Nail It: 15 DIY Manicure Tips and Tricks Perfect for Novices

Sep 17, 2024

If you’re in a rush and you don’t want to smudge your perfectly painted nails simply dip them into a bowl of ice-cold water for 3 minutes for dry, safe to touch nails in no time at all!

Nail It: 15 DIY Manicure Tips and Tricks Perfect for Novices

Priya Faith

1. Use Ice Water to Dry Your Nails

If you’re in a rush and you don’t want to smudge your perfectly painted nails simply dip them into a bowl of ice-cold water for 3 minutes for dry, safe to touch nails in no time at all!

1. Use Ice Water to Dry Your Nails

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2. Save on the Cost of Removing Gel Manicures and Do It Yourself

Follow these simple steps to remove gel nails without damaging or drying your nails:

2. Save on the Cost of Removing Gel Manicures and Do It Yourself

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•   Cut ten nail sized pieces of cotton pads and soak them in nail polish remover that contains acetone

3. Use a Toothpick for Nail Art

If you want to achieve simple nail art minus the fancy tools, a toothpick is great for dotting or creating basic shapes!

3. Use a Toothpick for Nail Art

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4. Use Nail Polish Thinner to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Polishes

Instead of throwing out bottles of thick nail polish because you think they’re beyond saving, use a nail polish thinner to revive them and they will be good as new!

4. Use Nail Polish Thinner to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Polishes

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5. Store Your Polishes like a Boss

If you’ve got a whole load of polishes, paint the lid of each with the color inside the bottle so you can easily grab the one you need without turning out your whole collection.

5. Store Your Polishes like a Boss

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6. Reach for the Scotch Tape

If you want to create the perfect French tips or straight lines for nail art, the scotch tape will be your new best friend!

6. Reach for the Scotch Tape

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7. Use Base Coat and Top Coat

There’s no need to shell out on one of each, there are plenty of 2 in 1s on offer. Using a base and top coat will create a longer lasting manicure as well as a professional looking finish.

7. Use Base Coat and Top Coat

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8. Use a Cuticle Oil

The secret to great nails is a great base, it’s important to look after your nails so be sure to use a cuticle oil before you start your DIY mani.

8. Use a Cuticle Oil

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9. Invest in Nail Art Stickers

If painting on your nail art is far too stressful and fiddly for you, invest in some stickers. As long as you finish with a top coat, you will achieve a seamless, painted on appearance and of course, the perfect finish!

9. Invest in Nail Art Stickers

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10. Use Sharpies

If you’re not too handy with a nail brush, you might find a sharpie is the hack for you. Be sure to apply a layer or base coat first and then draw away with your desired color and design before finishing with a good top coat to avoiding smudging.

10. Use Sharpies

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11. Combine Matte and Gloss for Subtle Nail Art

If you’re not into out their nail art but still want to achieve a salon-quality finish, opt for a hybrid of matte and gloss topcoats or colors for subtle nail art that can only be seen close up.

11. Combine Matte and Gloss for Subtle Nail Art

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12. Use Hair Grips

If you want to achieve wavy lines, straight edges or polka dots, hair grips are an inexpensive answer to your desires!

12. Use Hair Grips

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13. Try out a Makeup Sponge

Ombre nails is a perfect trend to try out at home because it doesn’t require too much effort or skill, simple use a makeup sponge and dab it into your nail polish and onto your nail for the perfect faded Ombre effect.

13. Try out a Makeup Sponge

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14. Use a Good Nail Glue

If you want to use sticker or gemstones, it's worth investing in a strong nail glue, so they last for longer. Remember to NEVER put the glue directly onto your nail, always apply a base coat first to protect your nails.

14. Use a Good Nail Glue

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15. Use Hand Cream

If you get a little carried away with these hacks and you’re using a whole host of different products on your nails and skin, be sure to moisturize your hands and nails regularly to keep them hydrated and healthy.

15. Use Hand Cream

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There you have it, 15 fool-proof DIY nail hacks, which will you be trying out first?