How to make the perfect manicure at home: 9 tips from the experts

A neat manicure always improves your mood. However, you don't always need to go to a salon to get your nails looking neat, because many women take care of them at home.

This requires some practice, but the result is definitely worth it. Woman and Home shared tips from professionals on nail care.

Preparation before starting a manicure

Start by filing your nails: choose the desired shape and then file the edges of your nails. The next step is to take care of the cuticles – they need to be pushed back using, for example, an orange stick.

This is followed by sanding the surface of the nails to remove the top layer. This will help the polish adhere better. Then, wipe the nails from dust before applying the base. Now you can proceed to painting. If you are using traditional polishes, you should let your nails dry for 5 minutes before applying a second coat of color.

Stay away from water immediately after a manicure

As for the gel and other types of manicures with UV treatment, the expert advises refraining from exposing your nails to water for at least a few hours after the manicure so that the varnish can fully cure.

Wear gloves if possible

"The chemicals in everyday household cleaners can also affect the durability of nail polish, so wear gloves when doing your chores if possible," says manicure expert Kristen White. Even if it's just a few plates, it's still better to take care of protecting the coating.

Never skip cuticle oil

Cuticle oil is a manicure's best friend. Experts advise using it daily to keep your nails strong and healthy.

Do not peel off the polish yourself

Don't peel off your nail polish if it's chipped or cracked. Along with the color, you can damage the nails, leading to their future fragility.

Choose a color

Some nail polish colors last longer than others. According to the expert, glitter nail polishes tend to last longer (so they're harder to remove!), and nude nail polish is a great choice because it tends to be less noticeable if a small crack appears.

Respond quickly to cracks and chips

When the polish starts to chip, you can still save your manicure. First, file the edge to smooth it out and apply a thin layer on top to protect the manicure from further peeling.

Choose a nail shape that does not require constant care

The choice of nail shape can also determine how long your manicure will last. If you choose a shape that is less prone to damage, such as round or oval, your manicure will last longer.

Choose gel polish or acrylic

If you're looking for a manicure that is guaranteed to last for weeks, choose gel polish or acrylic. You will need a lamp with ultraviolet light and special materials, but such a home procedure can replace the salon one.

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