How To ‘Nail’ The Perfect Mani

Every female wants a fresh, beautifully done manicure as it helps you look clean and put together. But professional manicures can be expensive and time-consuming. You could give yourself a perfect manicure at home if you know the basic tips and tricks to it. It’s easy peasy. Here are some tips you might want to get a hold of.

1. Never saw your nails back and forth when you file them. Always stroke the file in one direction, or it will tear the tip of your nail. Filing them incorrectly can lead to peeling or breaking.

2. Never cut your cuticles. Though they look much nicer when they are cut, they serve a very important purpose, which is to protect your nails from infection. The best thing to do is push them back. A good time to tackle cuticles is immediately after a shower because that is when your skin is soft and easy to push back.

3. Never shake your nail polish. Instead roll it back and forth between your 2 hands, holding the polish vertically.

This ensures there will be no air bubbles in the lacquer or on your nails as you paint it on.

4. Always use base coat. Nail hardener does the trick. It might take you some extra time, but it gives the colored polish something to adhere to, making your manicure last a couple of extra days longer, and it prevents staining on your nails from pigmented paint.

5. Stay away from quick-dry nail polish. It’s typically dehydrating and can dry out your nails.

6. Apply thin (not thick) coats of polish. Anytime you’re painting your nails, to get your polish to dry faster, apply three thin coats compared to one or two gloppy layers, because they never dry.

7. Go for glitter. Glitter polish lasts longer than regular formulas.

 

8. Always use a top coat. Nail hardener also does the trick, and when you apply it, always swipe the very tip of your nail. That way, when you’re typing or doing anything else that requires using your fingers, you’ll be less likely to get chips.

9. For a post-paint job, hold your hands under cold water. Either that or dipping your finger tips into ice water helps them dry faster.

10. Stay away from hot water. Do not do your nails and then do the dishes or shower. Hot water causes the nail bed to expand, forcing the polish to expand with it and it cracks in the process.

11. Make good use of cuticle oil. It instantly hydrates your nails. Apply it over your entire nail after you’ve painted them. If you accidentally hit them against something, the oil offers some slip, so they are less likely to nick. I recommend Sally Hansen’s cuticle oil. It’s available on online stores at a very affordable rate.

12. Keep your polish in a cool, dry, dark place. Possibly your refrigerator. It helps the formula to last longer, especially since heat and sunlight can alter the thickness and color.

So that’s a wrap for now. More tips coming up in future posts. Was the above helpful? Comment your thoughts below. Till next time.