Only the lazy did not talk about the fact that long nails are gradually losing their position. They are considered inconvenient and prefer their nails to short or middle length. However, you shouldn’t completely discount manicures for... long nails. Firstly, because he still has a huge number of fans all over the world, and secondly, it is on long nails that you can create real masterpieces of manicure art. So, in this article we will talk in detail about all the features of manicure for long nails, look at new designs for long nails, and also show some amazing ideas for manicure for long nails.
Features of manicure for long nails
As we said earlier, manicure for long nails has not yet lost its relevance. This means that nail service professionals come up with a lot of different ideas, technician and bring them to life.
Manicure for long nails has several specific features that must be taken into account:
- Long nails themselves attract people's attention, therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary attention to your person, you need to wisely select a design for long nails. For example, avoid an excessive amount of rhinestones so that the image does not seem vulgar.
- Long nails offer a huge variety of shapes. In order for your image to look harmonious, you need to choose exactly your nail shape, depending on the length and shape of your fingers and nail plate.
Currently, the almond-shaped nail shape has received special love and recognition. It suits almost any woman.
- Long nails are a kind of canvas for a manicurist. You can paint entire pictures on them. The main thing is to observe a sense of proportion in everything.
IMPORTANT! Remember that long nails are not suitable for all women. If you are driving active image life, think carefully before growing long nails.
- Another factor that should definitely be taken into account is the maximum length of the nail. In no case should they be curved or overly sharp.
There are several basic, most popular forms for long nails:
- Pointed long nails;
- Rectangular long nails;
- Oval (almond-shaped) long nails.
Each nail shape has its own type of design.
Sharp long nails
Pointed nails are not suitable for all ladies. This nail shape is preferred by lovers of extravagant looks.
Pastel shades, classic French and lunar designs look luxurious on pointed nails.
Rectangular long nails
Rectangular nail shapes are considered one of the most common. It suits almost all women. However, there are certain exceptions.
Women with short fingers should choose rectangular nail shapes with caution, as this shape visually shortens the fingers.
A plain manicure looks gorgeous on long rectangular nails. Moreover, it can be in both light and dark tones.
Long rectangular nails can be decorated with absolutely any design. Nowadays, most women prefer classic designs or designs with a matte finish for this shape.
Oval (almond-shaped) long nails
At the peak of popularity now, oval, or as it is nicknamed for its specific shape, almond-shaped nails.
She received such popular love thanks to her versatility. It suits absolutely any woman. In addition, the almond shape of nails offers a huge variety of design options.
On this form, classic ideas, bright ornaments and shades, and newfangled designs with geometric elements look equally luxurious.
Fashionable shades of manicure for long nails
Concerning fashionable shades for manicure on long nails, there are practically no restrictions. There are only four main most popular directions:
- Stylish nude design;
- Luxurious dark manicure;
- Perfect white manicure;
- Bright designs for long nails.
Nude manicure for long nails
Nude nail designs are currently at the peak of popularity. It is suitable for women who value conciseness and naturalness.
Perfect nude manicure Suitable for office workers, as it fits any dress code. It in no way distracts from the work process, and at the same time looks simply stunning.
Nude shades, organically complemented by a light design for long nails, create a complete and elegant look.
You can learn more about nude nail design from
Dark manicure for long nails
Another super trend for several seasons now is dark manicure for long nails.
Dark designs on long nails look very mysterious and somewhat magical. If you want to create the image of a vamp, then your ideal design is pointed nails painted in a dark color.
Dark nail designs are especially popular in autumn and winter seasons. Although recently they can be increasingly found in summer manicures.
More details about dark manicure you can read in
White manicure for long nails
Another undoubted leader in the color scheme for manicure for long nails is white. It acts as if in contrast to dark tones.
White tones are especially popular in wedding manicure. White color, complemented with decor from rhinestones or beads, creates a delicate and at the same time elegant image of the bride.
White can also be safely combined with other shades, thus decorating one or more fingers. White and pink ombre looks especially fresh and tender.
White and gold designs also remain popular. They are especially relevant during proms.
More details about all the subtleties white manicure you can find out from
Bright manicure for long nails
Well, where would we be without bright colors? If your life lacks bright emotions and drive, then a manicure in amazing bright colors- it’s definitely your choice!
Bright designs for long nails are especially popular in the summer, when everything around is enveloped in the aroma of vacations, fresh fruit and a sunny mood.
Manicure ideas for long nails
Long nails offer a huge variety of design options. Due to the presence of a fairly large space on the nails, manicurists are able to create real masterpieces on them. Below are only the basic, most popular design techniques for long nails.
Matte long nail design
At the peak of popularity now matte finish on the nails. This design always looks very elegant and at the same time unusual.
Matte design on long nails has absolutely no restrictions in terms of shape or color. It looks equally luxurious in both dark and light colors.
Rhinestones on long nails
Manicure designs with rhinestones for long nails have been popular for more than one season. As a rule, rhinestones are used for decoration in holiday manicure. However, many women, even in everyday style, cannot imagine themselves without the sparkle of these mini-diamonds.
