Having freshly painted nails is something we all aspire to. It completes a look and makes us appear polished, and a trip to the salon is a luxury treat. However, with busy social, home, and work schedules, trying to fit in a manicure can prove challenging. This is when a few handy shortcuts come in. From DIY nails to nail wraps and BIAB, many new products provide a cheat guide to perfectly polished nails.
In this guide, we give insight into the tools and methods available, all of which guarantee beautiful nails without you having to jump through hoops to get them! Read on to discover more.
1. Stick On Nails
Another top tip for those looking for a quick fix? Stick on nails. At one time, these lasted a mere few hours, and you would struggle to use your hands to complete daily tasks for fear that one would fly off. New technology has brought gel-style stick-on nails, which look and feel like the real deal. They’re also available in several lengths, styles, textures, patterns, and hues, meaning there is something to suit all. The best part? They boast severe staying power! Stick-on nails are a popular choice with those who adore nail colours yet don’t have the time to sit in a salon.
2. Do Them Yourself
A nail appointment in a salon can take a few hours out of your day. Firstly, you have to get to the salon. This often involves walking, driving, public transport, or all three. Instead of taking time out of your busy day to make an appointment, why not do them yourself at home? There are various tools you can purchase. These span from quick-dry polish and salon-style gel machines, all of which can be embraced from the comfort of your home.
This allows you to treat your nails to a spruce-up on your time. It’s often a lot more cost-effective. Why not make a night of it, and invite your friends around for a team mani? Better still, hire a nail artist to come to your home.
3. Invest in a Quick Dry Spray
Don’t waste precious time waiting patiently for your nails to dry. Use a drying spray. Once you’ve painted your nails in a color of your choice, spray this magic formula on them, and they’ll dry at twice the speed. This means you can continue your day without worrying about smudging your fresh manicure.
4. What to Ask for at the Salon
Don’t trust yourself to do your nails at home? Learn what to ask for at the salon to ensure a simple, effective, and speedy experience. The lazy girl’s way? Skip the manicure and ask for a polish change instead. This ensures freshly painted nails, only without the fuss. Such as the clipping of cuticles, the massaging of hands, and the moisturizing of skin – all add time (and cost) to your treatment.
5. Choose Lacquer over Gel
Gel polish can take a while to cure, with several steps to the procedure. These include applying a base coat, at least two coats of color, and a top coat. Looking for a quick fix that looks just as good? Lacquer is an ideal choice. Although it won’t last as long as gel, the latest chip-free formulas promise between five and seven days. Especially if you take care of your nails. This equates to asking someone else to do the dishes for a week! The best part? You don’t have to book an appointment to get your nail color removed. You can do this at home with a standard nail polish remover and a cotton pad. Always try to opt for an acetone-free remover.
6. BIAB
One of the latest trends to hit the nail market is BIAB. Unlike standard gel and extensions, this unique formula boasts a base, color, and top coat in one. The result? Nails that look beautifully natural take half the time yet last longer than your average nail polish.
7. Gel Nail Polish
Gel polish is popular with many nail enthusiasts, especially if you have a special event or vacation coming up. There is no need to wait for the gel to dry. Once on your nails, it can last for up to three weeks. Although it takes a little longer to apply initially, fewer trips to the salon are required.
8. Nail Wraps
Nail wraps are another trend popular today. They are easy to apply, cost-effective, and boast zero mess. Simply peel them off their packaging, place them on your nails, and file them down to your desired size and shape. To ensure staying power, use alongside a base and top coat, although not necessary. Quality nail wraps are said to last as long as gel nails. In addition, they come in various hues and styles, including matte, metallic and neon shades. To remove, soak in acetone.
9. In Fills and Top Ups
Instead of asking your manicurist to give you a fresh set of nails, ask for a touch-up. Most often, all but one nail will be in tip-top condition, or you’ll need to add more product to the space where they have grown.
The Bottom Line
Ensuring perfect make-up or hair isn’t always a given. Nails that are polished to perfection, provided you follow the above tips and tricks, are easy to achieve. The best part is that you don’t have to go to extreme lengths to achieve them, irrespective of whether you grace the salon or do them yourself at home.
With so many options, including fancy nail art, unique shapes, and vivid hues, you’ll be spoilt for choice! No wonder the nail care market was valued at US$ 13.3 Bn in 2023.
