Who doesn’t love the classy look of manicured nails! Yet $25 twice a month is a hard one to prioritize into the budget…so just manicure your nails yourself! It can be a daunting task, but once you’ve practiced a little it is so worth it! I’ve pulled together tried and true secrets of home manicures.
1) Wash your hands-
Always wash your hands before you perform any work on your nails. Use a scrubber to rid any dirt and soften the cuticles. Also, make sure you wash away all nail dust after filing as well.
2) File-Keep them short-
If you’ve got super strong natural nails, good for you! But most of us don’t. In fact, my nails curl if they get too long. I also do so much with my hands throughout the week, even long acrylic nails break. Keeping your nails a manageable length keeps them classy, healthy and less likely to break with everyday use. (Click here for my guide to filing nails).
3) Roll polish (Don’t Shake)-
While waiting for the glue and vinegar to dry, roll your polish between your hands. Avoid shaking polish as it can trap air pockets in the polish. The trapped air will dry as bubbles in your manicure.
4) Apply multiple, thin layers (2-4)-
It’s time to apply the polish. The key to a hard, strong manicure is multiple, thin layers of polish. This way each layer can fully dry and strengthen before the next application.
5) Don’t overwork it-
The less strokes, the better. Try to apply each layer of polish with as few brush strokes as possible. One on each side then one in the center. This way you avoid brush marks and tacky polish.
6) Let fully dry in between layers-
Let your layers of polish fully dry before applying the next. Sometimes I will even return a few hours later to apply the next layer…just make sure you wash your hands first.
7) Top coat-
Apply 1-2 layers of top coat evenly around your nail. Make sure to apply it all around, completely sealing in your polish. Don’t forget the end of your nail, too. If you get any on your cuticles or around your finger, it’s clear…it’ll wash away with time.
And there you have it! Your home manicure should stay beautiful and classy. For 3 tips on keeping your manicure from chipping, click here. Or to learn how to fix your nail once it has chipped, click here.
