How to Prep Your Nails Before Polish

Getting a fresh manicure at the salon feels amazing, but it can be expensive to do it often. Wouldn’t it be great if you could do your nails perfectly at home?

Navigating the world of nail care can be tricky. From choosing the right nail polish to applying it correctly, there’s a lot to learn. So, if you want beautiful nails without the salon visit, you need to know the basics of DIY nail care. Keep reading to find out what you’ll need, how to prep your nails, and how to apply nail polish like a pro.

Before Polish Prep: What You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics. Here’s what you need to create your own DIY manicure kit:

1. Nail Polish: Choose your favorite color. It’s best to go for a good quality polish that won’t harm your nails.
2. Cuticle Pusher and Nail Clipper: Use these to gently push back your cuticles and trim your nails.
3. Nail File: Shape your nails with a nail file. Make sure they’re smooth and even.
4. Base Coat: This strengthens and protects your nails, creating a smooth surface for the polish.
5. Top Coat: Adds shine and protects your polish from chipping.
6. Nail Polish Remover: Essential for removing old polish.
7. Cotton Balls: Perfect for removing polish and cleaning up edges.

How to Prep Your Nails Before Polish

Here are some tips to get your nails ready for polish:

1. Trim and File Your Nails: Trim your nails evenly and file them into your desired shape.
2. Soak Your Nails in Warm Water: Soak your hands in warm, soapy water to soften your cuticles.
3. Push/Trim Cuticles: Gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Don’t cut them!

How to Apply Nail Polish Properly

Now, let’s get into the fun part! Follow these steps to apply nail polish like a pro:

1. Apply Base Coat: Start with a thin layer of base coat on each nail and let it dry.
2. Paint Your Nails: Apply your first coat of polish with three strokes, then add a second coat if needed.
3. Apply Top Coat: Once the polish is dry, apply a thin layer of top coat to seal in the color.
4. Clean Nails and Edges: Use a cotton swab dipped in remover to clean up any mistakes.

With these tips, you can achieve salon-worthy nails at home without breaking the bank!