waterless manicure pedicure - waterless manicure procedure
Image via Cassandre Banel

Getting your nails done is one of the simplest acts of self-care you can engage in. There are few things that feel as simultaneously relaxing and luxurious as sitting down for a much-needed manicure: Picking your polish color, getting your nails clipped and shaped, soaking your hands in the customary pre-polish bowl of water–it’s all so familiar and soothing. But what if the water wasn’t actually helping? Many nail salons–and salon-goers–are now opting for waterless manicures (also referred to as “dry manicures”) for that very reason.

So why go without water? As it turns out, dipping your digits in H20 might not be doing that much good for your nails or the environment. Ahead are the three main reasons you might want to skip the soak at your next mani appointment.

  1. Your polish may last longer. According to nail artist Cassandre Banel, “Waterless manis are great! Soaking your nails can be harmful as the water will fill the porous nail and warp the nail shape right before painting. This causes issues when the nail is fully dry later, as the nail will return to its original shape, but cause unnecessary bending and warping on the polish that was just applied.” In other words, less water potentially equals less chipping.
  2. Your hands will retain moisture. The waterless manicure procedure may actually be better for your nails. “Often times salons use water in place of quality moisturizing or exfoliating products, which ultimately means you are leaving the salon with dryer hands and nails, ” says Banel. “As nail pre-care, I always recommend a cuticle lotion with a small amount of exfoliating acid (just like popular facial serums!), and to simply make sure the nail is clean and free of product before painting. Professional veteran Deborah Lippmann is actually a huge proponent of waterless manis and has her own award-winning cuticle kit.
  3. The environment will thank you. OK, well sort of. Think about how many gallons of water are used for manicures and pedicures each day in nail salons around the world–now multiply that by 365. Cutting back on wasting this precious commodity will not only save you time (a few minutes off of every appointment adds up!) but it may just help save the planet. Great-looking nails you can feel great about? Heck yes, please.

Do you opt for waterless manicures or pedicures? Tell us why you made the switch in the comments!