: A tea tree oil based formula that’s nourishing and non-toxic.
Cliganic Organic Cotton Balls: Fluffy, soft organic cotton balls that are hypoallergenic and biodegradable.
Organic Cotton Balls from Organyc: 100% certified organic cotton, soft enough for all skin types.
Take Off Reusable Nail Polish Remover Pads: Plant-based, zero-waste remover pads made of a bamboo rayon blend. They are soft to the touch but tough enough to remove multi-coat polish.
Made of bamboo and cotton, these swabs are 100% biodegradable, and are made without single-use plastic. Plus, they offer a refill system.
Soaking Dishes:
Glass Spike Bowl from Hudson Beach Glass: A bowl that calls for an extra luxe soaking session. The beautiful yet functional design soothes the eyes as much as the hands.
Hasami Porcelain, HP014 Tall Small: A manicure bowl for the minimalist. Once again, Hasami comes through with yet another use for their porcelain.
Organic washcloths:
Parachute Baby Washcloth: A gentle terry wash cloth made soft enough for babies. This Turkish towel is free of any harmful chemicals or synthetic materials.
Nawrap Organic Cotton Face Towel: A 100% organic cotton, these towels are made using traditional Japanese weaving techniques and are completely natural— no dyes or chemicals.
Natural Hemp and Organic Cotton Washcloth: Excellent for sensitive skin, hemp is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial.
All purpose hands:
Esker Oil: With a variety of oils that Firm, Restore and Clarify, each of their oils is transformative in their own way— cleansing, hydrating, and healing— suiting the needs of every skin type.
Nécessaire Hand Cream: Loaded with vitamins, omega fatty acids, squalane, and an a peptide that helps with cell turnover, this rich formula hydrates and protects.
Everyday Oil: The amazing multi-tasker. An oil that’s super nourishing and versatile enough to use everyday, everywhere— especially on dry hands.
Aquafor: A classic staple for scrapes and chapped areas.
Le Labo Hinoki Hand Pomade: A sexy hand cream that transforms hands from rough to revitalized with a base of nourishing shea butter and an earthy hinoki scent.
F. Miller Body Oil: A nutrient-dense botanical blend designed to balance, rejuvenate and heal.
KLUR Elements of Comfort: A floral and earthy oil that delivers hydration to parched hands and body.
Weleda Skin Food: A dense and decadent cream that offers major hydration without a greasy feel.
Image via @f.miller.skincare