On long nails, unlike short ones, you can use both small and larger rhinestones. They will not spoil the overall impression of the image.
Read more about manicure with rhinestones
Design with velvet sand for long nails
The design for long nails with velvet sand looks very gentle and romantic.
Velvet sand is an acrylic mixture (powder), with which manicurists not only create beautiful designs, but also restore the damaged nail plate.
The design with velvet sand can be absolutely anything, but as a rule, these are all kinds of curls, monograms or “knitted” patterns.
This design looks voluminous and attracts prying eyes.
Mirror rub on long nails
One more popular design for long nails is rubbing.
There are two main types of rubbing:
- colored;
- mirror
They differ from each other only in shades.
This design is ideal for bright and extraordinary representatives of the fair sex.
Classic manicure for long nails
Speaking about manicure ideas for long nails, we cannot fail to mention classic versions decor. These primarily include French design and moon manicure.
The French jacket can be either classic or colored, with additional decor from rhinestones and monograms.
Moon manicure, or holes, can also be additionally decorated with any elements. Fortunately, almost any decor looks beautiful on long nails.
Geometric design on long nails
Geometry has been one of the most popular types of nail designs for several seasons now. And he still doesn’t want to give up his positions.
Geometric manicure on long nails is always an abundance of lines, shapes and textures.
It looks equally luxurious in color, black and white and pastel shades.
Here.
A detailed description of each step by a professional will help you create an original design and get your nails in order.
Doing a manicure Special attention must be given to the shape of the nails.
To understand how to do beautiful manicure step by step at home, you should listen to the advice of professionals.
When choosing the shape of your future manicure, you should pay attention to:
- cuticle shape;
- nail shape, finger length;
- shape of the nail bed.
The most common is the oval shape of nails; it is suitable for any type of hands and finger shapes. Oval nails visually lengthen the fingers, especially if the hands are full and the fingers are short.
For those with graceful hands thin fingers For those who have nails with a convex nail plate and a rectangular cuticle hole, a rectangular nail shape is suitable. The length has no special significance, rectangular shape looks good on both short and long nails.
For those women who have wide hands and large fingers, rounded nail shapes are ideal. In this case, the length of the nail extending from the edge must be at least 3 mm. This way the manicure will lengthen your fingers and give your hands grace.
A pointed form of manicure, it is also called almond-shaped for those whom nature has endowed with thin hand shapes and long fingers. On hands full such a manicure will look awkward, violating the proportions.
Manicurists believe that the shape of the nails should follow the shape of the cuticle. But everything is purely individual.
There is one more important rule of manicure. All nails must be the same length. If one nail is broken, you will have to shorten all the others to the same length.
Choosing a nail file. Which one and what is it used for?
For a step-by-step manicure at home, you will need nail files. When choosing a nail file, you should pay attention to the material, from which it is made and its rigidity - abrasiveness.
Abrasiveness is the hardness of the file.
It depends on how large or fine the dusting is on the nail file and how many units of abrasive there are per unit area. This value is measured in grits. The higher the grit number, the softer the file., accordingly, a file with a lower number of grits will be harder.
For polishing natural and artificial nails Buffs with an abrasiveness index from 400 to 1000 grit are used.
Materials from which nail files are made, advantages and disadvantages:
- Metal. They are durable and strong, these are all their advantages. The main disadvantages include the fact that such a file, with its spraying, severely damages the nail plate, which subsequently leads to delamination and brittleness. Metal files can be used for artificial nails.
- Glass. A file that spares the nail plate. If handled properly, this nail file will last a long time. Its only drawback is fragility.
- Plastic. Ideal choice of material. These files are easy to use, easy to wash and disinfect. A large assortment from different manufacturers will allow you to choose a nail file of suitable quality and reasonable price.
- Paper. A budget option for a nail file based on thick cardboard with a coating. This nail file is not very durable and is suitable for one-time use.
- Ceramic. To carefully process the tips of the nails, a glass file is used, and a ceramic one will seal the edge of the nail so that it does not delaminate. Just like a glass file, this nail file is quite fragile and requires careful handling.
Steaming the nail plate
There are 2 types of manicure:
- classic, edged manicure;
- European, non-edged manicure.
For a step-by-step manicure at home, it is better to choose a safe method for treating the cuticle. This is considered a European manicure. With this method, the cuticle is not cut, but is steamed and moved to the edge of the nail. Oils and special gels are used to slow down the growth of the cuticle.
Classic manicure - steaming and removing cuticles. Suitable for those who have some nail art skills.
In both cases, you will need to steam your hands in a hot bath for 5-7 minutes.
First, before steaming, add desired shape nails using a nail file. Steaming can be replaced by treating the cuticle with a special gel, which will soften it and make it easier to remove.
Adding herbal decoctions, essential oils, sea salt, and table salt to the steaming bath will strengthen your nails and make your hand skin softer and silkier.
Polishing
Polishing gives a neater look to your nails. When no coating is applied, polishing adds shine to the nails. When applying the coating, the coating adheres better to the polished surface of the nail.
You should follow some rules when applying polishing:
- Doing a manicure at home, Don’t get too carried away with polishing your nail plates. Once a month will be enough. Step-by-step use of nail files coated with varying hardness will allow you to achieve excellent results.
