A manicure is a fun way to relax.Colorful, un-chipped nails can make you feel beautiful and polished.If you want to treat yourself to a gorgeous manicure without the price tag, you can learn the techniques and do it in the comfort of your own home.You can get salon quality results by learning how to clean, shape, and paint your nails.You can save money by becoming a pro manicurist.
Step 1: Remove the old polish from your face.
You need to give yourself a blank canvas before you can apply a new color.When choosing a nail polish removal, look for one that isn't acetone.It is possible for acetone to cause damage to your nails.Rub the nail polish remover into your nail until all of the polish is removed.Tissues and toilet paper are less durable than paper towel.They can cause a mess on your nails.
Step 2: You can trim your nails.
Depending on how long you want your nails to be, you may need a nail clipper or a file.If you want to shorten your nails a lot, use nail clippers to cut them down.If you want to shorten them a bit, just file them down until you're happy with the length.
Step 3: You can shape your nails.
Once you decide on the length of your nails, use the nail file to create the shape you want.Determine if you want your nails to have a squared edge or a more rounded shape.Use short strokes to file the middle and sides of the nails.If you accidentally file your nails shorter than you want, be careful.
Step 4: Push it back.
Put your hands in warm water for a few minutes.If you want to get the best results, mix a few drops of oil into the water.After soaking your nails, you're ready to push them.You can find a cuticle pushing tool at your local drug store.Push your nail back.Don't cut or lift your hair, only push.If you want to protect your nails from harmfulbacteria, be careful not to over-do this.
Step 5: You need to wash your hands.
The nail polish won't adhere to the nail if any of the oils are left on it.Put soap and water on your nails to make sure they are completely dry.If you want to ensure that your nails are completely clean, you can run a tissue with nail polish remover over each nail again.
Step 6: Put a basecoat on.
A base coat creates a smooth canvas for your colored polish to go on.You can find clear nail polishes at your local pharmacy or beauty supply store.Ensuring that your color lasts for as long as possible is something it gives the color something to stick to.Let the basecoat dry before moving on.If you are going to use a dark polish, the basecoat can be helpful.The basecoat will prevent dark polishes from staining your nails.
Step 7: It is recommended to apply a solid color.
It's time for the fun when your basecoat is dry.You want to apply your nail polish in three smooth strokes.If you want to paint the center of your nail, you need to sweep the polish from the base of the nail to the tip.Do the same on both sides of your nail.Don't use too much polish on your brush.You want to apply thin strokes so that the polish doesn't dry out.If your nail polish is light, you may need to apply a second coat.Before applying your second coat, let your first dry thoroughly.
Step 8: Try other techniques
Solid color nails can be beautiful, but salons often offer more intricate styles.The French manicure is the most common style in a salon.It is not impossible to do this at home.You can learn everything you need to know about French manicures here.
Step 9: You can add fun designs.
This step can take a manicure from ordinary to eye-catching.Go ahead and use your brush to create a design.You can find thin nail polish pens or polishes with special, thin brushes at many pharmacy and beauty supply stores.You can draw designs on your nail with these products.A simple dot flower can be created if you don't have a nail polish pen.If it's small enough, you can find something with a flat tip, like the rod of a Q-tip.Put one dot in the center of your nail and surround it with five other dots.
Step 10: Finish with a coat of paint.
Wait until your color has dried completely.Your top coat is a barrier over the colored polish.It will help keep it from chipping.The colored polish should be applied with three smooth strokes.A top coat protects your nails against the elements.
Step 11: Your nails should be dry.
This can be difficult.Before you attempt to use your hands, you need to let your nails dry completely.Quick-drying nail polishes will decrease the waiting period if you don't have a lot of time.If you want to speed up drying time, you can use a blow dryer.If your blow dryer is set to cool, hot air will keep the polish from solidifying, and can cause bubbles.Special nail polish drying sprays are sold at many pharmacy and beauty supply stores.
Step 12: Fix the mistakes.
You can touch up any mistakes you notice after your nails are completely dry.If you don't wait until you are certain that they are dry, you will end up messing with your polish and making the situation worse.Take your brush and dip it into the polish.
Step 13: Fresh top coat applied every couple days.
It's easy to keep your nails looking fresh.When your nail polish starts to look dull, brush on a quick coat of top coat instead of completely removing your polish.This will add shine to your nails and prolong the life of your manicure.