Getting your nails done can be an intimidating experience, especially if you’re not sure what to expect from your first visit. But there are ways to make it easier on yourself—and more fun! We asked our nail experts for their tips on how to look like a pro in no time flat. Read on for advice on choosing the right polish shade, finding a great manicurist, and much more.
Choosing the right color is key when it comes to making your manicure last longer than just a day or two. “If you have pale hands, try a darker color, such as black or dark purple,” says Dr. Kavita Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermatology Today. If you have darker skin, opt for a pinkish-red tone. “It makes your hand pop out against the rest of your face,” she adds.
When it comes to your cuticles, “it’s all about balance,”. “You want them soft and smooth, but not so soft that they fall off.” She recommends using a cotton swab dipped in olive oil to gently clean around your cuticle beds before applying any kind of treatment. This helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps your cuticles moisturized.
A manicure lasts anywhere between three to seven days, depending on the type of product used. “Some people think that because they get a manicure once a week, they can skip the application of top coat,”. However, this isn’t true. Top coats help protect your manicure by preventing chipping and peeling. They also add shine and longevity.
Finding a professional who knows her stuff is important. “I recommend going to a salon where the staff has been trained in proper techniques,”. “This way, you know you’ll receive quality care.” You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Some Ways To Get Your Hands On A Beautiful Manicure At Home
Manicures aren't just for girls anymore. Men are now getting their nails done too. While there's nothing wrong with having a pedicure, men should be careful when choosing which products they use during their manicure. Here are a few things to keep in mind so that you don't end up with a messy mess.
1. Don't use acetone. Acetone dries quickly, but it also strips the nail polish off of your nails. Instead, use a nail polish remover that contains alcohol. It will take longer to dry, but it won't damage your nails like acetone would.
2. Avoid harsh chemicals. Many nail polishes contain strong chemicals that can irritate your skin and cause rashes. Try to find nail polishes that are free of these types of chemicals.
3. Be mindful of the design. Some nail designs may look good on your fingers, but not necessarily on your toes. For example, rhinestones may look cute on your finger tips, but they might make your toenails appear pointy. If you're unsure about what type of nail design looks best on your feet, ask someone else or get some professional advice before doing any work on your toes.
4. Use an electric buffer. Buffing is one of those tasks that requires a lot of patience. You have to hold down the buffer while it buffs away at your nail polish. This isn't something you want to do if you're trying to watch TV or read a book. An electric buffer eliminates this problem by automatically buffing your nails as you go through your daily routine.
5. Keep your hands clean. When you're finished applying your nail polish, wash your hands immediately after using them. You'll avoid leaving streaks on your nails and making your manicure last longer.
6. Make sure you remove all of the excess polish from around your cuticles. The last thing you want is for your cuticles to become irritated and infected because you didn't properly remove the polish from around them.
7. Apply a topcoat. Topcoats protect your manicured nails from chipping and help them stay looking shiny for a long time. They're especially important if you plan on wearing your manicure out somewhere where it could potentially be exposed to extreme temperatures.
8. Protect your manicure from water. Water can easily chip your manicure, so always try to wear your manicure indoors whenever possible.
9. Don't forget about your cuticles. Cuticle oil helps moisturize your cuticles and keeps them soft and supple.
10. Don't forget about filing your nails. Filing your nails regularly will prevent them from growing unevenly.
11. Don't over-manicure. Too much manicuring can lead to split ends and other problems.
12. Don't wait until your nails grow out. Once your nails start to grow out, you'll need to file them every day to maintain a nice shape.
13. Don't ignore minor imperfections. Small imperfections such as splotches or chips can add character to your manicure.
14. Don't let your nails turn yellow. Yellow nails are unattractive and can even be dangerous.
15. Don't let your manicures dry out. Moisturizing creams can keep your manicure moist and pliable for days.
How to Get an Amazing American Manicure in Minutes
American manicures are a popular way for women to pamper themselves on the weekends. But, you don’t need to be a professional nail artist to achieve this look. In fact, it is easier than you think! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks for creating your own amazing american manicure at home:
1. Start with a clean canvas. Before you start applying polish, make sure that your nails are free of dirt or debris. You can use a cotton ball soaked in acetone (a nail cleaning solution) to remove any excess oil from your cuticles before starting.
2. Apply a base coat. This step will ensure that your nails stay protected during application of polish. I like using OPI Nail Envy Base Coat as it dries quickly and leaves a smooth finish.
3. Paint your nails. Once your nails are clean and coated with a base coat, apply two coats of your chosen color. Don’t forget to let each layer dry completely between applications. A quick tip here – if you have small hands, consider purchasing a smaller bottle of polish so that you can get more out of the container.
4. Polish up. After all four layers of polish have dried, take a fine-tip brush and gently buff away any visible imperfections. If you want to add a little extra shine, you can also lightly spritz with a spray bottle filled with water.
5. Seal it off. To keep your manicure looking fresh for days, seal your manicure with a topcoat. I recommend using Seche Vite Top Coat because it provides a long lasting glossy finish.
6. Add accessories. For a fun twist, try adding one or more accessories to your manicure. I love wearing a studded ring on my pinky finger and a rhinestone necklace around my neck.
7. Enjoy. Now that you have mastered the art of the American manicure, enjoy your weekend!