- It is not recommended to polish weakened nails, this may worsen their condition.
- Nails must be buffed before polishing.. This procedure will improve the condition of the nail plate, eliminate irregularities and minor flaws. After sanding, the nails are polished with a soft nail file. If you plan to cover your nails with gel polish or shellac, you should only lightly sand your nails. Excessive sanding will thin the nail plate.
Coating
Any varnish, gel or shellac, when applied to a base coat, has more bright color and last longer. When using a coating of soft, pale tones, a white matte varnish can be used as a base. Using a base will avoid multi-layering.
In order for the coating to adhere well, the nails must be thoroughly degreased immediately before coating.
This advice is especially relevant if fat-containing cuticle removal preparations were used for preparation.
Applying the coating starts from the base of the nail and continues to the edge of the nail. The movement of the brush should be with light pressure in order to paint the maximum surface of the nail in one movement. Next, you will need 2 more light brush strokes to paint the remaining edges of the nail.
Gel or shellac coating requires additional products - a base and top coat. On oil-free nails, first apply the base, then the gel. After drying the coating, a topcoat is applied to strengthen it. If you use regular polish, you don't need a base coat, but using a top coat will extend the life of your manicure.
Materials and tools
Step-by-step manicure at home requires the availability of tools for such work.
You will need:
- nippers or tweezers for removing cuticles; manicurists call them cuticle cutters;
- manicure scissors with rounded ends for those who are not used to using clippers;
- several files, with different hardness. For grinding and polishing buff;
- sticks with a special end for cuticles/pusher (metal tool for working with cuticles).
Additionally:
- nail polish remover/acrylic remover;
- cotton pads;
- To remove the acrylic coating you will need foil;
- cuticle remover (for dry manicure);
- capacity;
- supplements such as essential oils, sea/table salt, soap/gel;
- paper napkins;
- cuticle moisturizing oil, hand cream - all this is used to complete the manicure.
Sterilizing instruments at home
The health of your nails depends on how clean the tool you use for manicure is. A minor wound can cause big trouble. At home, manicure tools should also be disinfected.
The number of tool users at home is limited, but this does not cancel disinfection.
To sterilize manicure instruments at home, you do not need to buy a special device that is used in salons.
Home remedies for sterilization:
- hydrogen peroxide;
- pure alcohol;
- vinegar.
Depending on what product is used, the sterilization time also differs. Pure alcohol implies instant sterilization, and using hydrogen peroxide will take several hours. You can sterilize an instrument with vinegar if the liquid does not damage the coating of the instrument.
Methods for sterilizing metal instruments:
- boiling;
- heating over an open flame;
- heating in the oven.
Metal instruments are first washed under running water and then sterilized. Sterilization on an open flame is carried out for 5 minutes, boiling or sterilization in the oven - for 15-20 minutes.
To sterilize nail files, use a spray filled with a disinfection solution.
If anyone at home has fungal infection skin and uses the same tools, disinfection should be carried out especially carefully.
Ready-made disinfectants that can be purchased on the Internet, pharmacy or specialized stores:
- sterillium;
- cutasept f;
- octenisept;
- estilodez antiseptic;
- bansolar;
- alaminol.
The manufacturer offers such products in the form of sprays, concentrates, and wipes.
What pharmaceutical products may be useful?
To sterilize home manicure tools, products can be purchased at pharmacies.
These include:
- hydrogen peroxide;
- alcohol;
- octenisept;
- sterillium.
Cuticle removers
For quick and effective removal To remove cuticles, salons use special products - cuticle removers. They allow for a short time soften the cuticle and promote its high-quality removal. Some removers contain substances that subsequently slow down the growth of the cuticle.
Such products contain acids or alkalis Therefore, removers are not recommended for use in cases of fungal diseases and people prone to allergic reactions.
There are several types of removers:
- acidic;
- alkaline;
- oil;
- mineral.
Oil and mineral based removers are considered the safest. They are recommended for home use.
The remover is applied to dry cuticles using a brush or directly from a tube with a special spout. After 3-5 minutes, the product is wiped off with a napkin, the cuticle is pushed back using a stick or pusher. The product is not washed off with water. When using an acid remover, it is recommended to cover the skin around the nail with oil.
When doing a manicure at home, you can step by step use olive oil and lemon juice. This combination will allow you to quickly and efficiently treat the periungual space.
Step-by-step instructions for performing a classic edged manicure
Performing a trim manicure step by step has the following steps:
- removal of old coating, if any;
- shaping the nails, this should be done before steaming;
- steam your hands, remove the cuticle/ in case of dry manicure, use a remover to remove the cuticle;
- use a stick to clean the space under the nails;
- grinding, polishing;
- applying nail strengtheners;
- To finish, apply cuticle oil to the nails and around the nails, then apply hand cream.
Unedged manicure at home
European manicure is done in 3 ways:
- Dry method With the use of a remover, your hands do not get steamed. It should be remembered that some types of removers can cause allergic reactions.
- Wet method using a warm bath to steam your hands.
- Hot method Designed for steaming very rough cuticles and hand skin.
