All You Need to Know About Fake Nails

1. Clean and Degrease: Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any lotion or oils. Use a lint-free pad with a nail cleaner to degrease each nail.


2. File and Shape: Use a suitable nail file to shape the free edges of your nails evenly. Always file in one direction to avoid weakening the keratin.


3. Care for Cuticles: Apply a cuticle oil to soften the area. Gently push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher or wooden stick, then remove any excess with a cuticle nipper or forked tool.


4. Buff the Nail Surface: Use a soft buffer to gently remove the natural shine from the nails, ensuring better adhesion for gel or polish.


5. Remove Dust: Wipe each nail with a lint-free pad soaked in cleaner to remove residue and prepare a perfectly clean surface.

1. Base Coat: Protection Comes First
   Before applying your gel polish, protect your natural nails with a base coat. It acts as a barrier between the nail and the polish, preventing discoloration and ensuring better adhesion. Choose a base that suits your nail type: classic or strengthening, like calcium-enriched bases.


2. Gel Polish: The Must-Have
   Pick your favorite colors for a long-lasting look. Gel polishes offer a smooth, shiny finish that resists chips and doesn’t peel.
   
   Tip: Keep a small collection of versatile shades like nude, classic red, and a trendy color to mix up your style.


3. Top Coat: The Finishing Touch
   Essential to seal your manicure and extend its wear, top coats protect your gel polish while adding either a glossy or matte finish, depending on your style. For those who love special effects, there are top coats with glitter or holographic reflections.


4. UV/LED Lamp: Speed Up Drying
   A UV/LED lamp is the secret to a quick and long-lasting manicure. It cures the gel layers in seconds, giving them strength and shine. Choose a compact model to save space or a more powerful one for express drying.

1. Step 1: Apply a Thin Layer of Base Coat
   Protect your natural nails with a thin and even base coat. This prepares the surface for optimal adhesion and prevents any discoloration caused by the gel polish.
   
   Tip: Be careful not to touch the cuticles for a clean finish. Cure under a UV/LED lamp for the recommended time (usually 30 to 60 seconds).


2. Step 2: Apply Your Gel Polish in Two Thin Layers
   Choose your favorite color and apply the first thin coat of gel polish. Cure under the UV/LED lamp. Repeat with a second coat to intensify the color.
   
   Tip: For a flawless result, always work in thin layers and remember to seal the edge of the nail to prevent lifting.


3. Step 3: Finish with a Top Coat to Seal Your Manicure
   Apply a layer of top coat to lock in the color and add a shiny or matte finish, depending on your style. Cure one last time under the UV/LED lamp.
   
   Tip: If your top coat leaves a sticky layer, clean it with a lint-free pad soaked in cleaner.

1. Using Too Much Product:
   Applying thick layers of gel polish can cause bumps, bubbles, or incomplete drying, which compromises your manicure’s durability.
   
   Tip: Prefer thin, even layers, even if it takes an extra application or two.


2. Neglecting the Cuticles:
   Failing to properly prepare or push back your cuticles reduces gel polish adhesion, leading to premature lifting. Take the time to properly prep your nails to maximize the longevity of your manicure.


3. Skipping the Top Coat:
   A top coat isn’t optional! It seals in the color, protects against chips, and gives a professional finish. Choose between a shiny or matte effect, but never skip this step.


4. Not Sealing the Edges:
   Failing to seal the free edge of the nail can cause quick lifting. Lightly run the brush along the tip of each nail to ensure long-lasting wear.


5. Not Cleaning Residue:
   After curing, some products leave a sticky layer. If left uncleaned, it can attract dust or ruin the finish. Use a cleaner and a lint-free pad for a flawless result.

1. Moisturize Your Hands Regularly:
   Apply a moisturizer suited to your needs, especially after each hand wash. Choose creams enriched with glycerin or shea butter to deeply nourish and prevent dry hands.


2. Use Cuticle Oil:
   Cuticles need attention to stay soft and avoid minor injuries. Massage a nourishing oil (like strawberry-scented or roll-on) into your cuticles daily to protect them and strengthen your nail base.
   
   Tip: Make this a bedtime ritual to maximize hydration overnight.


3. Take Breaks Between Manicures:
   Even if you love changing colors, it’s important to let your nails breathe between gel polish applications. Give them a break of at least one week to prevent weakening or yellowing.
   
   Tip: Use this break to strengthen them with a treatment base or a keratin-enriched product.


4. Protect Your Hands Daily:
   Wear gloves when using household products or handling cold water to avoid drying out your skin and weakening your nails.


5. Maintain a Balanced Diet:
   Your nails and hands often reflect your internal health. A diet rich in vitamins (like biotin, found in eggs and nuts) and minerals strengthens your nails and improves skin texture.
   
   Tip: A biotin supplement can give your nails a boost if needed.

By following these tips, you’ll keep your hands soft, hydrated, and your nails in top shape, ready for your next manicure. Because a successful manicure starts with well-cared-for hands!