Ever thought about why your nails seem to turn out way nicer after a salon manicure compared to when you do them yourself at home? Well, it’s all about the technique.
Professional nail technicians are skilled in nail care and applying polish, resulting in a glossy, long-lasting finish that often outshines a DIY job. If you’re curious about mastering nail polish applications like a pro, check out our expert tips from nail tech instructors in Nancy Nail.
How to apply nail polish at home?
Choose the right nail polish
Don’t limit yourself to color selection while choosing nail polish. Choose trustworthy brands like Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen that are frequently seen at nail salons. These brands are easily found in beauty aisles and come highly recommended by experts.
If your nail polish has been stored for a while, make sure it is still functional. After shaking, if the polish has split and isn’t blending, throw it out and get a fresh one. Your nails will look uneven and blotchy if you use dried-out nail polish.
Smooth and shape your nails with file and buffer
To begin your manicure or pedicure, make sure your hands and nails are clean. Use a file and a buffer to shape and even out your nails. When filing, always move the file from the corner to the center, in one direction. Remember to avoid sawing back and forth, since this might result in splintering and damage.
Buffing your nails is an important step that is sometimes ignored in home manicures, but it has several benefits, including increasing circulation to the nail beds and producing a smoother surface for polish application. However, poor buffing might be more harmful than beneficial. Most nail buffers have four surfaces of varied grit.
Begin with the roughest surface, holding the buffer at an angle against the nail and sliding it towards the center. Repeat this on both sides of each nail, starting from the base and gradually easing pressure as you reach the tip.
Don’t forget the base and top coat of the nails
Skipping these stages is not something a professional nail technician would do, and you should not do it either! Residue and oils on your nails might cause your lacquer to chip or peel, so start with a good base. Base coats also protect your nails and cuticles from frequent problems such as breakage, cracking, and peeling.
The top coat locks in the color, protects against chipping, and provides a glossy finish for a polished appearance. For long-lasting polish, use a quick-drying, glossy top coat to avoid smudges and get on with your day.
Create a clean outline around your nails
You should use a thin brush dipped in nail polish remover to trace around your nail cuticles. This keeps the polish from spreading onto your skin and gives your nails a professional look. After painting your nails, apply oil or lotion to moisturize your cuticles.
Apply nail polish perfectly and carefully
Before opening your nail paint bottle, gently roll it between your palms for 15-20 seconds. This helps to blend the polish evenly without forming bubbles, which could result in a streaky application. When you remove the brush, wipe any excess polish off one side and spread the bristles down the bottle’s neck.
To remove any excess polish, lightly tap the other side of the brush. Next, apply the polish in a single smooth stroke down the center of your nail, beginning at the cuticle and progressing towards the tip.
Then, run the brush along the left and right edges of the nail. This approach ensures a uniform application throughout the entire nail while avoiding applying too much paint at once. Let each coat dry completely before adding another layer.
You may want to apply one or two additional coats to achieve the desired color intensity. Finally, finish off with a top coat for added shine and protection.
Rotate your dominant hand to apply nail polish
To make it easier to apply nail polish on your non-dominant hand, try this trick: if you’re right-handed, for instance, painting your left hand can be tough. Instead of struggling with your weaker hand, lay your right hand flat and twist it as you paint each nail.
Allow for adequate drying time
After applying each coat of nail polish, wait for it to dry before adding another layer. Once you’ve finished applying all the coats, wait for your nails to dry completely before doing anything else.
The drying time varies depending on the type of nail polish and how many coats you’ve applied, but usually, you should allow at least 20 minutes for the color to set before moving on with your day.
FAQs
How can I prevent smudges and streaks during application?
To avoid smudges and streaks, make sure each layer of polish is completely dry before applying the next. Wait at least two minutes between coats, and avoid touching or bumping your nails against anything until they are fully dry. Additionally, using thin coats of polish will help prevent streaking and ensure a more even application.
How do I clean up any mistakes or excess polish?
If you make a mistake or get polish on your skin, don’t worry! Simply dip a small brush or cotton swab in nail polish remover and carefully clean up the edges of your nails. For larger mistakes, you can use a pointed cotton swab dipped in remover to gently erase any errors.
How long should I wait for my nails to dry before doing other activities?
While nail polish may feel dry to the touch after a few minutes, it’s best to wait at least 20-30 minutes before engaging in any activities that could potentially smudge or damage your polish. For optimal results, wait an hour or more before subjecting your nails to any heavy pressure or contact.
Conclusion
In short, we cover the ultimate guide on how to apply nail polish. Mastering the art of applying nail polish like a professional is easier than you think. By following simple yet effective techniques, you can elevate your nail painting game and achieve flawless results every time, right in the comfort of your own home.