The proper manicure and tools are some of the best accessories to complete your look, no matter if you are running errands or heading out for a night on the town. For years, I was one of those people that paid an arm and a leg at the salon versus taking my nails into my own hands. Fortunately, after purchasing VENUS Elegant Touch Electric Nail Art Drill Grinder Nail File, I realized that DIYing manicures have endless possibilities! Thanks to this file, I can polish my nails like a pro in no time!
Here are some tips that will help you get started with your home manicure:
Clean Nails
Ensure your nails are clean before starting any nail art. The last thing you want is dirt and oil to get trapped under your nail polish. If you have been gardening, playing with the dog, or doing some heavy cleaning, remember to clean your nails before applying any color.
Massaging and Moisturizing
Smooth out your cuticles. Begin by massaging them slightly with a moisturizing lotion. Then use a cuticle stick and nuzzle back your cuticles from the nail plate. Cut off any dead skin that might have been left behind, and always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after this part of the process is complete!
Getting Rid of Oil
Remove all oils from around the nail plate using an alcohol-based solution (you can also use acetone). This will ensure the base coat adheres better to the nail plate and dries faster.
Applying Base Coat
Apply your base coat, but remember that applying the product to the cuticle area is unnecessary. They designed a base coat to protect your nails from discoloration caused by staining agents in nail polish colors. If you use a colored base, you will need fewer coats of color since it has already been applied to you!
Applying Two Coats
Apply two coats of color. This will give you vivid and bold colors, which means less time waiting for each layer to dry! If your nails are small enough, I recommend applying three thin coats instead of two thick ones. The thinner coats give shear results that are easier to work with, especially when creating layers or stamping. When using three thin layers, be extra careful not to smudge your nails.
Applying Cuticle Oil
Apply cuticle oil or a nourishing lotion to the cuticle area before applying your topcoat. This will keep your nails hydrated and prevent cracking or dryness. If you don’t have any cream, try using Vaseline instead! It’s much cheaper but just as hydrating for your nails.
Finishing Up with Top Coat
Finish with a high-gloss top coat that adds shine, or if you are looking for something matte, apply a layer of clear nail polish instead of a glossy one! Remember to wait until each layer is dehydrated before moving on to the next step in this manicure at home process.
Enjoying your Manicure
Enjoy your new manicure! If you want to experiment with nail art, use the Elegant Touch Electric Nail Art Drill Grinder to create some unique designs on your nails. Or, if you are like me and love stamping, seal on the design using a special topcoat or clear nail polish (whichever one is more suited for the plan), then scrape off the excess using an orange stick.
This will give you a smooth and clean finish.
Applying Cuticle Remover
Apply cuticle remover to the skin around your nail plate before nuzzling back your cuticles again. This process should be done once or twice per week to prevent dryness & cracking. I recommend you apply cuticle removal only twice per week because it will dry out the area even more if used too often! Remember to always moisturize after removing cuticles. Don’t forget this critical step if you want them to look healthy and beautiful!
Being Regular
Finally, remember that the essential part of taking great care of your nails is placed to do it regularly. Staying on top of caring for our nails takes time and commitment, but all the effort is well worth it in the end when we get to adorn ourselves with beautiful and healthy nails.
Now you need some tools for the job, but where do you start? The below will guide you through everything that you’ll need to know about nail supplies and how to select the right ones.
Course Files
You will want a nail file that is neither too coarse nor too fine. Rough files can split your nails and create an uneven surface while filing your nails with excellent grits can make them weak by creating micro-chips in the edges as they wear down. Also, note that wood files are less aggressive at removing material than metal for natural nails. In contrast, metal files may be more appropriate for acrylic or keratin treatment nails since those forms of enhancement are more brittle. If you are using metal files, ensure to use them only in one direction, with the pointed end of the file pointing away from your fingers!
Buffing Blocks
Buffing blocks are also essential for creating a smooth surface on the nail plate that reduces splitting and peeling between your manicure services. You can either go for a pre-cut oil-based buffer or an emergency board-type device, both of which will safely remove any roughness from the nail plate. There is also some controversy surrounding one of these two filing types since some say that emery boards wear down nails more quickly. Some top professionals claim the fine powder they leave behind after being used is helpful for nails by acting as a sort of exfoliant. It is a good idea for you to try both methods and see which one works best for you!
Cuticle Remover
You will want to have on hand a cuticle remover that is suitable for your skin type. This is a crucial step of any manicure at the home process as it allows you to remove the hard skin around nails, push back the cuticles correctly and hydrate them afterwards. For those with sensitive or dryer skin, oil-based removers are recommended. In contrast, individuals with normal or oily complexions may fare better using water-based removers like Lancôme Crème Radiance Nail & Cuticle Remover. It is also essential that agents read package instructions before applying these products; some contain lactic acid (milk extracts), salicylic acid (an exfoliate), or other skin-softening agents, which can cause irritations.
Orange Stick
Once you have pushed back the cuticles, use an orange stick to ensure no sharp hangnails are still attached to your nails. Chopstick ends also works great for this!
Nail Files
Nail files should always be used in one direction away from your fingers. This is because filing in circles causes excessive micro-tears on the surface of the nail plate, resulting in peeling after service instead of having a smooth polished nail, which is what clients want!
Primer
Choosing a primer that fits your needs is essential to create a firm base for polishing. A flexible builder may be best for those with nails that break easily to prevent chipping and splitting after the manicure process. Those who work in nail salons could benefit from using a hard gel to help protect fragile nails from breaking under the stress of filing, shaping, and other tasks performed during salon service.
Hopefully, this article helped you remember to take care of your nails after a manicure service. If you used to get them done often, what tips do you find most beneficial for maintaining the health and appearance of your nails? Please share in the comments below!
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