5 Tips to Not Ruin Your Own At-Home Manicure
Obtaining a good manicure at home takes a lot of training and skill (and honestly a degree of coordination I just can not attain ). Even if you’re a DIY pro, at-home manicures never seems to last as long as when the real pros do it. The simple solution is to go to the nail salon, however, that’s not always time or cost efficient. Here are five practical ways from Tropika Club to keep your nails looking flawless once you DIY your manicure, according to the nail experts.
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Tip #1: Select the right shape.
When it comes to manicures, selecting the right nail shape can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your nails. Some popular nail shapes include square, round, oval, almond, stiletto, and coffin. Square nails are characterized by straight sides and a flat tip, while round nails have a curved edge and a rounded tip. Oval nails are similar to round nails, but have a more elongated shape. Almond nails have a tapered point and wider base, while stiletto nails are long and pointed. Coffin nails are similar to stiletto nails, but with a squared off tip. Each shape has its own unique look and can be tailored to suit individual preferences and styles. It’s important to communicate with your manicurist to ensure that you get the desired shape for your nails. [1]

Tip #2: Be sure that you buff the edge of your nails.
According to [1], buffing the edge of your nails is an essential step in achieving a smooth and polished look. To do this, use the large grit side of a buffer and hold it parallel to your nail. Place the buffer on the edge of your nail and buff it gently in a back and forth motion until it’s smooth. This will not only help to achieve a more professional-looking manicure but also prevent any snags or tears in your nails.
Once you land on the finished shape, it’s essential to be sure that nothing is left hanging around the edge. When nails are registered quite a bit, it’s important to use a nail clippers to find all of remaining nail debris from beneath the nail and out of the sides of the nail along the cuticle line. Another expert tip: Make sure to file in one single direction especially with the sides — this ensures you will not cause an accident such as disturbing the fibres of these nails.
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Tip #3: Prep your nails properly before you paint.
To get a perfect manicure, it is important to prep your nails properly before painting them. This involves removing any lingering dirt or dust on the nails using a cleanser wipe, as it also helps to dehydrate the nail plate and remove excess oils, which helps the gel polish to adhere to the nail. Once your nails are cleansed, you can apply a primer to ensure that the polish sticks properly and lasts longer on your nails. This step is important to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish for your manicure. [1]
There’s are two opposing camps on whether you should soak your nails or keep them dry before you paint. Soaking in water causes the nail to expand. When it dries the nail contracts, causing your polish to chip. Instead, a recommended method is to cleanse the nails with a nail polish remover or alcohol before polishing.

Tip #4: Do not shake the nail polish bottle.
We’ve heard this suggestion time and time again, yet many of us continue to shake our nail polish when it’s separated, then wonder why we don’t wind up with a great and seamless manicure. Many bottles have a small metallic ball inside that helps stir the product around. Shaking creates bubbles in the polish and can be seen if you apply shortly after, and should you shake, you should wait an hour before you polish.
While it’s tempting to go for the gusto with one thick coating, do not. Globs of polish just means longer drying time and a higher risk for smudging.Thin and even coats function best for a seamless look. Many thin coats allows polish to dry in between–use only three layers max of colours. In general, a single layer of base coat, two coats of colour, and one layer top coat. Sometimes in the event that you’d like more pigment or the colour seems a bit sheer, then a third coat of colour is tolerable.
Tip #5: Fix mistakes ASAP.
Got a little overzealous with polish? It’s a fast fix. Use a stick with a flat edge, dip it in acetone, and work it around the eponychium after each nail. That way you do not wait until the end, once the polish has dried up in the crevices. For smudges, it is possible to gently use your finger to push polish into position prior to incorporating a layer of top coat. If it’s past fixing, for example if you get those dents, it’s best to just wipe it off and re-dos.

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