Manicure Mistakes We Make and How to Avoid Them

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A fresh manicure is one of the most satisfying feminine experiences in the beauty world. Getting your nails done can instantly make you feel more put-together, confident, and ready to take on the world without losing touch with your feminine side.

Basic manicure mistakes

The first step is to remove all previous coats of nail polish with a nail polish remover.

Mistake: Not cleaning blank nails even if you don’t have any nail polish on, you should still use a nail polish remover to wipe your nails clean.

Mistake: Wiping your nails instead of soaking. Have you ever been frustrated by your nail polish remover not working? If you wipe your nails with a remover, especially for dark colors, it will take you several minutes and at least three attempts to have completely clean nails.

An easy solution to avoid this stress is to use a liberal amount of nail polish remover on a cotton pad and press that onto your nails for at least one minute. This simple trick will quickly dissolve the nail coat, allowing you to wipe your nails clean in one, gentle swipe.

Cleanse your hands

This is non-negotiable in a nail salon because you don’t want bacteria and other microorganisms to hitch-hike from a client’s hands to your nail technician’s hands to finally your hands. So washing your hands is important – and let’s be honest, the following massage is one of the best parts of getting a manicure.

Mistake: Skipping this in a DIY manicure. Maybe you think just washing your hands is enough and you can skip the whole massaging routine, but think again – it elevates the experience, and if you’re having a little nail party at home, you and your friends can give each other hand massages.

Clip those nails

Nails lose their shape when they are grown out. So whether you like long nails or short nails, always clip them first to an ideal length for a cleaner look.

Mistake: Clipping your nails all the way even if you like short nails, clipping your nails off completely can make your nails look boxy and unflattering. It is better to cut your nails to just above the top of your finger – this way you’ll have short nails but a more feminine look.

File to perfection

The overall look of a manicure depends on the shape of the nails; oddly shaped nails (unless that’s the look you’re going for, and no judgment there!) can spoil the look of your manicure. So always file your nails to get your desired shape, and to smooth out the edges of your nails.

Mistake: Filing back and forth can damage your nails and eventually cause them to split or crack – how unflattering right? The last thing you need when you have a perfect manicure is a broken nail. So you should always file your nails in one direction – be slow and let each stroke be intentional; although this will take up more time, it will all be worth it when you achieve that smooth, refined look.

Buff the rough

The next step after filing is to buff your nails to even out any ridges on your nails, and create a smooth appearance.

Mistake: Buffing too much and with the wrong type of buffer. Excessive buffing can weaken your nails, and make your manicure look very dull. To avoid this mistake, you should know how often you need to buff with the buffer you have.

Caring for the cuticles

Push your cuticles all the way down to the edges of your nails and follow with cuticle oil to keep them soft and supple. Healthy cuticles will help your manicure last longer by keeping dead skin at bay.

Mistake: Removing your cuticles can be dangerous as our cuticles are responsible for preventing bacterial and fungal nail infections. These infections are not only painful but they take a long time to heal; in other words, a big no when the goal is a pretty manicure.

Apply the base coat

Applying your nail polish directly can stain the nail. So always apply a base coat to protect your natural nail color.

Mistake: Skipping the base coat and leaving this step out can affect the quality of your manicure; your nails will chip easily, and stain, and the color will become dull as well. It is worth getting a high-quality base coat to set the right foundation for this manicure.

Apply the first coat of nail polish

Apply a thin coat of nail polish as the first layer. Use a thick brush to an even application in one swipe. It is important to get this step right because this is the first thing others see when you tell everyone you got a manicure.

A good tip to remember here is that the type of nail polish does not matter much. So whether you are using gel nail polish, matte, or vegan nail polish – you can achieve an equally good manicure if you follow these simple manicure tips.

Mistake: Not wiping off the nail brush if your nail polish brush is dripping with nail color while you proceed to apply the first coat, stop right away. Too much nail polish on the brush can ruin the look so wipe off one side on the edges of your container and make sure only one side has nail polish on.

Apply the second coat of nail polish

The second coat is necessary to lock in your nail edges and increase the life of your manicure. So don’t rush and be content with one coat – two coats are necessary and the longevity of your nail polish can increase the life of your manicure.

Mistake: Not waiting enough between coats. You have to let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat, otherwise you will have splotchy nails. And yes, this is a huge mistake. So wait for at least 4 – 5 minutes between coats to get a gleaming manicure.

The last and final step is to finish things off with a top coat and this is a ribbon that ties the whole present together so everything stays in place. A top coat is required to seal the nails and prevent the color from chipping away.

Mistake: Applying your top coat before the previous layer is dry to the touch can lift the nail polish color off your nail and waste your time and effort. So use a good brand, and always let the previous layer dry first.

How to Fix a Manicure Mistake?

So you followed all the steps and remembered all the nail-care tips but still managed to make a mistake? The easiest way to fix a manicure mistake is to let your nails dry completely, use a buffer to file off all the product, and then clean your nails with a nail polish remover.

After this, you can begin the color application again, and this time, focus on getting it right. If you made a mistake while shaping your nails, it is better to go for a short-nail look. So cut off any strange shapes and keep the nails short. You can always grow them out in time for your next manicure.

What Precautions Should be Taken During a Manicure?

You can follow all the instructions and steps but if you don’t learn how to protect your manicure, it is not going to last long. Regardless of the quality of the products you use, or the professional you go to, your manicure will chip and fade within a day or two.

It is a horror story for every girl to have a manicure spoiled too soon, but remember, a manicure is not just about the look but the experience as well. Manicures not only make your nails look pretty, but they also give women confidence and an appearance of tidiness.

So take your time and enjoy every step of the process to get beautiful nails. For more information, please visit: https://www.lolaleebeauty.com/