Achieve salon-Quality nails at home with these easy tips

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A great manicure can truly elevate your look, giving you that polished, put-together feel—even when you’re dressed casually. Imagine running errands in sweats, but with candy-red nails that are so shiny and flawless, you can see your reflection in them. It’s the little details that boost our confidence. If you’re someone who enjoys DIY nail art, these simple and affordable hacks will help you take your manicure game to the next level.

1. Always Start with a White Base Coat

Applying a base coat is essential when painting your nails—it not only protects them from staining but also enhances the vibrancy of your nail polish. A white base coat, in particular, makes bright colors like red, blue, and yellow pop. Your shades will appear much more vibrant and striking.

2. Dab Glitter Polish for Even Coverage

Glitter polish is a fun addition to any manicure, but many glitter formulas don’t offer enough coverage. Instead of swiping, dab the glitter polish onto your nails to control the distribution. Once applied, seal it with a top coat for a glossy finish. For even more glitter coverage, use a makeup sponge to press the glitter onto your nails for a more intense, even effect.

3. Create Your Own Custom Nail Polish

Finding the perfect nail polish shade isn’t always easy, but you can make your own! Mixing polishes is simple, and a little knowledge of color theory will help. Want a richer red? Add a bit of white to lighten it or black to deepen it. Use a paint palette to mix your shades and clean up afterward—it’s a fun way to create something unique.

4. Achieve a Matte Finish with a Buffing Block

Matte nails are trendy and elegant, but achieving a perfect matte look with a top coat can be tricky. Instead, use a buffing block to create a matte finish. After your polish has fully dried, gently buff the surface of your nails. This works especially well on gel nails, but if you prefer a glossy look, a gel couture polish will give your nails a sleek shine.

5. Use Tape for Perfect French Tips

Nail art doesn’t have to be complicated. If freehanding a French tip makes you nervous, tape is your friend. Simply cut a small piece of tape, place it on your nail, apply polish, and remove the tape while the polish is still wet. This hack ensures clean, straight lines, making French tips effortless.

6. Create Ombre Nails Using a Makeup Sponge

Ombre nails are a chic and simple way to add dimension to your manicure. You don’t need an airbrush to achieve this look—just a makeup sponge and your choice of polishes. Dab the sponge into your polish and lightly press it onto your nails, starting from the tip and working halfway down for a smooth gradient effect.

7. Use a Loofah for Scaled Nail Art

For textured, edgy nail art, an old loofah is a great stencil. Stretch the loofah’s netting over your nail, then dip a makeup sponge into a different color of polish and gently stamp it over the loofah. This creates a beautiful scaled pattern on your nails, adding depth and interest.

8. Recreate Splatter Paint Nails with a Straw

Channel your inner artist with splatter paint nails! Start with a base coat, then dip a straw into a different color of polish, hover it above your nail, and blow through the straw. The polish will splatter onto your nails. Layer multiple colors for a bold look, then clean up the edges with nail polish remover for a polished finish.

9. Repair Broken Nails with a Tea Bag

No need to rush to the salon for a broken nail. You can easily fix it at home with a tea bag. Cut a small piece of the tea bag, apply nail glue to the crack, and place the tea bag piece over it. Let it dry, then buff the surface with a nail block for a smooth finish. It’s a quick, effective way to save your nails.

10. Speed Up Drying with Cold Water

Dipping your freshly painted nails in cold water might sound surprising, but it really works! After your nails are about halfway dry, dip them in a bowl of ice water. The cold will help the polish dry faster, saving you time and reducing the risk of smudging.

11. Use Tin Foil to Remove Polish

For easy polish removal, especially glitter, the tin foil method is your best bet. Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, place it on your nails, and wrap each finger with a strip of foil. After a few minutes, remove the foil and cotton pad, and your polish will come off with ease.

12. Never Skip the Top Coat

Top coats are crucial for any manicure. They seal in the polish, add shine, and prevent chipping, ensuring your nails look fresh for longer. Whether you’re using regular polish or gel, a good top coat is essential for extending the life of your manicure.

13. Hydrate Your Cuticles with Oil

After a fresh manicure, don’t forget to moisturize your cuticles. Use a nourishing oil (like Ice Queen Face Oil) and massage it into the skin around your nails. This keeps your hands looking youthful and ensures your cuticles stay soft and healthy.

14. Buff Your Nails Gently

Buffing your nails before painting helps your manicure last longer. It removes natural oils, giving the polish a better surface to adhere to. Be gentle when buffing—too much pressure can damage your nails. Use a professional buffing block to ensure your nails are prepped correctly for the best adhesion.

15. Prep Your Skin and Cuticles for a Clean Look

Before applying polish, take time to prep your cuticles and skin. Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or stick after applying cuticle oil. Use a sharp pair of nippers to trim any excess skin and finish by moisturizing your cuticles with coconut oil or a nourishing oil like Ice Queen Face Oil.

By incorporating these clever hacks into your routine, you can achieve salon-quality nails at home. Enjoy experimenting with these tips and take your DIY manicure skills to new heights!