Painting your nails can be relaxing, fun, and it can be a great way to express yourself. There are so many different colors and designs out there that you can be creative and show the world how you are feeling.
From classic colors such as red and pink to fun designs with rhinestones, there is no limit to what you can do. If you want to learn how to paint nails, this step-by-step guide will get you started.
Step #1: Choose Your Nail Color
Your choices are unlimited when it comes to your nail color. You can choose solids with a matte or glossy finish, shimmering sparkles, or glitter, and any number of other products.
Because you can remove nail polish whenever you want a change, don’t limit yourself and choose a color that will make you feel good
Make sure that the nail polish hasn’t been sitting around in the back of your closet for years. Old nail polish becomes thicker and is hard to use to paint your nails.
If you have an impossible-to-replace color that you really want to use, add a little bit of acetone nail polish remover to the bottle and shake it.
This works as a nail polish thinner, and it will get rid of some of the goopy thickness that builds up over time.
Step #2: Choose Your Workspace
You should find a place to paint your nails that is clean and dry. You need good lighting so that you can see what you are doing.
A flat surface such as your kitchen counter or a table will work well. You should lay down an old towel or some paper towels to protect the surface you are using.
In addition, make sure that you have good ventilation, as you do not want to be crowded into a small room with the nail polish fumes.
Step #3: Get All of the Supplies You Need
You should have all of your supplies at your workspace before you begin. This will ensure that you won’t need to run off and find supplies while your nails are partially painted.
It is best to paint your nails all in one shot. Gather the following items:
- Nail Polish
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Nail polish remover
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Cuticle stick
- Clear nail polish
- Cuticle oil
Step #4: Remove Existing Nail Polish
If you are wearing any nail polish, remove it before you begin. Take one of the cotton balls, soak it in nail polish remover, and hold it on your nail for five seconds.
Then you can wipe the nail polish right off. If there is polish that is stuck on the sides of your nails, use a Q-tip in those spots.
Step #5: Shape Your Nails
If you want to make your nails shorter, use your nail clippers to cut them to the desired length. Then, take your file, and start at the side and move toward the center.
Do not rub the file back and forth as this will weaken your nail and leave jagged edges. Gently swipe the file in one direction as you shape your nails.
You can choose rounded or square, as well as anything in between.
When you are learning how to paint nails, make sure that you file your nails one at a time. This is the time to carefully shape your nails the way you want them to look.
Take your time, and make sure that they are smooth and even when you finish.
Step #6: Push Back Your Cuticles
Use your cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles. Do not clip them or cut them because they actually protect your nails and help them to stay healthy. You can soften them with warm water if they are too hard, and after drying your hands, push the cuticle back to the edge of the nail.
Step #7: Get Your Nail Polish Ready
You can take the bottle of nail polish and roll it back and forth between your hands. This is a better way to handle it than shaking it, as shaking can create air bubbles in the polish.
Rolling it will mix the polish so that it will go on smoothly and evenly.
Step #8: Apply Your Base Coat
Use your clear polish to apply a base coat to your nails. This will ensure that your nail surface is smooth for the color.
You can even choose a base coat product that has peptides in it to promote healthy nail growth. The color will stay true to itself when it is applied this way, and your nails will not become stained with the color.
Make sure that the base coat is completely dry before you apply the color. You can accelerate the drying process by using a small fan. If you don’t have one handy, then try the cool setting on your hair dryer for two or three minutes or dipping your hands in a bowl of ice water.
Either of these methods will help your nails to dry.
Step #9: Paint Your Nails
You should place your hand firmly on the table and spread your fingers apart. Open the nail polish, and brush the applicator against the edge of the bottle so that you don’t have too much nail polish on it.
Start by placing a drop at the base of your nail, and run it from the base to the tip in the center followed by each side. Your drop should have been enough polish to make all three of these stripes.
You can apply a second coat if you want to, but make sure that your nails are completely dry first. You can use the hair dryer method above to dry your nails before the second coat.
Get inspired with some winter nail ideas or easy yet creative nail designs! Sometimes just a sparkly nail polish is all it takes.
Step #10: Apply the Top Coat
After you have painted your nails, you should let them dry completely. You will then paint a top coat to protect the polish and keep it looking fresh.
Start at the base of the nail, and swipe the brush toward and over the tip. If you paint the underside of the tip, you will further protect your nails so that the color won’t fade or chip off.
Step #11: Allow Your Nails to Dry
This might be the most important step because if you don’t let your nails dry completely, you could ruin your polish.
You can air dry your nails, but to speed up the process, try the fan, ice water or the hair dryer methods from above.
Once your nails are completely dry, you can clean up, and you are ready to go. Now you know how to paint nails.
You are now ready to show the world your fabulous nails! Once you’ve gotten good at painting your nails, give nail art a try. You can create so many adorable and amazing designs, perfect to highlight your personality.
