Sophia Delgado
Doing your own nails at home can save you a significant amount of money and give you control over your designs, length, and comfort. With the right equipment and a bit of patience, you can achieve salon-worthy results. The process involves prepping your natural nails by clipping, filing, and shaping them, and then attaching fake nails or applying gel polish. You will need a UV/LED lamp to cure the gel polish or nail glue. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use high-quality products to achieve the best results and avoid safety issues.
Characteristics of doing your own nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Press-on, polish sticker, glaze set |
| Tools | Nail clippers, nail file, nail stone, nail kit |
| Process | Remove old polish, shape nails, dehydrate nails, apply acrylic powder, add topcoat |
| Tips | Avoid kits with MMA (methyl methacrylate), avoid filing wet nails, work in a well-ventilated area |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Firstly, remove any old nail polish. If you have gel polish on your nails, it is important to take the time to soak it off gently. This prevents unnecessary damage to your nails before you start the manicure process. It is important to start with a clean slate to ensure the best results.
Next, you should apply a rich hand cream to moisturize your hands and nails. This step is important as it helps to soften your cuticles, making them easier to manage. After applying the hand cream, soak your nails in warm, soapy water for about five minutes. This step further assists in softening the cuticles and preparing your nails for shaping and polishing.
Once your cuticles are softened, use a nail stone to gently push back your cuticles. Cuticles should not be cut or clipped unless you have a hangnail, as they protect your nails from infection. If you do have a hangnail, carefully trim it with cuticle clippers or small scissors. Filing your nails while they are wet can lead to splitting, so make sure your nails are completely dry before shaping them.
Now, you can begin shaping your nails. Use nail clippers and a nail file to achieve your desired nail shape. Rounded nails that mirror the shape of your cuticle and extend slightly over the fingertip are always a classy choice. If you are applying acrylic nails, you can shape them after securing the tips in place.
Finally, dehydrate your natural nails to remove any moisture that could prevent your polish or acrylics from adhering properly. You can use a nail prep dehydrator for this step, painting from just beyond the cuticle to the tip of your nail. This will ensure a smooth base for your manicure and help your polish or acrylics last longer.
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Using a nail kit
If you're a beginner, it's recommended to start with an all-inclusive kit that contains everything you need, such as the V Beauty Pure Beginner Kit, which includes three acrylic powder shades, monomer, top coat, and primer. When shopping for acrylic kits, avoid kits that contain tips made with MMA (methyl methacrylate) as they can be tough and inflexible and may cause an adverse reaction to your nail beds.
Before using your kit, it's important to prep your nails. Start by removing any old nail polish. If you have gels, soak them off to avoid damaging your nails. Cut your nails using a nail cutter to achieve a uniform look. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails to your desired shape, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or your thumbnails to reveal the base of your nails.
Once your nails are prepped, you can start applying the products from your kit. If you're using an acrylic kit, you'll need to choose the right-sized acrylic tips for your nails and secure them in place. Use nail clippers and a file to shape them accordingly. If there's a noticeable line where the tip is applied, you can buff it down to create a more even surface. Dehydrate your natural nails to remove any moisture that could prevent the acrylic from sticking, and then prime your nails, painting from just beyond the cuticle to the tip of the acrylics.
If you're using a gel nail kit, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully as each brand may have its own set of instructions. Choose a high-quality gel polish from a reputable brand to avoid harmful chemicals and chipping.
For nail polish kits, you can create your own custom nail polish colours and even name your creations. These kits usually come with step-by-step instructions or video guides to help you through the process.
In addition to the basic nail kits, you can also invest in some extra tools to enhance your at-home manicure experience. These include a UV lamp, nail art brushes, builder gel, and an e-file for prepping, shaping, and removing old nails.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. With time and practice, you'll be able to achieve salon-worthy nails in the comfort of your own home.
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Painting your nails
Prepare Your Nails
Start by removing any old nail polish. If you have gel polish on your nails, take the time to soak it off gently to avoid damaging your nails. Then, apply a rich hand cream to moisturize your hands and nails. Soak your nails in warm, soapy water for about five minutes to soften the cuticles. Push back your cuticles with a wet nail stone, and if you have any hangnails, be sure to trim them. Filing your nails while they are still soft after soaking can lead to splitting, so it is best to wait until they are completely dry.
Shape Your Nails
Before painting your nails, shape them with a nail file. Rounded nails that mirror the shape of your cuticle and extend slightly over the fingertip are always elegant. If you are applying acrylic nails, you can shape them with nail clippers and a file after securing the tips in place. If there is a noticeable line where the tip is applied, buff it down to create a smooth surface.
