There’s nothing like going to the salon to get a mani. It’s relaxing, fun, and you get to be pampered and primped. Not to mention, you get to choose from a bagillion colours of nail polish. The world is your oyster. But it’s not every week (or even month) we get to go in and get our nails done. At least it’s not for me. And I’m betting there are a lot of you who just don’t have the time or luxury to go to the salon every week. If you’re like me, painting your nails has become second nature, something you do on the regular from the comfort of your own home. And for us, nail hacks are our very best friend.
I’ve always had an obsession with nail polish. I remember when I was about six or seven years old my camp counsellor would bring me in all her nail polishes she didn’t want anymore and I was ecstatic! She even had glitter nail polish, which, at that age, I didn’t even know was a thing. That’s probably when my obsession began, come to think of it. Now, I usually never go a day without painted nails. I usually stick to a bright red, as I think it’s really classic, but every so often I like to experiment with a blue or grey or even black. Nail polish is like an accessory. It adds to your look and can be used to match or contrast your outfit.
That being said, painting your nails isn’t the easiest thing in the world for everyone. It can get messy, it chips, and if you’re impatient or have little ones running around the house, it can easily smudge if it doesn’t dry fast enough. But don’t fret dear reader, these nail hacks will help you with your biggest nail woes. They’re so easy you’ll be wondering how you didn’t think of them yourself!
If you’re looking for tips on how to create cool designs and effects, there are hacks for you too! Whether you want to make your own glitter polish, try ombré, or love the half moon nail look, we’ve got you covered! Check out our favorite nail hacks EVERY girl should know!
1. How to get nail polish to last
Let’s start from the very beginning. Before you even put on your nail polish, you can do something so that your polish will last longer – clean your nails with white distilled vinegar. Not only will it last longer, your polish will also go on smoother for flawless looking nails.
2. How to get nail polish off skin
The next step is polish application. I know it can get messy, especially when you’re painting with your non-dominant hand. Before you start, line the skin around your nails with petroleum jelly (I like to use Vaseline) using a cotton swab. Since it creates a barrier for your skin, you can easily wipe it off when your nails are dry, and the paint that’s on it will come with it!
3. How to prevent nail polish from chipping
Unfortunately, nail polish can very easily chip, especially if you work a lot with your hands. To reduce chipping, paint on two basecoats. Paint one layer on just the top half of your nails, and once that’s dry, paint the second coat over your entire nail. The top half of your nails are usually where the polish chips, so this hack will help with that.
4. How to make nail polish pop
Did you know using white nail polish under your coloured polish will really make your nails pop? This is a trick I just learned and it makes a huge difference! Just make sure you let the white fully dry before painting over with the coloured polish.
5. How to make nail polish dry faster
Waiting for your nails to dry can be totally frustrating. I usually end up smudging mine because it takes so long that I usually forget they’re still wet. But check out this trick. I know it seems wrong to use water to dry something, but in this case, that’s exactly what you do. Dip your nails in cold water for 30 seconds and they will dry instantly.
6. Easy DIY glitter nail polish
If you want to make your own glitter polish, it’s totally possible! Just paint a coat of clear polish on and dip them into loose glitter eye shadow that you don’t wear anymore. This creates a matte glitter polish that’s totally unique! Just don’t put a top coat over it as the glitter can easily clump.
7. How to get ombré nails
Ombré is in, for both nails and hair. For your nails, there’s an easy hack to get the perfect ombré effect! You’ll need a sponge eye shadow applicator and different shades of polish for whatever colour ombré you want. You can start with a white base coat so the colour really pops. Then, dab the different colours on the applicator, and using a rolling motion, press from the tip to the cuticle of your nail, repeating until all the colour comes off.
8. The secret to half moon nail art
I love the half moon nail look, and it’s super easy to do yourself with paper whole reinforcement stickers. Place the stickers along the base of your nails so it creates the half moon shape. Make sure the sticker is really stuck on, and paint your first coat along the sticker, filling the top of your nail. Once it’s dry, paint on another coat, and after a minute carefully remove the sticker.
9. How to remove glitter nail polish easily
Glitter polish removal can be a pain in the butt, and can often end with you having to pick away at your nails. Instead, grab your polish remover, cotton pads and some foil for an easy removal process. Cut the cotton pads in half and apply the polish remover, placing the soaked pads over your nails. Wrap with foil and let it sit for 8-10 minutes. Unwrap the foil and press down on the cotton pads while you remove them.
10. How to whiten stained nails
I find red nail polish to be the WORST for staining. I can never seem to get it fully off. Luckily, there’s a hack for that. All you need is a whitening toothpaste and a nail brush. Slather the toothpaste all over your nails and use the brush to scrub away the pesky stains. Run your hands under water, and easy as that, clean as can be!
Voilà! The next time you paint/remove your nail polish try some of these nail hacks. They’re bound to make your life a whole lot easier!
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