Must-Have #1: Time. Do Not Rush.
For a professional-looking finish, prep is important.
Your DIY manicure should look a little something like this, according to nail expert and OPI National Education & Area Manager, Cheryl Cooke.
File nails equally
Lightly buff the nail plate to make it smooth
Ensure nails are thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Ensure there are no oils left on them. Oils will make your new mani take longer to dry
Apply a base coat
Apply two coats of colour
Add a top coat. Always
Finish with cuticle oil
Salon-worthy nails are unlikely to come about if you start painting 30 seconds before you have to walk out the door, or juggling between four other tasks.
In fact, not allowing enough time to do it properly is the most common mistake people make when doing their nails at home.
“Spend the extra time and effort to get your products ready and do your nails remembering that the drying time is important and should be allowed for,” Cheryl says.
“The whole time will still be less than going to the salon and also doing it right the first time will save you time doing it again or having to re-do a bad job sooner.”