As moms, we’ve all let our kids paint our nails at some point. The problem is when your friends can’t tell whether your manicure is courtesy of your kid, or you…
If you haven’t yet mastered the art of painting your own nails and don’t have the time or money to have them done professionally once a month, keep reading.
With these 5 nail painting tips, you will end up with a classy, professional-looking DIY manicure every time.
1. Prep Your Nails for Your DIY Manicure
Although nail polish looks like the star of the show of any DIY manicure, it isn’t the most important step.
Preparing your nails for your manicure helps the polish to last longer and prevent chipping.
To prepare your nails, use these steps:
Step 1. Use acetone or white vinegar to remove any nail polish or dirt on the nail.
Step 2. Gently push back your cuticles. Usually, pushing them back is enough and you won’t need to remove them.
Step 3. Wash your hands and scrub underneath your nails.
Many people swear that you need to soak your hands before doing your own manicure. Although it makes cuticle management easier, soaking your nails before painting them can actually shorten your nail polish’s lifespan!
Soaking expands your nail bed. When they shrink back to their usual size, nail polish comes right off.
2. Shape Your Nails
The most important thing when shaping your nails is consistency. Different nail shapes suit different lifestyles and finger shapes.
Try not to move back and forward with your file. Rather, start at the edges and file in a smooth motion towards the center of the nail. This helps keep your nails healthy and prevents splitting.
When you find a shape you like, file your nails so they look the same. Having the same length and shape makes your manicure look professional.
3. Apply Nail Polish
Now comes the fun part – adding the color! Choose one color for both your hands or choose a range of similar colors from nail polish sets and paint some nails in a different tone.
Start with a base coat to protect your nails from staining and to help your color polish stick to the nail.
Next, paint your nails with your chosen color. Rather use multiple thin layers of polish than one thick, goopy layer. Thinner coats dry fully and last longer on the nail.
Finish your manicure off with a topcoat to prevent chipping and add shine!
4. Fix Mistakes as They Happen
You’re bound to make a mistake or two while painting your nails. When they happen, don’t panic!
Dip a stick with a flat edge into acetone and carefully clean up rough or shaky edges.
5. Manicure Maintenance is a Must
To stretch the time between each at home manicure, you need to look after your handiwork. Unless you enjoy the chipped-polish look, make sure to do the following:
- Use cuticle oil regularly
- Use hand cream after washing hands
- Use gloves when working with harsh cleaning chemicals
- Don’t use your nail as a screwdriver
These simple changes in your routine will strengthen your natural nails and encourage growth. Healthy nails not only look and feel good – they’re easier to paint!
If your manicure chips, you can touch up those areas with a little polish. Remember to apply a clear topcoat on top to keep your fixes from chipping within a matter of hours!
Become a DIY Manicure Pro
A fresh set of nails never fails to make you feel good about yourself.
By now you should know how to apply nail polish like a pro. Once you’ve got these DIY manicure basics down to fine art, you can begin experimenting with nail stickers, French tips, or even fun patterns!
Was this post helpful? Check out our blog for more tips and tricks for being the stylish and sophisticated mom you were born to be!
