- Manicuring Immediately After Taking a Bath
- Filing Nails Incorrectly
- Cutting the Cuticle
- Painting Nails with a Thick Layer of Polish
- Shaking Nail Polish
1. Manicuring Immediately After Taking a Bath
Many women begin their manicure routine shortly after bathing or washing dishes. This is not recommended, as nails have a spongy, layered structure that easily absorbs moisture. Applying nail polish while nails are damp can cause it to bubble and peel. To avoid this, start your manicure at least two hours after contact with water.
After bathing, applying a nail-strengthening oil is recommended, as it absorbs well into the nail plate, making it stronger and healthier.
2. Filing Nails Incorrectly
Filing nails may seem straightforward, but several mistakes can occur. For example, filing the side of the nail should be avoided. Instead, focus on shaping the upper edge of the nail plate. Filing the nails back and forth is another common mistake; they should only be filed from the edges toward the centre.
Additionally, avoid using hard files designed for artificial nails on natural ones. Use files with 180-240 grit abrasiveness for natural nails to prevent delamination.
3. Cutting the Cuticle
Cutting the cuticle is not only challenging but also potentially harmful. One misstep can result in a cut and potential infection. Moreover, achieving a perfect cut is difficult, and a jagged cuticle can ruin any manicure. Even if executed flawlessly, it’s crucial to avoid removing the entire cuticle, as this exposes the nail root to potential contamination.
Remember, the more frequently the cuticle is cut, the quicker it grows back and becomes thicker. Instead, consider regular moisturising and exfoliating for a neater, well-groomed appearance.
4. Painting Nails with a Thick Layer of Polish
While it’s tempting to apply a thick layer of nail polish for a bold colour and quick application, this can cause the polish to take much longer to dry and be more prone to chipping and cracking. Instead, apply nail polish in 3-4 thin layers for a better result.
5. Shaking Nail Polish
Many people shake nail polish bottles before application, a practice that harksback to a time when only acetone-based varnishes were available. These varnishes separated over time, requiring vigorous shaking to achieve a uniform consistency. However, modern gel polishes do not need to be shaken. Shaking these polishes can cause bubbles to form, resulting in uneven application. Therefore, it’s best to avoid shaking modern nail polishes.