The hands tell about the person: if they bite they are nervous and insecure, if they are careless they are an inconsistent and conformist person, while well-groomed nails denote seriousness, perseverance and perfectionism.
In order to show off beautiful hands, we must pay a little attention to the nails and apply a moisturizing cream every day to avoid dryness. We tell you how to get a manicure to have perfect nails step by step.
The first steps to perfect nails
Let’s start by the beginning. Before starting with the, it is essential to perform some simple care that will make your nails look better. Sometimes, in our rush, we skip these preparations, but they can be the difference between a mediocre manicure and one that shines on its own.
1 Start with very clean nails
The first thing is to remove any remaining enamel that we have from the previous manicure. It may seem silly but it is as if you put on makeup without washing your face well first, the result will be a botch job.
To do this, use a cotton ball or ear bud dipped in nail polish remover, preferably without acetone and with moisturizing agents to improve the health of your nail.
2 Cut your nails to a suitable length
We cut the nails in the desired length, trying that they all have more or less the same length. It is very bad that each nail has a different size. If you have broken any, cut the others a little more so that they do not clash so much. Don’t worry, they’ll grow up soon! Cut the nails the size and shape that you like best, but try to keep them straight cuts without corners to avoid problems.
Some people prefer to soak their hands in soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes before starting to cut. In this way, the nails soften and make the task easier. You can use a nail clipper (which will be very useful especially when you use your left hand if you are right-handed or your right hand if you are left-handed) or small scissors designed to cut nails.
3 File the nails with a beautiful shape
File the nail according to the shape that you like best, but also take into account its natural shape. Take special care on the sides to prevent the nail from flaking or leaving a spike and it can break or get caught in the stockings, for example. For the perfect result without damaging your nails, always file in the same direction and avoid doing it when they are wet.
There are different types of files on the market, although manicure experts usually recommend not using metal ones. These, due to their hardness, can end up damaging the natural nails.
Before continuing, wash your hands well, even with water, to remove the dust that remains after filing.
4 work the cuticle
The cuticles of the nails always cause great doubts. Do I have to cut them? Is it okay to remove them? You should know that the cuticle serves to protect the nail bed. Therefore, removing it increases the chances of bad nail growth or infections. Therefore, they should never be cut.
To make them look good, it is necessary to hydrate the cuticles with the cream. It is as simple as insisting on the base of the nail when you put cream on your hands.
If you want to remove them, apply a little Vaseline or gel on each nail and use an orange stick to push them up. Do it carefully so as not to get small wounds that can be very annoying.
5 Moisturize your hands well
After filing the nails, moisturize the hands well. Let the product act and wait for it to be completely absorbed.
6 And now… for the manicure!
Now all that remains is to choose what type of manicure we want to wear and, let’s get to work!
The different types of manicures
The most difficult thing about getting a manicure is going to be deciding on one or the other, since there are many types. Here are some of the most common.
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Natural nails
If you like your nails natural, why would you have to wear false ones? Take advantage of your own nails to make the most original manicures. It is necessary to take good care of them to be able to continue showing off beautiful nails, but it is as simple as taking into account certain daily beauty routines.
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Gel nails
To achieve the finish of this type of manicure, a gel polish is used that is allowed to dry under an ultraviolet light. You can file them to your liking and they are more flexible and natural than other types of false nails. They usually last up to 2 weeks with good care.
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Acrylic nails
A powdered polymer is used to create a plastic-like coating that can be painted in any existing color. Acrylic nails tend to have a longer life, although the materials must be applied carefully for optimal results. In addition, without the appropriate precautions, there is a risk of damaging the nail.
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Porcelain nails
Porcelain nails are harder than other types of false nails, which make them more resistant to blows. As it happens with gel nails, it depends on the speed at which the nail grows, which will create a hole at the base.
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Permanent manicure
If you want a design that will last up to 3 weeks, go to your nail salon and ask for a permanent manicure. An intermediate option is semi-permanent nail polish.
And how to do a manicure?
Are you looking for designs to paint your nails ? We offer you a varied selection to inspire you on any occasion: from the elegance and sobriety of French manicure to the crazy creativity of nail art.
