7 Tips To Apply Nail Polish Like A Pro

Have you ever thought why your nails always look better after a professional pedicure than when you do it yourself? It's all about using the right tools and techniques. Nail technicians know exactly how to take care of the nails and apply polish, so the nails have a smooth, high gloss finish that lasts longer than a conventional home manicure. You may want to follow our handy tips for learning how to take care of your skin as professionally as a nail technician in California.

1. Start With The Right Nail Polish

When picking out nail polish, don't concentrate on the color alone. Choose nail polish from reputable brands, which can be found in virtually every beauty aisle. Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen are popular products found in most nail salons and are highly recommended. If a nail polish has sat on the shelf for a while, ensure it is in good shape to use on your skin. Even if nail polish has separated and isn't mixed after a quick shake, throw it away and get a new bottle. Dried out nail polish will provide you with patchy and uneven results.

2. File And Buff Your Nails

Give me clean hands and nails when beginning my manicure or pedicure. Use only a buffer and shape and even out your nails. Place the nail file from one end to the other, moving in a single direction. Remember that the nail file is not a saw. Don't drag it back and forth over your nails; it can cause damage to your tips.

Buffing your nails is a step often omitted from domestic manicures that can increase bloodflow to the nail beds and smooth out a varnished surface. However, when it is not done appropriately, it can cause irreversible harm. Almost all nail buffers have four distinct sides, each of which with varying degrees of grit. Begin by pulling the buffer at a 90-degree angle to the nail surface and sliding it down toward the middle of the nail. Continue to alternate the direction of the buffer as you hold each nail, working from the base of the nail towards the far end.

3. Don’t Forget The Base And Top Coat Of The Nails

A professional nail technician doesn't forget about this step and neither do I! Residue and oils on your nails can cause polish to chip or peel, which is why you need a lean base. Base coats also help prevent your nails and cuticles from common issues, such as breaking, splitting, and peeling.

The top coat will lock in color, prohibit chipping, and add shine for a nicely polished look. Select a top coat that is quick drying and shiny to stay out of a sticky situation.

4. Use A Fine Tip Brush To Create A Defined Outline Around Your Nail Cuticles

Dip a fine, clean brush in acetone polish remover and outline the cuticle. This makes a big difference by preventing stray polish on the skin for a professional-looking gloss. After your polish is complete, apply mineral oil or lotion for moisture back to your cuticles.

5. Apply The Nail Polish Perfectly And With Care

Before you even take the bottle of nail polish out of the carton, shake it up between your palms for about 15 seconds. This will mix the polish without creating air bubbles, which can result in an uneven coat on the surface of the nail. As the paintbrush emerges from the bottle, wipe one side clean and fan it out along the neck. Lightly tap an excess of polish out of the other side of the brush associated with your nail. In another smooth motion, move the brush across the center of the nail, from cuticle to tip. Then, swipe it back and forth across the left and right sides. This three stripe technique will allow you to get a even coat across the entire nail surface, without adding too much polish at once. Allow the first coat to dry before moving on to the next. Mix two or more coats to even it out, then proceed with your top coat.

6. Rotate Your Dominant Hand To Apply Nail Polish

One major challenge when applying fingernail polish by yourself is using your non-dominant hand. For example, if your right hand is dominant, using a different hand to apply polish can be difficult to aim properly. Instead of just using your non-dominant hand, rest your right hand flat and rotate it as you move up the fingernails.

7. Allow For Adequate Drying Time

When concluding a coat of nail polish, allow your nails to dry completely before applying another coat. Nail drying times will vary according to nail polish formula, the number of coats applied, and the duration of the final coat, but usually takes 20 minutes or longer.

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