By doing a cosmetic nail treatment, you can get rid of that monotonous air and make them shine in just an hour or two. Start shortening, filing and polishing them to give them a much better look. Then choose your favorite nail polish and lacquer it like professional beauticians do. A manicure instantly embellishes your nails, but to have long-lasting results, it is important to adopt healthy habits thanks to which your nails can be strong, shiny and beautiful, even under varnish.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Trim and Revitalize Nails
Step 1. Collect the supplies
To give your nails a healthy and beautiful look, you will need the right tools. Maybe you will spend some money to get everything you need, but over time it will be much less expensive to treat your nails yourself than to resort to the beautician. Here's what you need:
- Nail clipper
- Lime
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Buffer (or nail polish)
- Cuticle cream or oil
- Hand lotion
- Orange stick (for manicure)
Step 2. Remove the old nail polish
If there is still a layer of old and worn nail polish on your nails, use the nail polish remover and a cotton swab to remove it. It's best to start from scratch.
Step 3. Dip your fingers in a bowl of warm water
If you leave them to soak, your nails will become softer and easier to cut and the cuticles will also come off easily when you have to push them. Soak them for about five minutes, until they become more flexible, then dry on a cloth.
Step 4. Trim and file your nails
Use a nail clipper to create the shape you want, square or rounded. Do not cut them too much: it is advisable to leave a white crescent at the end. This extra part will protect the nail bed, giving a nice look to the fingers. Use a file to clean the edges and smooth the shape of the nails.
- When using the file, move it in one direction along the tip. Do not rub it back and forth, as this movement damages the structure of the nail.
- Avoid using the file to shorten your nails. Always start with the nail clipper, then use the file only to give the shape you want.
- Do not round the corners on the sides of the nail bed, as this can cause the nails to become ingrown, especially those of the thumbs.
Step 5. Push the cuticles
Dry your nails and apply a cuticle cream or oil. Leave it on for about three minutes, then use an orange stick (or a skin pusher) to gently pull back the cuticles - the skin that grows at the base of the nail. This way, the shape will be cleaner and you will prepare your nails to receive an evenly spread layer of polish. Remove the cream when done.
- Never force your cuticles back too far and don't cut them. Cuticles are used to prevent infections, so by cutting them you run the risk of them becoming inflamed and hurting you.
- If you don't have an orange stick, try using a paper clip or other object with a smooth edge. Just don't resort to sharp objects.
Step 6. Polish your nails
Use the rough side of the buffer to gently buff the entire nail surface in one direction. Then switch to the less wrinkled side and repeat the operation. Finish by polishing with the smoother side, in order to give more shine. Don't rub too much, otherwise you risk thinning them. The goal of this step is solely to create a smooth, shiny surface.
Step 7. Rinse your hands and apply the lotion
The lotion deeply cleanses the nails and moisturizes the skin. If you don't want to apply nail polish, your manicure is complete. If you prefer, wipe the surface of your nails with a cotton ball soaked in solvent to wipe off any lotion residue before you begin.
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Nail Polish
Step 1. Collect the supplies
Even if all you need to lacquer your nails is a bottle of nail polish, your nails will look more beautiful if you use some other product that guarantees you a perfect manicure. Here's what you need:
- Clear base coat (clear base)
- Nial Polish
- Transparent top coat
- cotton swab
Step 2. Apply the base coat
It is a transparent or hardening product that protects the nail and promotes the hold of the enamel. Let it dry completely before continuing. Some types of base coats are a bit sticky and make it easier to apply colored nail polish.
Step 3. Apply polish
Shake the bottle in your hands for a few seconds to warm and dilute it well. Open it and dip the brush inside, then press it against the edge to remove excess polish. To paint your nails evenly, start by making a vertical stripe along the center of the nail, then another on both sides. Let the nail polish dry thoroughly.
- Try applying the nail polish to the base of the nails, without coloring the skin around it.
- It can be helpful to tilt the brush forward and press gently to spread the bristles.
- If you accidentally apply some nail polish to your skin, use a cotton swab to remove it while it is still fresh.
Step 4. Apply a second coat of polish
It will make the color appear rich and even. When the first coat is completely dry, apply a second one in the same way: make a strip along the center of the nail, then another on both sides. Again, let it dry thoroughly.
Step 5. Apply the clear top coat
Ensures the hold of the nail polish and adds a touch of sparkle. It also helps keep your nails looking beautiful for several days before the nail polish starts chipping. Once the top coat has dried, the manicure is complete.
Step 6. Consider some cuter designs
Once you have lacquered your nails, it wouldn't hurt to try some nail art decorations. You could simply use two different colors or create small works of art using different glazes to paint more detailed motifs. Here are some ideas:
- Get a French manicure
- Do the ombré manicure
- Create a marbled effect
- Paint some flowers on the nails
- Draw a panda on the nails
Part 3 of 3: Maintain Healthy Nails
Step 1. Stop biting your nails
This bad habit damages and weakens them, as well as compromising their beauty. Nails can't grow long and strong if you gnaw on them, so find another way to keep your mouth busy and leave them alone.
Step 2. Do not use acetone to remove polish
Acetone is a nail polish remover, but it can also damage your nails. If they are brittle and dry, acetone can even cause them to break apart. Find an acetone-free solvent. It may not remove the nail polish quickly enough, but it will be so much better for your beloved nails.
Step 3. Protect your nails from aggressive substances
Detergents and other chemicals are harsh on nails and skin. When using household cleaning products, always wear gloves to protect your hands. This is especially necessary if you use bleach and other strong chemicals to clean.
- Try replacing household cleaners with natural substances, which are not harmful to your nails. For example, a 50% solution of water and white vinegar is a powerful cleanser to use on most surfaces every day.
- You should also protect your hands when washing dishes. Dishwashing detergent dries your skin, so wear rubber gloves to prevent your hands from coming into contact with the soap.
Step 4. Don't use your nails as if they were tools
If you normally use your nails instead of scissors, cutting tools, and knives, they will likely break quite often. To keep them beautiful and healthy, do not misuse them in circumstances where they risk breaking or splintering. It is better to use the right work tools rather than forcing them unnecessarily.
Step 5. Take a break between nail polishes, gels and acrylics
Nail polishes, gels and especially acrylics can be quite aggressive. These substances contain chemicals that are difficult to remove without using other chemicals. Over time, your nails will tend to weaken and possibly even turn yellow if they don't get a chance to breathe every now and then. At least one week a month try not to apply nail polish, gel or acrylic.