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A classic winner: the French manicure
It is one of those types of basic manicures that have worked throughout the years and that will always continue to be a success. It is a very elegant, natural and easy nail model to do at home.
Although it can be done in many different colors, the most traditional is to paint the edge of the nail white and the base a light or transparent pink.
When the imagination is given free rein, ideas as innovative as the reverse French manicure can arise. In this design, instead of painting the upper edge of the nail, the interior is painted, that is, the cuticle area. It is certainly a different manicure. You dare?
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Solid color nails: simple but effective
Solid color manicures are the fastest and easiest option to give your nails a touch of color. And, despite its simplicity, it is a good design for any occasion.
Choose the color that you like best or that matches the looks you wear. Remember: first a base coat in a neutral or transparent color, two more coats of the enamel of your choice and a final clear coat to finish.
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Striped nails: the easiest nail art
Sailor stripes are always in style. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, zigzag… There are as many possibilities as ideas you can think of. If this design seems too simple, you can complicate it with different geometric patterns: triangles, diamonds, squares…
So that the lines are completely straight, you can use stickers that cover the part that you do not want to paint. In an emergency you can use adhesive tape.
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Moles reach your nails
And, how could it be otherwise… get polka dots on your nails! Moles are one of those flattering trends that never go away. You can do the polka dots directly on your bare nail (with a base coat, of course) or paint a background in a color that contrasts with the polish you’re going to use for the little circles.
To make this nail design look good, you have to get the right tools. If you have a good hand, you can use a very fine brush to draw the dots. But in Dario Feminine we recommend that you use a circular punch, because it will be much easier for you.
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Drawings for the funniest manicure
Let your imagination fly and make small drawings on your nails. Use a fine brush to outline and color the figures that you like the most: flowers, hearts, stars, cats… Whatever comes to your mind!
If you don’t see yourself capable of making these designs, you can always put on some pretty stickers designed for nails or stamping.
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The most original enamels
Have you ever seen how cracked enamel looks? When you apply it on your nails it looks like a normal nail, but as the seconds go by it starts to crack. The result is most original.
On the other hand, magnetic nail polishes allow you to create the most sophisticated designs in the simplest way. And you only need a magnet.
You can also use a metallic nail polish in the tone that you like the most: gold, silver, pinkish, bluish, etc. The latest are holographic and thermal enamels, which change color with changes in temperature.
Basic tips for perfect nails
And, to finish, take good note of the following tips to have perfect nails.
- This is one of the best tips you can get to get a perfect nail finish. Start with a clear nail polish base coat that will prepare your nail for subsequent pigments. Then apply two coats of nail polish of your choice. To finish your nail design, you must apply a top coat, that is, a transparent layer (which can be matte or shiny depending on the finish you want to give your nail) to even out and hide all the small imperfections that have remained.
- Essential trick so that your painted nails last longer: spread the polish over the entire surface and seal it by dabbing it on the edge of the nail. In this way you will be reinforcing the enamel to prevent it from chipping or chipping.
- After a couple of days, give yourself a coat of polish again, even if you don’t need it. Prevention is better than cure.
- Before painting your nails, make sure that they of cream, oil, dirt, previous nail polish, etc. All of them cause imperfections and, in addition, they will make your nail polish break down sooner.
- Never use nail polishes that have expired or have been open for a long time. They may look good, but they will have lost their properties and therefore will last less on your nails.
- We know that you like to always wear painted nails, but it is advisable to. No matter how good the products you use are, try to leave your nails natural from time to time. We recommend that you leave two days of rest between one manicure and another.
- Always protect your nails. In winter, wear wool gloves so your nails don’t get too cold. But the summer heat can also end up weakening them. Therefore, it is advisable to always keep them well hydrated and apply treatments that strengthen them. And whenever your hands are in contact with cleaning products, wear gloves. These contain chemicals that will not only dry, but also put your manicure at risk.
- Has your nail polish dried? Add a couple of small drops of nail polish remover and shake vigorously. Keep adding nail polish remover a little at a time until you gets the texture you like, but be careful not to overdo it or you’ll ruin the whole pot. You can also use a little hot water. Although this home remedy revives your enamel, we are sorry to tell you that it may never be the same again.