Tori’s Top Ten Tips for Painting Perfect Nails at Home
Achieving a flawless manicure at home can be just as satisfying as visiting a salon—if you know the right techniques. With a little patience and the right tools, you can master the art of painting perfect nails yourself.
Follow Tori’s latest blog with her expert tips to ensure a smooth, chip-free, and professional-looking manicure every time. And with the help and aid of a Nailpad to give you a flat, steady surface and a place to pop your polish, it can be a relaxing, time-out moment for yourself whether you’re chilling watching the tv, or taking a break from work.
Before you start, it time to get your manicure items together. You will need a nail file, base and top coat, cuticle stick, cuticle trimmer, nail buffer, cuticle oil, nail polish colour and a Nailpad. Get them together in advance, to avoid finding them with wet nails later on…
1. Start with clean nails
Before applying any base coat and polish, ensure your nails are clean and free of oils, dirt, or old polish. Use a gentle nail polish remover to cleanse the nail plate thoroughly. Even if you don’t have old polish on, wiping nails with remover helps remove natural oils that can prevent polish from adhering properly.
2. Shape, buff and trim your nails
Use a nail file to shape your nails evenly, following the natural contour of your fingertips. A gentle buffing will smooth out ridges, allowing polish to apply more evenly. However, don’t over-buff, as it can weaken nails over time.
Use the cuticle stick to push back your cuticles. And if you have any hang nails, trim these off with a cuticle trimmer.
3. Time to get out your Nailpad
Using a Nailpad can help keep your hand steady on a flat surface, making it easier to apply polish evenly. This is especially useful when painting with your less dominant hand, allowing for greater control and precision. Use the Nailpad for applying, base coat, polish layers and your top coat too.
4. Apply a base coat
A good-quality base coat is essential for a long-lasting manicure. It helps polish adhere better, prevents staining, and provides a smooth surface for colour application. Let the base coat dry completely before moving on to polish. We sell our All in One Home Mani & Pedi Nailpad Set, that includes a 2 in 1 L’Oreal base and top coat.
5. Use thin layers of polish
Applying thick layers can lead to streaks, bubbles, and slow drying times. Instead, use thin, even coats. Apply polish in three strokes—one in the middle and one on each side—without overloading the brush. Let each layer dry before applying the next.
6. Don’t forget the tips
To prevent chipping, swipe a bit of polish along the free edge (tip) of your nail. This technique, called “capping the edge,” seals the polish and helps it last longer.
7. Apply a top coat
A top coat adds shine, protects your colour, and extends wear time. Reapply a thin layer every couple of days to keep your nails looking fresh and prevent chipping.
8. Clean up the edges
Use a small brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any mistakes around the edges. This will give your manicure a professional, salon-finished look.
9. Allow proper drying time
Even if your nails feel dry to the touch, they may not be fully set. Avoid using your hands for at least 30 minutes after polishing. Speed up drying by dipping nails in cold water or using a quick-dry top coat.
10. Keep Your Nails Hydrated
Moisturizing cuticles with oil and using hand lotion regularly will keep your manicure looking fresh and prevent brittleness.
With these expert tips, you can achieve a stunning, long-lasting manicure from the comfort of your home. Happy painting!
Tori’s Top Tips provide helpful advice on perfecting home manicures and pedicures. If there are any Top Tips you would like Tori to write about, please email tori@nailpad.co.uk.