Manicure should be performed in the following sequence:
- First you need to shape your nails.
- Steam your hands. If using the dry method, treat the cuticle with a remover. After 5-7 minutes you can work with the cuticle.
- Wipe your hands dry/Remove remover with a napkin or cotton swab.
- Move the softened cuticle to the root of the nail wooden stick or pusher.
- Apply oil that slows down cuticle growth and rub it well into the nail plate at the base of the nail. Using this oil will allow you to do manicures less frequently in the future.
- Before coating, thoroughly degrease your nails.
How to do a French manicure step by step
The most popular manicure is French, that is, French manicure. French is suitable for all occasions: to evening dress and to an office suit.
The classic version of a French manicure is a nude base and a white smile at the tip of the nail.
Modern nail design offers different variations of this manicure.
To do a French manicure at home you will need a little skill:
- Give the required form nails. It is better if it is rectangular or oval in shape.
- Steam your hands.
- Treat the cuticle. For a French manicure, a classic edged manicure is suitable.
- Further buff and polish your nails. These simple procedures will extend the life of the coverage.
- Apply base coat, flesh or beige varnish.
- After drying draw a smile using a thin brush or stencil. The width of the smile should be the same on all nails. A wide smile will visually shorten your nails, so it is not recommended to get too carried away. The width of the contrast strip should be no more than 2 - 3 mm, depending on the length of the free tip of the nail.
- After cover your nails clear varnish , fixing the smile. You should also coat the end of the nail, this will seal all the layers and strengthen the coating.
- The procedure ends applying oil to the cuticle. Apply a little cream to the skin of your hands, rub in with massage movements.
Gradient on nails
The application technique in the gradient or ombre style has been very popular for many years. This is the use of several colors, the transition from one color to another. This coating looks original and impressive.
Required:
- varnish 2-4 colors;
- sponge;
- nail polish remover;
- cotton buds;
- toothpick;
- foil.
Gradient coating, step-by-step implementation:
- Prepare your nails.
- Before applying the coating, generously lubricate the skin around the nail with cuticle oil. The oil will make it easier to remove any polish that gets on your skin.
- Further actions will require some speed in work. Draw stripes of varnish on the foil close to each other and blend their borders together. Dab the sponge into the created palette and transfer it to the nails.
- Cover your nails with top coat without waiting for the layer to dry.
- Clean off excess varnish using cotton swabs and nail polish remover.
Multicolored nails
A popular technique is coating with varnish of different colors. You can choose a palette of colors that are close or opposite to each other according to the color wheel. You will need varnishes of 2-5 colors, manicure tools.
Step by step execution:
- Nail preparation.
- Before you start painting your nails, bottles of polish should be opened and prepared in the order in which they will be used. If 2 colors are used, determine which nails will be covered with which color.
- Cover the nails one at a time, dry, and secure with top coat.
Lunar manicure with gel polish or shellac
Moon manicure is the opposite of French manicure. The hole is covered with white varnish, the main coating is done in a different, contrasting color. You can use brighter combinations of foundation and smile.
Step-by-step instructions for performing a moon manicure with gel polish or shellac:
- Preparing nails for coating
- Coating the nails with the main color, drying the coating in a lamp. Depending on the power of the lamp, this will take from 1 to 2 minutes.
- Drawing a lunar smile using a thin brush. Drying.
- Cover with a top coat and dry again.
The border line between the main layer and the base can be decorated with rhinestones. Rhinestones are applied to the smile before drying. The surface is strengthened with topcoat.
Matte and mirror manicure for short nails
A fashion trend is a combination of matte and mirror manicure of the same color. A matte surface is obtained by applying a special coating to a regular gel polish.
This coating is great for short nails.
Step-by-step instructions for performing a matte-glossy manicure:
- Preparing nails for coating.
- Apply base, then foundation. Drying in a lamp.
- Apply matte top coat to selected nails. To combine a matte finish and gloss on one nail, use a stencil. This technique will allow you to create an interesting design.
For a glossy manicure at home, use foil or rubbing, polyester powder. You can buy all this in specialized stores.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a mirror manicure using powder:
- Apply a base layer of gel and dry.
- Immediately after drying, sprinkle the base layer with powder. The powder is applied using a spatula. Rub the powder with the applicator. Remove excess powder with a brush.
- Apply topcoat and dry in a lamp.
The secret of shimmering mirror nails
For a mirror manicure, a special powder is used. It is made of polyester, a material that consists of small particles. It is these particles that reflect light and give the manicure a mirror shine.
The use of powder with different colors and particle sizes makes it possible to create original manicure.
Newspaper manicure
A simple newspaper manicure. 
Required:
- base color;
- newspaper, 10 pieces of newspaper with fine dough for each nail;
- acetone;
- transparent top.
Execution sequence:
- Prepare nails for coating.
- Apply the base color.
- Immediately after applying the base color with a drop of acetone, attach a piece of newspaper to the nail.
- Wait until the newspaper is completely dry. Do not move the newspaper until it is completely dry to avoid streaks.
- Remove the newspaper and cover your nails with a clear topcoat.
Applying such a manicure will take time, but the result is worth it.
