It’s always nice to head off to the salon and get a fresh new set of nails, but the cost can soon add up! Fear not, we’re on hand with a whole load of DIY manicure tips and tricks that require minimal effort and will leave you with long-lasting manicures every time!
1. Use Ice Water to Dry Your Nails
If you’re in a rush and you don’t want to smudge your perfectly painted nails simply dip them into a bowl of ice-cold water for 3 minutes for dry, safe to touch nails in no time at all!
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2. Save on the Cost of Removing Gel Manicures and Do It Yourself
Follow these simple steps to remove gel nails without damaging or drying your nails:
• Cut ten nail sized pieces of cotton pads and soak them in nail polish remover that contains acetone
• Place on your nails and wrap in tin foil to keep them heated
• Slide off after 20 minutes to reveal gel free nails
• Wash your hands thoroughly
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3. Use a Toothpick for Nail Art
If you want to achieve simple nail art minus the fancy tools, a toothpick is great for dotting or creating basic shapes!
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4. Use Nail Polish Thinner to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Polishes
Instead of throwing out bottles of thick nail polish because you think they’re beyond saving, use a nail polish thinner to revive them and they will be good as new!
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5. Store Your Polishes like a Boss
If you’ve got a whole load of polishes, paint the lid of each with the color inside the bottle so you can easily grab the one you need without turning out your whole collection.
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6. Reach for the Scotch Tape
If you want to create the perfect French tips or straight lines for nail art, the scotch tape will be your new best friend!
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7. Use Base Coat and Top Coat
There’s no need to shell out on one of each, there are plenty of 2 in 1s on offer. Using a base and top coat will create a longer lasting manicure as well as a professional looking finish.
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8. Use a Cuticle Oil
The secret to great nails is a great base, it’s important to look after your nails so be sure to use a cuticle oil before you start your DIY mani.
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9. Invest in Nail Art Stickers
If painting on your nail art is far too stressful and fiddly for you, invest in some stickers. As long as you finish with a top coat, you will achieve a seamless, painted on appearance and of course, the perfect finish!
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10. Use Sharpies
If you’re not too handy with a nail brush, you might find a sharpie is the hack for you. Be sure to apply a layer or base coat first and then draw away with your desired color and design before finishing with a good top coat to avoiding smudging.
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11. Combine Matte and Gloss for Subtle Nail Art
If you’re not into out their nail art but still want to achieve a salon-quality finish, opt for a hybrid of matte and gloss topcoats or colors for subtle nail art that can only be seen close up.
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12. Use Hair Grips
If you want to achieve wavy lines, straight edges or polka dots, hair grips are an inexpensive answer to your desires!
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13. Try out a Makeup Sponge
Ombre nails is a perfect trend to try out at home because it doesn’t require too much effort or skill, simple use a makeup sponge and dab it into your nail polish and onto your nail for the perfect faded Ombre effect.
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14. Use a Good Nail Glue
If you want to use sticker or gemstones, it’s worth investing in a strong nail glue, so they last for longer. Remember to NEVER put the glue directly onto your nail, always apply a base coat first to protect your nails.
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15. Use Hand Cream
If you get a little carried away with these hacks and you’re using a whole host of different products on your nails and skin, be sure to moisturize your hands and nails regularly to keep them hydrated and healthy.
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There you have it, 15 fool-proof DIY nail hacks, which will you be trying out first?