Knowing the correct order to use your hand and nail care products can make a real difference to how well they work. Using them in the wrong sequence can reduce hydration, make nails more prone to damage, or leave hands feeling less nourished.
Following a simple, logical routine ensures that every step counts, leaving your hands soft, cuticles healthy, and nails polished — all without overcomplicating your day.
Start with Clean Hands
Before applying anything, make sure your hands are clean with Navy Wash. Washing removes dirt, oils and debris, giving creams, balms and treatments the best chance to absorb properly. Gentle cleansing also protects nails and cuticles from bacteria and helps prevent irritation, keeping your hands healthy from the very first step.
Exfoliate When Needed
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and smooth rough patches, making your hands feel soft and refreshed. Doing this after cleansing allows scrubs to work more effectively.
A gentle option like the Tea Scrub for Hands & Feet buffs away buildup while respecting delicate skin. Be mindful not to over‑exfoliate, as too much can cause sensitivity. Limiting exfoliation to once or twice a week and following up with Navy Hand Cream keeps hands soft, nourished and comfortable.
Photo Credit: @chloes_beautybar
Care for Your Cuticles
Cuticles protect your nails from infection and support healthy growth, so they deserve dedicated care. Once your hands are clean (and exfoliated if needed), we recommend gently hydrating and softening your cuticles.
For professional results at home, use the Doris tool to gently push back the cuticles and tidy the nail plate, ensuring the area remains neat without causing damage.
You can use the Navy Cuticle Balm for rich, soothing nourishment, or the Cuticle Serum Pen for targeted, lightweight hydration that’s perfect for daily use. Regular cuticle care helps prevent hangnails, keeps nail edges neat, and supports a healthy, polished look.
Moisturise Hands
After cleansing, exfoliating, and cuticle care, we recommend applying a nourishing Navy Hand Cream or Navy Hand Balm. This locks in moisture and supports the skin’s barrier, leaving hands soft, smooth, and comfortable.
Regular hydration at this stage ensures your hands stay cared for throughout the day, even with frequent washing or exposure to the elements. For deeper nourishment, especially overnight or after long days, the Hand Balm provides intensive care to restore very dry or weather-exposed skin.
Photo Credit: @justynamaris_nailacademy
Apply Nail Treatments
If you use treatments to strengthen, protect or improve the appearance of your nails, apply them after your hands are clean, cuticles are hydrated and skin is moisturised. This ensures that active ingredients penetrate properly and work effectively, giving nails the support they need to stay strong and resilient.
Try the Bare Collection, designed to be used in simple, targeted steps. Start with Erase, a gentle cuticle exfoliator that removes dead skin and prepares the nail bed for treatment. Follow with either Grow to support healthy nail growth or Strength to improve durability and reduce breakage. For a complete recovery routine, the Recover & Protect Kit combines Vitamin, Base and Coat to nourish, repair and protect the natural nail in three effortless layers.
Protect and Refresh Throughout the Day
Even the best routine can be undone by daily exposure to water, cleaning products, or harsh weather. We recommend reapplying moisturiser or a light Botanical No-Rinse Hand Mist during the day to maintain softness, prevent dryness, and keep nails looking healthy. Consistency is key to protecting your hands and nails long‑term.
Keep Your Routine Simple and Effective
A hand and nail care routine doesn’t need to be complicated to make a difference. Following the right order, consistently, allows each product to work at its best. Simple, repeated habits help your hands feel nourished, soft, and polished, while supporting strong, healthy nails. Over time, this careful approach makes a noticeable impact — without ever overcomplicating your day.
At Navy, we believe that care done properly is about quality, consistency, and attention to detail. Every step you take is an opportunity to restore, protect, and enjoy the ritual of looking after yourself.
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