Step 1. Prepare the nails for the nail polish:
- Remove old layers of polish.
- Trim to desired shape, file and buff nails.
- Moisten hands with warm water to soften cuticles.
- Push back the cuticle, DO NOT cut, as it protects the nail matrix.
- Moisturise cuticles and hands.
- Remove excess oil, especially from the nails, so as not to reduce the life of the nail polish.
Step 2. Tips for easy removal of excess nail polish:
- Use petroleum jelly around the nail, to prevent the nail polish from sticking to the skin.
- Apply white glue around the nail, let it dry and proceed to paint.
- Then stretch the dried glue to remove the paint residues.
- Use the classic method by wetting a used brush with nail polish remover and go over the edges removing excess polish.
Step 3. Paint and dry the nails:
- Apply a base coat to each nail and wait until it is completely dry.
- Apply the first coat of your favourite nail polish in a thin, even layer.
- Avoid product build-up by applying it to the base of the nail.
- Divide the nail into 3 areas and spread the polish with the brush in a straight line from the base of the nail to the tip.
- Repeat the same movement for each of the areas of the nail until the coverage is complete.
- Repeat the same process on each nail.
- Let the first coat of nail polish dry completely.
- Apply the second and third coat of nail polish if necessary.
- If using a clear nail polish probably use 2 and 3 coats.
- If using a high coverage nail polish, 1 coat is probably sufficient.
- To finish, apply a thin layer of top coat for an even, glossy finish.
Step 4. Finish:
- If petroleum jelly has been applied, remove it with a cotton swab once the polish is completely dry.
- If you have opted for the glue trick, simply pull it off gently.
- If you have opted for neither of the above two tricks, then use a cotton bud or a thin old brush and nail polish remover to touch up the edges of the nails where the nail polish has come off.