Even the most experienced among us sometimes make manicure mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them!
1. Cutting Cuticles
The mistake: Cutting cuticles with scissors or nippers.
Why it's bad: Cuticles protect the nail matrix from infections. Cutting them can lead to inflammation and increase infection risk.
The solution: Gently push cuticles back after a bath when they're soft. Use cuticle oil daily.
2. Shaking the Polish Bottle
The mistake: Shaking the bottle before use.
Why it's bad: Creates air bubbles that then appear in your manicure.
The solution: Roll the bottle between your palms to mix the polish without bubbles.
3. Skipping Base Coat
The mistake: Applying polish directly to the nail.
Why it's bad: Some polishes stain nails (especially red and orange). Plus, polish doesn't adhere as well.
The solution: Always use base coat, even with "natural" polishes.
4. Layers Too Thick
The mistake: Applying a thick layer of polish for better coverage.
Why it's bad: It dries unevenly, stays soft for a long time, and chips quickly.
The solution: Two to three thin layers, with drying time between them.
5. Ignoring the Free Edge
The mistake: Not applying polish over the nail tip.
Why it's bad: Polish lifts and chips from the edge.
The solution: "Seal" each layer by running the brush over the free edge too.
6. Using Nails as Tools
The mistake: Opening caps, scratching labels with your nails.
Why it's bad: Traumatizes nails and destroys the manicure.
The solution: Use appropriate tools, not your nails!
7. Filing on Wet Nails
The mistake: Filing nails after a shower or bath.
Why it's bad: Wet nails are soft and break more easily.
The solution: Only file completely dry nails.
8. Neglecting Hydration
The mistake: Not using cuticle oil or hand cream.
Why it's bad: Dry nails and cuticles lead to breakage and an unkempt appearance.
The solution: Cuticle oil morning and evening, hand cream after every wash.
