As fashion progressed, so did the accessories. One accessory that has sat at the tip of the fingers is manicures. It has expanded to a form of art that also serves as an accessory. Some may choose to paint their nails autumn red for the fall or bejeweled 3D art designs on 3-inch-long nails. However, it takes time, money, and resources that everyone may not have. To resolve these issues, the trend of doing nails at home has become an empowering opportunity to gain a new skill. Juniors Anjali Mathew, Irene Kim, and Liah Bernabel all have mastered the art of both manicures and nail designs. 

The first step in the nail journey is to acquire the necessary resources. It can vary depending on people’s preferences for what is most crucial. Mathew focuses on the simple, everyday-use items.

“The main items I need are my UV lamp, a base coat, a top coat, acetone, and a nail file,” Mathew said. 

Kim seemingly has a more advanced collection of items necessary for both the shaping of nails and the application of gel.

“I think the most important things to have are nail drills and files, acetone, and if you’re doing gel, a flash cure lamp,” Kim said. 

Bernabel uses gel nail products for the result of gel nails and a fix for the cuticles.

“A good quality gel polish, a UV light to cure, strong glue if using gel x, and cuticle tools,” Bernabel said. 

Just as drawing and painting on a canvas is a talent, so is the ability to draw on nails. Not everyone may acquire the skill off the bat. Kim has decided to respond to the topic by providing her own experience as advice.

“I improved by watching tutorials and step-by-step on TikTok, so I think that’s a great way to expose yourself to more techniques and become better at doing your own nails,” Kim said.

Mathew and Bernabel give advice on common mistakes that are made while doing manicures at home. Especially Mathew, who emphasizes a significant point in considering the shaping.

“To improve nails, you should always be sure to be neat and clean the cuticles, and make sure that your nails are all the same shape BEFORE painting. To make sure your naked nail has no oils on it by wiping with acetone to ensure they last the longest,” Mathew said. 

Bernabel mentions both the application and the prep to do with the cuticles in her advice.

“Make sure the polish is fully dried and cured by the UV light so that it does not get smudged and ruined,” Bernabel said.

Before painting, there are always steps taken to prep the canvas; the same applies to manicures, as the nails are the canvas in this scenario. The three nail artists have all shared the best ways to prep the canvas with different goals in mind.

“Buff, acetone, and base coat to avoid damage but still make them last 2+ weeks,” Anjali said, keeping in mind the long-term longevity of the nails.

Kim, keeping a similar goal in mind when prepping, reveals how to maintain the manicure and nails for even longer.

“Having a dehydrator and a primer are really important for long and good retention, with these, I’m able to keep my nails on for around 3-4 weeks,”  Kim said. 

As for the basics, Bernabel sets a reminder for the simpler steps in the preparation.

“Cut down excess skin around your nail, wipe nails with alcohol to make sure they’re clean, file down your nails,” Bernabel said. 

Now that the warnings, products, and prep are acquired, these juniors all have some advice on how to tackle more intricate nail designs that elevate the nails from a simple color to a piece of art.

“Don’t rush it, start with a plan for what design will be on each nail, and use thin brushes for more intricate designs,” Bernabel said. 

Kim goes beyond the scope of the natural nails and advises future nail artists to start with something more unnatural, press-ons, to begin on a canvas that isn’t attached to the hand.

“Practice painting neatly and becoming more comfortable using your non-dominant hand to paint your dominant one. I would say practice makes perfect. If you’re a beginner, I would recommend getting those nail holders for press-ons and practicing designs there before trying on your own nails or someone else’s,” Kim said. 

Practice seems to be a common denominator, as Mathew mentions the same goal for the best results, as well as giving a motivational tidbit on the power of creativity.

“Practice, and also use different tools. Many tutorials make it sound like you can only use one nail tool, but being creative and using what you have is more effective in my opinion,” Mathew said.