Common Nail Care Mistakes to Avoid for Aging Hands

Older hands are proof of a long-lived life, in which every wrinkle and fine line is deserved, so you want to keep them looking their best. When it comes to color, Kon recommends staying away from dark matte polishes. “[These] can make the hands appear dull and highlight imperfections,” she says. Instead, stick to soft tones like pinks and muted reds, or even lean into the Bella Hadid-pioneered “grandma nails” trend of coral tones. A Red-vival City and Tempura-ture is Rising by OPI are great shade options if you’re planning to rock the coral look, while Glazed N’Amused, also by OPI, will meet all your iridescent style needs.

You may also want to avoid excessively long nails, as they not only draw too much attention, but could appear disproportionate on older, more delicate hands, Kon says. The nail expert also suggests steering clear of heavy acrylics and bulky overlays, “which can exaggerate the appearance of aging,” she says.

One thing you should embrace is protecting your nails and nail beds. “Consistent cuticle care and hand hydration are also key to maintaining a youthful look,” says Kon. While you can keep your hands moisturized and cuticles in tip-top shape with products like Sally Hansen’s Cuticle Massage Cream, coconut oil can also do the trick if you prefer products you already have at home. And yes, you should be moisturizing with cuticle oil every day.