Hollywood mirror minx with foil
Mirror manicure using foil. The choice of foil color depends on what color of varnish will be used.
Step by step execution:
- Gel polish is applied to prepared nails and dried.
- Afterwards, colorless foil glue is applied to the gel. You need to wait until the glue dries.
- The foil is applied to the glue with the matte side and carefully smoothed with a wooden stick.
- After this, the foil is removed and the mirror layer remains on the nail.
- Completion – covering with a setting topcoat.
Design - cat eye
Spectacular cat eye manicure. A special magnetic gel is a varnish that contains particles that, under the influence of a magnet, create an iridescent pattern on the nail.
To work you will need gel polish with magnetic particles and a magnet.
Step by step execution:
- Gel polish is applied to prepared nails.
- A magnet is brought to the surface of the nail, which orients the particles in a certain direction, creating a reflective effect. Depending on how you apply the magnet, the particles will be positioned. Exactly, diagonally or in wavy stripes.
- After this, dry the layer.
- Apply top coat and dry.
Beautiful manicure with a stencil
Manicure using a stencil is very popular. The stencil makes it possible to make original and neat manicure at home without any difficulties. In a specialized store you can purchase stencils for French and moon manicure.
They also sell special adhesive tape for geometric designs and a variety of adhesive sheets with elegant patterns. For this manicure you will need 2 colors of polish and a stencil.
Manicure with a stencil is performed as follows:
- First, the nails are prepared for coating;
- the base is applied, then the base, the layer must be dried;
- a stencil or adhesive tape is pasted and the nails are covered with varnish of a different color;
- the stencil is removed from the nails at the moment when the layer has dried, but not completely;
- A protective coating is applied and dried.
Stamping - stamp design
Another quick method to create an original manicure, now using stamps. This method differs from the previous method in that the stencil is a one-time sticker, and the stamp can be reused.
To perform a manicure using stamping, you will need plates with designs and a stamp - a device with a silicone base for transferring the design to the nail plate.
First, the nails should be prepared and covered with a base, then with a base on which the design will be applied.
Dry the base layer thoroughly so that there are no marks when applying the stamp. Apply a protective coating to the skin around the nail, which will be removed after applying the stamp and the skin will remain clean.
Varnish is applied to the patterned stencil, and the excess is carefully removed using a scraper. Afterwards, the design is transferred from the plate to the stamp, then to the nail, and so on. Then ready-made manicure needs to be covered with topcoat.
A drawing made using a stencil is quite fragile and requires protection. Apply the top coat without applying strong pressure to avoid smearing the stamp. The top coat will extend the durability of the manicure.
Water manicure: how to do a manicure yourself
Simple technology water manicure, it will require:
- a water container, not very wide, but sufficient to place a finger in it;
- varnishes 2 - 3 colors;
- toothpick for drawing patterns;
- tape/cuticle oil/greasy cream to protect the area around the nail area from excess polish;
- cotton swabs and disks;
- varnish remover;
- base, top
Execution step by step:
- Cover the nails with the base, then dry with the varnish that will be the main one.
- Fill the container with water at room temperature.
- Drop a few drops of varnish one by one onto the surface of the water. Make the next drop in the center of the previous one. Wait for them to spread.
- Create a pattern on the water. Make 2-3 movements with a toothpick on the varnish film.
- Lubricate the periungual fold with cuticle cream/oil/glue it with tape around the nail. Nails should be dry.
- Dip your finger in water, the film will transfer to the nail. Remove your finger.
- Next, remove the tape; if cream was used, wipe off excess varnish. Anything that could not be removed immediately should be cleaned using cotton swabs and detergent.
- This procedure can be carried out with each nail. The combination of plain and water-based nail polish on the fingers of one hand looks original.
- Secure the resulting pattern with a top coat.
Simple varnishes with special effects
Varnishes with special effects are a quick way without special effort get an original manicure.
Manufacturers offer:
- Glitter polishes. These can be rare small inclusions of glitter in the colored base or discernible sparkles of medium and large size geometric shapes in transparent and colored base.
- Glitter polishes made entirely of glitter glitters.
- Glitters with splashes, resembling sugar crystals. The coating has a dense texture and, when dry, has a rough surface.
- Metallic effect varnishes, silver and gold.
- Varnishes with craquelure effect, cracking effect. The varnish is applied to a contrasting base with shimmer (reflective particles). Afterwards, a special color coating is applied to the base and dried in air. At the same time, cracks appear on top layer varnish
- Matte finishes with and without sparkles.
Brands of varnishes and acrylic coatings for nails and estimated prices:
- Laque RuNail – 270-300 rubles;
- Essie – 300-350 rubles;
- Vinylux CND - 550 rub.;
- P.I. – 550 rub.;
- Kodi Professional - 500 rub.;
- Shellac CND – 1000 rub.;
- Gelish Harmony — 1000 rub.
The most common brands that nail salons prefer to use are Kodi, Shellac CND and Vinylux CND.
Baths and oils to strengthen nails after manicure
For nails that are peeling, baths with sea or table salt will be useful.
To enhance the effect of such a bath, add a drop of iodine.
