Do you love manicures and pedicures but can’t seem to find enough time for them? If you’re nodding yes, you’re not alone. Many women juggle demanding careers, busy social calendars, and personal lives as single parents.
The result is that many of us are simply too busy for salon visits. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the look of your nails. With just a bit of practice and preparation, anyone can learn how to do their own nails at home using simple tools and techniques. Even if you think your fingers aren’t nimble enough to get this job done, keep reading to discover six helpful tips on how to do your own nails at home.
Show Off Your Nails with Nude Shades
When it comes to doing your own nails at home, you might think that bright and bold colors are the way to go—but they’re not. Instead, you’re better off opting for neutral shades like cream, nude, or beige. These colors are versatile, meaning they go with most outfits and don’t attract as much attention as bold shades.
This is especially helpful if you have to work with clients or if you have to present at a conference. Cream and nude colors also work perfectly if you have short nails and want them to look longer. Simply apply two coats of the color and finish with a top coat for a more polished look.
Use a Buffer to Smoothen Your Nails
If your nails look a bit ragged and uneven, you may want to use a buffer to even them out before you apply the polish. A nail file or buffer is a small, hand-held tool with a rough surface that you run along your nails.
If you’re unsure which nail file or buffer to use, ask your local salon employee what they recommend. Some of the best nail files contain one-sided crystals. Others feature a soft pad made from a material called foam. If you’re doing your own nails at home, a file with a crystal surface is your best bet.
Use a Scraper to Even Out the Surface of Your Nails
If you have ridges or bumps on your nails, a nail scraper is a handy tool to have on hand. While a nail file works by filing down the length of your nails, a scraper removes the top layer of your nails to even out the surface.
If you use a nail file improperly, it can lead to ingrown nails. While ingrown nails are a common problem, they are particularly painful. To avoid ingrown nails when doing your own nails at home, use a nail file in one direction only. Additionally, make sure to file in single strokes and have your nails dry before you start filing.
Choose a Nice Paint Color and Lay It on Thick
For the best selection of colors consider shopping online at a shop like Estetista. When choosing the right paint color, consider the season and your style. For instance, red, white, and black work well for the fall and winter months. Whereas pink, purple, and turquoise are perfect for summer.
When it comes to painting your nails, it’s important to go heavy on the first coat. This will ensure that there aren’t any bald spots, and your nail color will look even and smooth. If you apply too thin of a coat, you’ll likely have a chipped manicure in as little as three days.
Don’t Forget the Top Coat
No matter how careful you are and how heavy you apply the first coat of nail polish, you can’t avoid chips and cracks entirely. But with the help of a top coat, you can delay the appearance of these defects for several days.
A top coat provides a protective barrier between your nail polish and the outside world to prevent chipping. It also seals your manicure, making it last longer. When shopping for top coats, look for ones that include ingredients like Vitamin E. This ingredient helps protect your skin, preventing peeling and cracking.
Tips To Keep In Mind While Doing Your Own Nails At Home
When doing your own nails at home, try to limit your activities as much as possible. This will help keep your hands protected, which, in turn, will allow your nails to dry faster. If you have to go out, though, opt for a clear coat, which will protect your nails from breaking and chipping.
When washing your hands, try to avoid using hot water and soap. Doing so can dry out your hands and nails, and it can also weaken your cuticles. Similarly, try to avoid using a nail file while your hands are wet—this can also damage your cuticles and make them brittle. Finally, keep in mind that while you can do your own nails at home, they may not look as professional as salon manicures do.
Conclusion
So if you are someone who likes to keep their nails in good shape and loves a nice manicure but doesn’t have the time to go to the salon and ask for one, then you can do your own nails at home with ease. There are many benefits to doing your nails at home and you can do it whenever you want to, wherever you want to do it.