Applying nail polish to toenails is easier than applying to your hands, because obviously you will have both hands free, but don't worry because it's easier than you think, just follow these steps.
Steps
Step 1. Remove the old nail polish
Before doing anything, remove any traces of old polish you may have on your nails. An application over an old pedicure is never a good idea. Use a cotton swab to reach the edges of the nail.
Step 2. Polish the nail surface
Toenails are usually rougher than hand nails because they constantly rub against socks and shoes. Use a nail buffer to remove any irregularities. Polishing your nails also helps remove any old nail polish residue and makes your new pedicure last longer and look more beautiful. It also prepares the nail for applying the base that will prevent it from getting stained.
Step 3. Cut and file your nails
Trim your nails so that you can see about a millimeter beyond the nail bed. Then file them to get the desired shape. You can make the edges square, round, but not pointed as they tend to snap easily. Not to mention that you could also hurt someone.
Step 4. Wash your feet
You must remove any residue of nail polish remover (as they could heat up and turn into gas under the nail, causing swelling) and soften the cuticles for the following steps. Plus you'll smell like you've run a marathon.
Step 5. When ready, use a cuticle stick to push them back, cutting them with the scissors if necessary
Once settled and away from the nail, you can use a cuticle cream. Remove any cream that remains on your nails.
Step 6. Space your fingers apart with cotton balls to make subsequent applications easier
Step 7. Apply the base
This could be the last step if you want a more natural look. You need a base that is enriched with calcium.
Step 8. Choose the color
The color of the nail polish will reflect how comfortable you are with your nails and with yourself. Reds are nice to look at once dry, but maybe while you apply them they can look a bit like a "mature woman". They are also the most difficult to remove and you can make a mess if you don't have a steady hand when applying. If you don't want to take the risk of looking bigger than you are or don't feel like handling a potential mess, opt for pink or coral in all their shades. Just be careful not to slip into tacky.
Step 9. It's time to apply the polish
This step is crucial, so be very careful what you do. Make slow, even passes. Don't be in a hurry, or you'll ruin all the work you've done so far. Apply a thin layer of nail polish and let it dry for at least 10 minutes.
Step 10. Unless you have chosen a very light color, a second coat followed by the top coat will suffice
The procedure is always the same: pass slowly and uniformly. The second application can be stressful. If you color outside the lines, that's fine. Once the nail polish has dried, dip a cotton swab in the solvent and erase all traces of errors. If you remove too much polish and you see the underlying nail, cover it with one pass. You can handle the situation the way you want. Wait at least 20 minutes before moving on to the next step, however.
Step 11. Apply the top coat
The top coat protects your pedicure and prevents the nail polish from chipping. It's the least you can do for yourself after all the hard work you've done. And with me breathing down your neck the whole time. Except when you were in the shower. Apply a top coat of the brand of your choice. Essence is an excellent brand that you can find everywhere, while OPI is a little more sought after. The point is, try not to buy the top coat at the Chinese stall on the corner. Apply a layer of top coat, let it dry for at least 20 minutes, remove the cotton balls or whatever you used to keep your nails apart, and admire the fruit of your hard work.
Advice
- Find a color that fits your complexion.
- Buy good quality nail polishes. Cheap nail polishes will not give good results.
- Be careful! Try not to apply the nail polish too far out of the “margins”.
- Choose a color that reflects your mood.
- If air bubbles form in the glaze, try keeping it in the refrigerator. It will not congeal and you will not have to shake it with the risk of creating bubbles inside. If it hardens anyway, as happens with cheaper glazes, roll the bottle in your hands and turn it over several times until the glaze is uniform again. Never shake a bottle full of chemicals, even if they are stable.
- Try to take care of your nails when you are not applying nail polish. Don't apply cuticle cream, cut and file them just for when you want them to look good. Love them and they will love you.
- Try something fun when you're in the mood. It's like a French manicure but less serious.
- If you have fungus under your nails, see a dermatologist right away.
Warnings
- The solvent fumes can be harmful, so close it tightly when you're not using it. If you have the impression that you have applied and removed the nail polish for 4 hours because it was not perfect enough, you are probably completely done.
- The solvent worsens the condition of athlete's foot, so you need to treat that first. On the other hand, it is useless to have beautiful nails if the skin between the fingers flakes.
- Do not apply nail polish if you have an open wound on your nail, it will not help you.
