At this point, there's no denying that we're all looking down at our digits with persistent longing for the perfect nails we're so used to. Maybe you've been keeping up with your manis since being stuck at home - and if you have been, we're sending you a virtual high five. But for those of us with lengthier and more wild nail preferences, our option of visiting the salon for touch ups is off the table. If you're finding yourself in desire of something more natural and manageable until you can go to the salon again, here are some tips on removal and rehabilitation for your precious little fingies.

To Remove Nails:

First of all: under NO circumstances are you to rip or peel your nails off - we forbid it! Instead, here's what you need to do:

1. Buff and break the top layer with a heavy, 100-grit nail file - carefully - until it is no longer shiny.
2. Carefully clip off the remaining length of your fake nail (if there is any).
3. Here's where it gets weird: soak a cotton ball in pure acetone and wrap your nails with aluminum foil. Wrap your hands in warm towels for 10 to 15 minutes to speed up the process.
4. Once you've removed the towels and foil, use a cuticle pusher to gently remove the fake nail.
5. Buff off any excess nail with a buffer.
6. Wash your hands, and lather on the yummy treatments. We recommend a cuticle oil and super moisturizing lotion.

Once your fake nails come off, it's likely that your natural nails are going to be a little weak and in need of some TLC. Since applying fake nails is always easier on healthy, strong digits, here are some tips on how to speed up the healing and strengthening process for when you're ready to hit the salon again.

Oil it up

Any kind of oil is going to be so delicious for your nail beds. Our absolute favorite is Earthly Body Miracle Oil, as it contains a heavy amount of Vitamin E and Tea Tree Oil geared towards expedited skin healing. Also works great for cuts, burns, and bug bites! Whatever your oil of choice, massage it into your nail beds and cuticles at least once per day (especially since you're washing your hands so much).

Take care of your cutes

Your cuticles are responsible for keeping bacteria from getting under your skin, so keep them healthy! Try not to trim them very often, but instead push them back. If you DO feel the need to eliminate the excess skin, be sure to sanitize your implements as if the health department were coming by.

Clip for the first few weeks

Instead of filing your nails, stick to clipping (so you have a straight edge) until they're stronger and longer. At that point, it will be okay to gently file down any ragged edges.

Get your mani fix...

Just because we can't go get our nails done doesn't mean we can't spruce them up while we're at home! Try stocking up on some of your favorite colors to give yourself a mini mani with some fresh spring colors (please take a photo and post, we'd love to see).