Applying polish is not easy. Even though the nails from the manicure at the salon are nice to look at, they are really heavy on the pocket. Clean and polished salon-looking colored nails aren't easy to achieve, but with proper nail preparation and quality nail polish, your nails can look like they've been professionally treated and this look can last up to a week.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing Your Nails
Step 1. Trim and file your nails
Before you start painting your nails, it's important to make sure you shape your nails the way you want them. Trimming your nails to desired lengths and trimming the edges with a nail file can make your nails look prettier, tidier, and prevent them from getting damaged quickly.
When filing your nails, make sure you move the nail file in one direction. Don't file it in a different direction as this can make the edges of your nails uneven and cause them to crack, break, and peel quickly. Move the nail file from left to right and gently sweep the nail edges with this tool
Step 2. Shine nails
To get a neat nail appearance and get rid of uneven surfaces, use a four-way buffer. Make sure you move the tool in an X pattern and don't overdo it as this can rub against the nails too much and collect too much heat and make your nails weak.
- Make sure when polishing your nails lift the tool every time you rub it so that there is no excessive friction on the nails.
- A four-way buffer is basically just an ordinary buffer block with four distinct edges that ranges from rough to very smooth. Start polishing your nails with a rough surface to shape and define the shape of your nails. Then use a smooth surface to smooth the nails. After that, use a very smooth surface to smooth out the surface that is still uneven and finally, use the smoothest surface to make the nails shiny.
Step 3. Do not cut or trim cuticles
When doing nail treatments at the salon, many therapists cut the cuticles because this makes the nails look more beautiful. If you're not a trained therapist, don't mess with your cuticles, as this can damage them. Cuticles provide protection for nails so instead of cutting them, try applying cuticle oil which will moisturize and soften dry cuticles.
Step 4. Clean the nails
Before applying nail polish, it's a good idea to clean your nails of dirt, moisture, or old nail polish which can cause the new coat of polish to smudge easily because these nail polishes don't stick to your nails well. Wash your hands with soap and water and try to clean your nails with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover to get rid of excess oil.
Make sure you dry your hands after cleaning them to get rid of any excess moisture on your nails. Nail polish does not rub off well if there is water remaining
Step 5. Choose a good quality nail polish
The type of nail polish you use is key to getting your nails looking good and long lasting. Don't buy cheap nail polish and try to spend more money on high-quality nail polish. It may cost more but a nail polish like this will last longer on your nails and won't dry out as quickly in the bottle.
- Essie, OPI, RGB, M. A. C. Studio, Butter London, Orly and Rescue Beauty Lounge are some of the highest quality nail polishes that have been tested to last longer and paint evenly.
- Wet and Wild Megalast is also known as a high quality nail polish even though the price is cheap because users find this nail polish can last as long as more expensive nail polishes. So, if you're looking for a brand that's more pocket-friendly, give this nail polish a try.
- It's best to avoid nail polishes that have three chemicals -- formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate -- in them because they can have negative effects if used long term. However, the occasional use of nail polish containing this ingredient will not cause major damage. If you constantly use nail polish, we recommend that you buy a nail polish without this chemical. Essie and Butter London are safe options to use for a long time.
Part 2 of 2: Paint Your Nails
Step 1. Apply a base coat
After you have prepped your nails, apply a base coat on your nails to make the polish last longer and adhere better. Use a good quality base coat, such as the nail polish brand mentioned above, and apply a light coat in about three strokes. Let the base coat dry before you apply nail polish.
The base coat not only helps the nail polish to stick to the nails (usually these products are sticky so it helps the nail polish stick to the nails so don't be surprised) but also prevents the darker color from staining your nails
Step 2. Apply the first coat of nail polish and let it dry
Once you've applied the base coat to your nails, you can start applying the actual nail polish. Take a nail polish brush and dip it into the nail polish until enough of the nail polish sticks to the brush to apply lightly onto the nails. Then, apply three thin coats of nail polish with one coat in the middle and two coats on either side. Let the nail polish dry for two minutes before applying a second coat.
Step 3. Apply a second coat and wait for it to dry
After the nail polish is dry, you can apply a second coat of nail polish using the same technique as the first coat, with three thin, even coats of nail polish. Let the nail polish dry and apply a third coat if you want a darker color. If you want a lighter color, the second coat can be the last coat.
Step 4. Apply top coat
When you have finished applying the nail polish to your nails, you should apply a top coat to help the polish last longer and keep it from clumping. Make sure your nails are dry before applying a top coat -- the polish should no longer feel sticky. Then, apply one layer of top coat with three strokes in one direction. Allow the top coat to dry before you do anything else with your hands to avoid damaging your nail polish.
- If you're not sure if your nails are dry and you don't want to touch them for fear of damaging them, you can apply a small amount of top coat to your nails. If the brush from the top coat becomes slightly colored, it means that the nail polish is not dry and you will have to wait a few more minutes before you can apply the final coat.
- To help your nails dry faster, you can dip them in ice water or very cold water from the tap. If you're not in a hurry, it's a good idea to apply a top coat that works more slowly as it usually provides a better layer of protection.
Step 5. Clean the area around the nail
When you paint your nails, you may find that your finger skin is also exposed to nail polish, which can make your hands look dirty. It's not that hard to clean your nails--use a cotton swab and dip it in nail polish remover. Then, rub the excess nail polish around the nails until the nails look neat.
It's best to wait to do this after the nails are dry. You can do this while you're still painting your nails, but you could end up ruining the nail polish you just applied. Nail polish that has been covered with a top coat and has dried will take extra effort to get off with a nail polish remover so if you accidentally hit it while trying to fix your nails, it will be a bit more difficult to clean
Step 6. Store nail polish in a cool place
Exposure to bright light or heat can cause nail polish to change in texture and color, so it's best to store nail polish in a cool, dark area. You can store nail polish in the refrigerator to help it last longer and prevent it from clumping so it's easier for you to apply it.