For weakened nails - warm oil baths with the addition of vitamins A and E, herbal decoctions of chamomile, calendula and mint.
Usage natural oils for nails will strengthen the nail plate, prevent splitting and brittleness of nails, improve the general condition of nails and the skin around them. Oils can be used both as part of baths and independently.
Baths with essential oils:
- lemon;
- grapefruit;
- rosemary;
- jojoba;
- avocado.
To strengthen nails, rub in ylang-ylang, lavender, and tea tree oils. Nail masks made from a mixture of natural oils are also used. The basis of such a mask is olive, castor, linseed oil. To be effective, the oil mixture must be heated before use.
When performing a manicure yourself at home, you need to follow the advice of professionals.
Then step by step execution will become not just work, but exciting creative activity, to which you will want to return more and more often.
Well-groomed hands and beautiful manicure - business card every woman.
Useful videos on how to do a manicure at home
How to do a Gradient manicure yourself at home? Watch in the video clip:
Find out how to perform a trim manicure yourself in the video:
- How to do matte manicure?
- Lunar manicure: creation scheme
- How to do a water manicure?
- How to do an ombre manicure?
- Ideas for a beautiful manicure
- A manicure that you do yourself has several undeniable advantages. Firstly, you do not need to make an appointment at the salon in advance and waste time on the road. Secondly, this skill can save you a lot of money. And thirdly, the procedure for creating a manicure can be truly exciting. We have compiled a detailed beauty cheat sheet that will help understand the issue even for those who have never held a nail file in their hands.
How to give yourself a manicure?
Before you start using bright varnish or creating complex nail art, you need to prepare the appropriate ground - in other words, do a basic manicure. We'll tell you how to do this at home.
What do you need for a manicure?
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Of course, the list of essentials depends on many factors. For example, depending on what type of manicure you prefer: . But the standard set of tools you'll need looks something like this:
- nail polish remover,
- cotton pads or lint-free wipes,
- nail clippers (nail clippers) or manicure scissors,
- orange stick or cuticle pusher,
- cuticle remover (cuticle remover),
- nail file for shaping nails,
- nail file,
- hand cream,
- base coat for nails
Simple unedged manicure at home: step-by-step instructions
Have you prepared everything you need? Then make sure your workplace properly lit - and follow our instructions exactly.
Wipe your nails with nail polish remover
The first step is to remove any remaining old polish using cotton wool or a lint-free cloth moistened with nail polish remover. By the way, it is better, if possible, to do this with a napkin: cotton pads often leave small fibers, due to which the varnish is then distributed unevenly. And even if there is no polish on your nails, still wipe the nail plate with nail polish remover to degrease it.
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Use scissors or clippers to trim your nails. If your nails are not too long, or you do not plan to shorten them significantly, you can skip this step and immediately proceed to using a nail file.
Use a natural nail file with an abrasiveness of 180-200 grit. You can find out how to choose the right tool, and choose suitable form our detailed nails will help. Do not move the file in a “right-to-left” pattern, this can lead to splitting of the nails: move in one direction, with smooth movements. Round your nails very carefully and do not overdo it: if you file your nails on the sides too actively, this can lead to ingrown nails in the future.
Under no circumstances use a nail file immediately after taking a shower; the nail plate must be completely dry!
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Sand the edges
Use a buffing file to smooth the edges of your nails to avoid splitting and lightly buff the surface. But, again, do not try to achieve a mirror shine: it will be difficult for nail polish to “fix” on a perfectly smooth surface.
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Using an orange stick or a special pusher, carefully push back the cuticle and pterygium - the lower layer of the cuticle, which is a thin film.
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Apply a special cuticle softener (remover) and wait 20-30 seconds.
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Push back the cuticle again
Using an orange stick or pusher, gently push back the cuticle again, trying not to press too hard on it. If you don’t have a special remover on hand, you can use a rich cream instead.
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If necessary, remove burrs with pliers or scissors. Treat the skin of your hands with cream.
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After removing cuticles, use an alcohol-based solution or nail polish remover. This will help remove any remaining remover and degrease the nail surface. By the way, some beauty brands produce special nail degreasers; they are also very effective and easy to use.
Apply base coat
Be sure to use a base coat: it will prevent yellowing of the nail plate and provide better adhesion to the polish. Distribute the base in a thin layer, slightly retreating from the cuticle. Don't skip this step, even if you plan to paint your nails with a light polish later.
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Video tutorial on how to create a manicure
Beauty blogger Lena Sevelenium has prepared a simple and understandable video tutorial on how to create a basic manicure at home. Let's see!
Is it worth getting a trim manicure?
Nowadays, the procedure of unedged (European) manicure is more popular, the creation schemes for which we presented above. With this manicure, the cuticle is not cut, but softened using special means(removera), and then moves away.
If you usually stick to an untrimmed manicure, it's best not to start trimming your cuticles: the more often you trim them, the rougher they become and the harder they are to remove.
In addition, the cuticle serves as a barrier and protects the skin from infections. If you are still used to trimmed (classic) manicure, but would like to switch to a European one, just stop trimming the cuticles, start using a remover - and be patient. Fortunately, the process is reversible, and if you refuse to cut the cuticle, with regular European manicures, over time the cuticle will become softer and thinner.