Paint Your Nails
Once your nails are shaped and dry, it's time to paint them. Start by applying a base coat to help the colour go on smoothly and last longer. There are different base coats available to address specific nail concerns, such as ridges. When applying the colour, use three strokes for each nail: one on each side and a swipe across the tip to prevent chips. It is best to apply two thin coats of colour, waiting a few minutes between each coat.
Finish with a Top Coat
If you want a shiny finish, seal your manicure with a thin layer of top coat. Remember not to add too much, as you don't want to add bulk to your nail. Alternatively, you can use an acrylic powder colour of your choice and finish with a thin encapsulation layer of acrylic mixture for a shiny look.
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Avoiding common mistakes
Doing your own nails at home can be a fun and cost-effective hobby. However, there are some common mistakes that people often make when starting out. Here are some tips to help you avoid those pitfalls and achieve salon-quality nails at home:
Choose the right kit:
Start with an all-inclusive kit that contains everything you need, including detailed instructions. Some kits may require you to purchase additional supplies separately for removal, so read the descriptions carefully. Make sure the kit doesn't contain tips made with MMA (methyl methacrylate) as it can be inflexible and cause adverse reactions.
Prepare your nails:
Before applying any product, it's crucial to prepare your nails properly. Remove any old nail polish, especially gels, by soaking them off gently. Cut and file your nails to the desired length and shape, but don't over-file as it can damage your nails and make them susceptible to infection. Push back your cuticles gently with a cuticle stick, but avoid cutting them as they protect your nails from bacteria and keep them soft.
Follow instructions:
Each gel polish brand and UV/LED lamp has its own set of instructions, so make sure to read and follow them carefully. This will help you achieve the best results and avoid safety issues. Pay attention to curing times under the lamp to ensure your nails are secure.
Use quality products:
Invest in good quality gel polishes from reputable brands that are known for their quality and safety. This will not only give you better results but also help avoid potential nail damage. Additionally, use a high-quality nail polish remover that contains essential nutrients to strengthen your nails and moisturize your cuticles.
Practice and patience:
Doing your own nails takes practice and patience. Take your time to learn the basics of using your nail tools, proper nail prep, and structure. Watch YouTube videos or follow online tutorials to build your confidence and improve your technique. Remember, it might take longer than a salon visit, but the results can be just as good!
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Removing your nail polish
Removing nail polish can be a tricky process, especially with darker colours, but there are several methods you can try at home. Firstly, it is important to care for your nails after removing polish, as they can become dehydrated. Make sure to finish your routine by washing your hands and applying a hydrating moisturiser, sealing in the moisture with a cuticle oil or balm.
One method to remove nail polish is to use a name-brand remover, such as Sally Hansen or Cutex, with a square of craft felt, which scrubs at the nail polish better than a tissue or remover pad. You can also use pure acetone and cotton gauze, placing the gauze over the bottle, letting it sit on your nail for 5 seconds, and then wiping off. However, acetone can be very drying, so an alternative is to use a soy-based remover, which skips the acetone, alcohol, and harsh acetates in favour of a plant-based formula. Apply it with a cotton ball, paper towel, or washcloth.
There are also several natural methods to remove nail polish that use common household products. One method is to use toothpaste, which contains baking soda, a mild abrasive that can help to remove nail polish. Spread a nickel-sized amount of toothpaste across each nail using a cotton ball or your finger, then scrape each nail with a nail file, and wash your hands. Another option is to use lemon juice, which is rich in citric acid and effortlessly softens nail polish formulas. Soak your fingertips in a bowl of warm, soapy water for at least 10 minutes, then squeeze lemon juice over your nails, and use a cotton pad or dry paper towel to wipe off the polish. You can also mix lemon juice with distilled white vinegar, soaking your nails for 5 minutes, then wiping away the polish with a soft cloth.
Finally, you can try using vodka, which softens the polish. Soak your fingertips in a shallow dish of vodka, ensuring it reaches just over the cuticles. After a few minutes, use a soft washcloth to wipe away the nail colour.
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Frequently asked questions
You can start by watching videos on YouTube to learn the basics of doing your own nails. Once you understand the basics, you can purchase an all-inclusive kit, which will include everything you need to get started, such as nail clippers, cuticle pushers, nail files, and nail polish.
Before applying nail polish, you should prep your nails by removing any old nail polish with a good nail polish remover. Then, cut your nails with a nail cutter and shape them with a nail file. Next, you should push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick.
When applying nail polish, use a thin coat and get the brush all the way down to the cuticle and into the corners of your nail. Striping your nail three times—once down the middle and once on each side—will help you achieve maximum coverage with just one coat. After two minutes, apply the second coat of nail polish.
To clean up any mistakes or polish around the sides of your nail, dip a nail brush or cotton swab in nail polish remover and gently wipe away the excess polish.
