If you're anything like us, then you're absolutely obsessed with your nails, the length, degree of smoothness, color, shine, etc. Here are some helpful pointers we use to achieve and maintain salon quality nails from home:
1. File your nails in one direction. Don't saw them back and forth that will only cause cracking and breaking over time.
2. If you are wearing your own nails, try keeping them as short as possible. As much as we all love long nails, they snag, chip, and break very easily.
3. Keep your cuticles cut. They may seem insignificant but long unsightly cuticles can take away from the look of your nails.
4. Before applying polish make sure the surface of your nails is as clean and smooth as possible. We suggest using a four sided buffer (you know the kind that buffs, smooths, shines, and evens out the nail) and washing your hands before applying polish.
5. Always apply a base coat or ridge filler before applying polish. We recommend OPI, Essie, and Seche Vite top coasts and ridge fillers. If you're applying a really dark color try using two coats of base coat.
6. Once you're base coat has dried, go ahead and start building your polish in thin and even strokes. We recommend a minimum of two coats of polish. Be sure to wait at least 2 minutes between applying coats.
7. Once you're nail polish has dried apply a fast dry top coat, our personal favorite for achieving super shiny nails is Seche Vite, as a second runner up we suggest out the door top coat, its a less expensive option, but you get what you pay for.
8. For a super clean looking finished product try using a Q-Tip or small precision brush dipped in acetone to clean up any messy edges. We live by this technique.
9. Next, is the hard part, waiting on your nails to dry. There are a few quick dry sprays out there, but our suggestion is to just sit still and let them dry. If you are really really in a hurry try letting your nails dry for five minutes or so then dipping them in ice water or running them under cold water... it freezes the polish and help your nails to dry faster.
10. Although we swear by acetone for cleaning up your nails, it can be death on your cuticles. Try removing your old polish with good old fashion nail polish remover. It can sometimes be a pain but your cuticles will thank you later. We suggest Zoya's polish remover. It's not bad on your cuticles, and it comes in a bottle with a fancy pump, which we love.
11. Last but not least take your time. A good manicure takes time and most of all practice. It may be difficult to polish the hand opposite your writing hand, but with time you'll get the hang of it. Excessive hand washing. tapping, typing, and even hand sanitizer use will cause your polish to chip faster. Try to keep your hands moisturized, and type and tap with your fingertips.
What tricks have you found for making your manicures last?
