If you feel like getting a manicure, but don't want to spend money at the beautician, try doing it yourself. For a professional result, be sure to trim and moisturize your nails before proceeding with nail polish application. With the right tools and a little patience, you will be able to do a splendid manicure that will have nothing to envy to that of a beauty salon.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Trim and Moisturize Nails
Step 1. Get everything you need
In order to create a beautiful manicure, it may be necessary to make a small investment at first. The tools and products you buy will last for months or even years, so they will undoubtedly save you money in the long run. Before you go to work, prepare everything you need. Here's what you'll need:
- Nail polish remover;
- Cotton balls;
- Push cuticles or orange wood stick;
- Nail clipper;
- Polishing block;
- Nail file;
- Cuticle oil or hand cream;
- Base for enamel;
- Enamel;
- Top coat.
Step 2. Before starting, the nails need to be cleaned
If there are any remaining nail polish residues, remove them with solvent and a cotton swab. If you wear acrylic or gel nails and want to take them off, remove them now. At this point, wash your nails and dry them well before starting the procedure.
- Look for an acetone-free nail polish remover, which can dry out your nails, preventing you from getting a flawless manicure.
- If you wear them long, clean them well with warm soapy water.
Step 3. Cut and file your nails
Get the desired length with the help of a nail clipper. Although they are beautiful, long nails are difficult to care for and maintain. If you prefer them short, don't go overboard with the cut: the white bezel should go beyond the tip of your finger. To get an even shape, gently drag the file over the nail.
- Avoid moving the file back and forth: gently drag it in one direction only to avoid weakening the nail fibers.
- The square and oval shapes are among the most popular. To get the first, file the tips so that they are straight at the top and rounded at the edges. To get the second, file them to create a slightly tapered oval shape, with a rounded tip.
Step 4. Sand your nails to smooth them and create an even surface that is conducive to applying nail polish
To start, use the part of the block that has the coarsest grain. Gently massage it on the nail to smooth out any irregularities. Repeat with the surface that has a medium grain. Finish with the less rough part.
- Do not apply too much pressure and do not sand too much, otherwise you risk thinning the surface of the nail.
- You can also polish them after treating your cuticles. This would be preferable if the cuticles extend over a large part of the nail.
Step 5. Soak your cuticles for 5 minutes in a bowl of warm water
You can add a few drops of soap or a scented oil. This treatment allows you to soften the cuticles and facilitate the next step. Gently push them towards the skin with a stick.
- Don't push too hard and avoid tearing the cuticles. They must be intact, as they protect the nail bed and prevent it from becoming infected.
- Never use a cuticle cutter. This tool is often used by the beautician, the problem is that it can expose the fingers to possible infections or make them bleed. You can make a nice manicure while not cutting the cuticles.
Step 6. Apply oil or cream to give yourself a hand massage, a treatment typically performed by a beautician
Massage the product into your hands, fingers and nails. Let it absorb for about 5 minutes. At this point, soak a cotton swab or pad in solvent and massage it into your nails to remove excess oil or cream, thus facilitating the adhesion of the nail polish.
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Nail Polish
Step 1. Apply the base to each nail with extreme care in order to create a good surface for the polish
This product allows to obtain a uniform and streak-free result. Let it dry for 5 minutes before continuing.
- The base is usually transparent, sometimes neutral. You can use whichever you prefer.
- Some bases leave a slightly sticky surface after drying, in order to favor the adhesion of the enamel.
Step 2. Apply polish
Roll the bottle in your hands for about 10 seconds in order to mix the pigments and remove the air bubbles. Open it and paint your nails creating a thin, even layer. Dip the brush and rotate it on the rim of the bottle to remove excess product. A small amount of nail polish is enough. Paint a vertical line in the center of the nail, then finish coloring it by passing the brush on the sides. Repeat on all nails.
- Shaking the bottle causes bubbles to form, so make sure you roll it in your hands.
- While painting the nail, tilt the brush slightly and press it gently to open the bristles.
- Avoid applying a large drop of nail polish to the nail and then spread it, otherwise the coat will be uneven.
- Place your finger on a table or other stable surface.
Step 3. Let it dry and make a second pass
The first coat should dry completely before proceeding. Make the second pass in the same way as described above. Create a vertical streak, then apply polish on the sides. Repeat on all nails. Let them dry thoroughly before continuing.
- The second pass usually takes longer than the first to dry. Try to be patient.
- You can speed up drying by putting your hands (but not too close) to a fan.
Step 4. Touch up the polish
If you've accidentally stained your skin, soak a cotton swab in solvent and rub it carefully on the affected area to clean it. Avoid touching your nails and fresh polish.
- There are pens that help make touch-ups with greater precision.
- To touch up your nail polish using your non-dominant hand, stabilize your dominant hand by placing it on a table.
Step 5. Finish with a coat of top coat, a clear polish that helps keep the manicure intact for at least a week
If you skip this step, the enamel will come off much sooner. Apply it all over your nails and let them dry completely. At this point you will have finished the manicure.
- You can now add accessories such as stickers or gems.
- If you use adhesives, you can fix them with another coat of top coat.
Part 3 of 3: Cute Ideas
Step 1. Get a French manicure, a classic that fits both everyday life and special occasions
The base of the nail should be painted with a neutral color, while the tips should be white.
Step 2. Create a marbled effect
It's gorgeous, but not as difficult as it may seem. It is a cute technique that requires you to use more than one color, creating a beautiful impressionistic effect.
Step 3. Create a sponged effect or shady, which never goes out of style.
It is a nice but discreet technique, as it does not feature any excess. You can create shades from white to red, from yellow to green, or with the whole rainbow.
Step 4. Try doing a season of the year or party inspired nail art
You can opt for a themed color scheme or consider more complex designs like the following:
- Christmas themed nail art, for example with snowmen;
- Easter themed nail art with bunnies;
- Nail art inspired by the sea;
- Halloween-inspired nail art, for example with cobwebs.
Step 5. Create nature-inspired designs
Do you love pandas or flowers? Show everyone what you like by painting your nails with a natural inspired pattern. Here are some easy and cute ideas:
- Panda;
- Owls;
- Leopard nails;
- Flowers;
- Palms.
Advice
- Use a good quality nail polish that won't flake after two hours.
- Before painting your nails, apply a base to prevent them from coming into direct contact with the chemicals contained in the nail polish. Then, apply a clear top coat to polish them.
- Always apply a top coat to prevent the nail polish from flaking immediately.
- If you don't have a cuticle pusher, use a coin or business card, but be careful.
