How to Apply Nail Polish Like A Pro

Considering that a manicure generally lasts 6 or 7 days tops, the cost of nail maintenance can start adding up. And if you decide to save money by going the cut-rate nail salon route, you’re also increasing the likelihood of encountering questionable sanitary practices. So maybe try it on your own with help from Ji Baek’s Rescue Your Nails, which gives 9 steps to a professional polish. And while admittedly a self-polish is difficult at first, with a little practice, you can enjoy picture-perfect nails, and extra cash in your pocket. Nothing wrong with that.

So pick out your color and get started:

1. First make sure your hands are free of any nail polish. Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover and firmly swipe away any polish or residue that may be lingering.

2. Repeat step one. The chemicals in the remover lift off any oils that remain on your nails. They should look dull and dry.

3. If you’re using a base prep coat, apply it now to each finger, avoiding the cuticle area.

4. Apply a thin layer of base coat to each finger, one hand at a time, and let it dry completely, which can take up to 3-5 minutes.

5. Once the base coat is dry, position your polish within easy reach, and as you remove the brush, bend it against the lip of the bottle to squeeze out any excess color. There shouldn’t be any visible drips.  Using wide, even strokes from base to tip, thinly coat your nails. Don’t worry if you get some color on your cuticles, you can fix it later. Once dry, repeat the process.

6.  When your color has dried completely, apply a layer of topcoat to each finger. Let it dry completely.

7. Dip the end of a cotton swab in nail polish remover and carefully get rid of any imperfections.

8. Wait. Don’t touch anything until your nails are completely dry – 20 minutes would be ideal.

9. Go ahead and admire your new shiny nails!