How to do a French manicure at home?
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French is one of the classic types of manicure. If the tip of the nail is highlighted with a contrasting stripe, then this is a French style. The canonical version involves the combination of “pink translucent varnish plus white stripe“, but today, more and more often, in French manicure they use various, as well as different textures - shimmer, glitter, and matte.
According to latest trends the colored line at the tip of the nail does not necessarily have to be even. But if you want to create a classic version of French, then this problem will be the main one you have to solve.
The most common way is to use special stencils to create a French jacket. You will only need to glue the stencil (you should not start right at the base of the nail, but slightly away from it) and mark the tip with varnish. When it dries, peel off the stencil: a perfectly even strip will remain on the nail.
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A brush can also help you quickly and conveniently draw an even strip. french manicure, the edge of which is not straight or beveled, but with a semicircle “cut” in the center. Such brushes are sold only in specialized stores, so you will have to spend some time searching for them, but they will save you a lot of time when creating a French jacket.
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The third way (and perhaps the easiest) is to buy special stickers for the jacket. You just need to glue a ready-made strip of the selected color to the edge of the nail.
French manicure: step-by-step photo instructions
For anyone who is skilled enough to work with manicure brushes, making a French manicure will be as easy as shelling pears. You will need the actual brush itself (the thinnest of all possible), a transparent base, soft pink or another light shade of varnish, white or any colored varnish with which you will paint a stripe on the tip of the nail, as well as a fixative varnish.
Apply clear base coat.
Apply two layers of light pink or beige nail polish and wait a couple of minutes for it to dry.
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Using a thin artistic brush, carefully paint the tip of the nail with white or colored varnish, creating that very “smile” that distinguishes French manicure from other types of manicure.
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How to do a quartz manicure?
A nail plate with imitation of streaks and veins, like on the surface of quartz, is one of the main nail trends recent years. How to repeat this image? First, stock up on a soft pink polish with a translucent texture, white polish, a toothpick or needle, and, of course, base and top coats.
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Apply a base coat and paint your nails with a soft pink translucent polish in several layers (for example, a classic French polish is suitable). IN in this case What is important is not so much the specific shade as the texture: the varnish should not be dense, otherwise it will not be possible to create a quartz effect.
Wait for the layers of pink polish to dry thoroughly and begin creating those very white “veins” that distinguish this type of manicure from the rest. Paint them with a toothpick, a needle or a special manicure brush with old or pearl varnish applied to it. Draw the lines in a random pattern, and then, before the polish has time to dry, cover your nails with another layer of translucent pink polish so that the lines end up a little blurry.
Apply clear topcoat.
How to make a matte manicure?
The easiest way to create a matte manicure, which has recently become a serious competitor to the usual glossy manicure, is to use a special matte coating: many nail brands produce these today. The coating can be colored or transparent - the latter can be supplemented with any other glossy varnish to turn it matte.
- You will need: nail polish remover or nail degreaser, cotton pad, colored polish of any shade, matte finish.
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Apply a special degreaser to your nails or wipe with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover.
Apply any varnish from your collection in two layers. It can be with a dense or translucent texture, with shimmer or glitter, metallic or pearlescent. But it’s worth clarifying that an ordinary plain varnish with a dense texture will look more impressive in combination with a matte top.
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Make sure that the coating is perfectly smooth, without the slightest flaws. A matte top will highlight imperfections, so if you are not happy with something, it is better to repaint your nail. Also keep in mind that a matte finish can change the original shade of the varnish - for example, make it lighter. Apply a matte finish to your nail. Manicure is ready!
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You can learn about other ways to create a matte manicure using available tools from.
How to do a marble manicure?
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Marble manicure in your own way appearance resembles quartz, as it is made according to the same principle. In this case, it is proposed to create a pattern on the nails that imitates the surface of marble tiles with multi-colored veins. How to quickly create it?
- You will need: base clear coat, white polish, black polish, gray polish, manicure or fine art brush, sponge, clear top coat.
As usual, start your manicure by applying a layer base coat which will protect the nail plate.
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Apply one or two coats of white varnish, depending on how thick its texture is. Your task is to create a coating without “bald spots”. Wait for the polish to dry thoroughly.
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Using black varnish, using a special manicure brush or the thinnest artistic brush, draw thin stripes on your nails in a chaotic manner.
Use gray polish to paint a few dots on your nails. Do this when the black lines are already dry so as not to smear the previous coat of varnish.
Carefully apply a clean cosmetic sponge to the surface of the nail: this action will help create those “marble” stains.
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Seal the effect with a clear coat.
DIY mirror manicure
The easiest way to create a mirror manicure is with a special shiny powder (rubbing), which can be found in specialized stores. Also, you will have to use not ordinary, but gel polish. In addition, you will need special coatings for gel polish (base and top), a UV lamp and a cosmetic sponge.
Apply a special transparent base for gel polish, hold your nails under a UV lamp for two minutes so that the coating has time to harden.
Nail design is gaining more and more momentum every year. Nowadays it is no longer enough to cover your nails in one layer or highlight several fingers. And if nails before Decorated mainly for special occasions (weddings, birthdays, etc.), now you can increasingly see designs on the nails of girls working in offices.
Christina Fitzgerald training manager Galina Smirnova told us how the brightest trends of summer 2015 in nail design exist and how to perform them at home?
1. Geometric patterns
Geometry has been a leader in the fashion world for several seasons now. And of course, this trend could not help but affect nail design.
Triangles, vertical and horizontal stripes, ovals and squares are in fashion.
The design can be made using tape(you must remember that before sticking the tape on the nail plate, the layers of varnish must dry) or thin brushes. Using a brush, the contour becomes clearer and smoother. In this design, do not limit yourself to color. Choose different combinations of varnish.
2. Negative Space
Translated from English, Negative Space is negative space. This coating technology ensures that one part of the nail plate remains free of varnish. Leave unpainted areas on the varnish in the form of a planned pattern. These can be complex geometric patterns, hearts or flowers, and even your own initials.
Negative Space will be appreciated by lovers of minimalism, creative, extraordinary girls.
How to do this manicure at home:
- Apply two coats of color.
- Take a regular fine art brush (ideally a special nail art brush), dip it in nail polish remover and remove the color from the polish in the pattern you have in mind.
3. Rhinestones
For example, at graduation, rhinestones will perfectly highlight a cocktail or evening look. They will make a bright accent on your nails. In this case, there will no longer be a need to wear accessories such as rings and bracelets.
Nowadays, stores offer a huge selection of stones of different colors, sizes and shapes. When choosing rhinestones, pay attention to their shape (the side that is glued to the nail should be flat), and also make sure that there are no chips on the rhinestones.
How to glue rhinestones:
- Use special glue. Dip an orange stick into glue and place droplets on the nail.
- Apply the rhinestone and lightly press it to the nail plate.
If you don’t have glue on hand, you can safely replace it with a topcoat. However, keep in mind that in this case the stones will hold much less.
4. Stickers
Stickers are a lifesaver for those who don't know how to draw.
There are a great variety of stickers to choose from. And different companies have their own application technology: from the simplest to the most complex. Therefore, before purchasing, carefully read the instructions.
One of the options for applying stickers:
- The cuticle is pulled back, the nail plate is polished and degreased, and a sticker is selected according to the shape of the nail plate.
- Heats up under a lamp until it becomes plastic.
- We start sticking it on the nail from the cuticle area, smooth the sticker so that no bubbles form (to remove all the air from under the sticker).
- Use a file to go along the free edge perpendicular to the nail, sealing the end.
- If necessary, if the shape does not fit, adjust it to the shape of the nail using scissors.
5. Matte effect
You can make either a few fingers or all the fingers on each hand. Many manufacturers of varnish coatings have in their palettes not only a top coat with a matte effect, but also entire collections of varnishes. And the palette of shades is currently very diverse.
But it is not necessary to purchase a special varnish. This effect can be achieved using a soft sander.
Apply two coats of color, let the varnish dry thoroughly, and then go over the coating with a sander. But be careful not to press hard on the file.
6. Matte effect with glossy pattern
This type of design suitable for those who doesn't love bright accents on hands. It will be laconic and at the same time very mysterious.
How to make a matte manicure with glossy accents:
- Apply 2 coats of varnish (this can be matte varnish or regular varnish using a sander).
- “Arm yourself” with a regular top and a brush.
- On top of matte nails, use a thin brush to apply a glossy topcoat in the form of a pattern. The patterns in this case can be different: from peas and flowers to ethnic patterns.
7. Silhouette design
This is a good alternative to painting. For this type of design, you can purchase both special adhesive stencils and stamping. Stamping is a special design kit that includes metal discs with patterns embossed on them, a stamp and paints. Recently, nail stamping has gained popularity due to the ease of creating designs on nails. The advantage of this nail design is that each of us can create a beautiful manicure at home without much effort.
The most basic way to create such a design is to use dots. You can use it to make flowers or even Mickey Mouse.
It is better to apply such a design in color - it will be brighter.
- First, apply the color in two layers and wait for it to dry.
- Using dots, we place a large drop - this is the head, and two small ones - we draw ears. We do this with each nail.
- Let it dry, apply top coat and dry.
8. Ombre
Ombre can start from the little finger and end on thumb, moving from the lightest varnish to the darkest. But this is the simplest ombre option. In addition, you can mix several colors on one nail at once. In this case, the ombre can be either horizontal (from the free edge to the cuticle) or vertical (from side roller to side roller).
Try combining moonlight manicure with ombre. This combination will become a bright accent.
How to make ombre at home:
- Degrease the nail plate and apply a base coat.
- We take foil and select several shades of varnish (there may be two or more) from light to dark.
- Place a drop of each color on the foil one after another in a row.
- We take a sponge (it is better to cut a small piece from the sponge so that it is no wider than the nail plate), saturate it with the selected varnishes and with quick, light pressing movements, apply color from the cuticle area to the free edge.
- You can repeat the color application several times. Until you achieve the desired result!
- Cover the top with topcoat.
