12 common mistakes that make a home manicure not look like a salon manicure
A home manicure can be just as good as a salon manicure - if you avoid common mistakes. Even if you have good tools and quality lacquer, the result can fail if you miss important details. Let's look at the most common mistakes that prevent you from achieving the perfect result.
1. Cuticle trimming
Remember: the more often you cut the cuticle, the more it starts to grow. While this is good for your hair, it's the opposite for your cuticle. Don't use tweezers for a trim manicure - you won't get a perfectly even cut anyway. Instead, be patient and let the cuticle ‘rest’ for 1-2 months without cutting it at all.
Instead of cutting, take care of the skin around the nail by applying oil or nourishing cream regularly. At first it may seem that the situation is only getting worse, but in fact after a while the cuticle will become thinner, softer and will grow much slower.
2. Too many layers of nail polish
It is recommended to apply no more than three coats of varnish. It is necessary to pause between each coat for at least 5 minutes, or better - 10 minutes, so that the coating dries well and lasts longer.
3. Cutting nails under the root
Owners of non-ideal nail shape often make the same mistake - cut nails under the root. But for the correct formation of a free edge should be left at least 1 mm. Never cut your nails with scissors - this can lead to splitting and brittleness. If you want to shorten your nails, it is better to file them gently, moving from the edge to the centre. Avoid filing in both directions - this weakens the nail plate.
4. Cutting the side rollers
Tough skin on the edges of the nail bed is an inconvenience. But do not hurry to take scissors! Cutting the skin perfectly evenly will not work - micro burrs will appear, which in a couple of days will turn into painful cracks. Instead, use a metal or glass file: gently grind rough skin along the lateral rollers until smooth. Repeat the procedure once a week and forget about the discomfort!
5. Unprepared cuticle
If your cuticle is stiff, it will be difficult to gently move or remove it - this means that it is sure to get dirty when you apply nail polish. If you haven't been taking care of your cuticle properly so far, we recommend starting a regular routine. Once or twice a week, apply a special oil or nourishing cream to your cuticles to help soften the skin and make manicures easier.
6. Shaking a bottle of nail polish
If you shake a bottle of lacquer, air bubbles are formed in its composition, which can then get on your nails and spoil your manicure. To avoid this, it is better to gently roll the bottle between your palms or slowly turn it back and forth.
7. Applying nail polish immediately after degreasing the nails
After degreasing your nails, allow the liquid to dry completely - just wait 2-3 minutes before applying the nail polish. This will ensure a better adhesion of the coating and prolong the durability of the manicure.
8. Uneven nail polish
If you've chosen a neon or brightly coloured varnish, the colour may be uneven. For a rich and even colour, apply one coat of white varnish before applying the first coat of coloured varnish. This will ensure a more beautiful and even result.
9. Nail filing on the edges
Remember that only the top edge of the nail should be filed off - the side lines should remain intact, especially if the nail extends from the base to the edge. As the nail grows, the nails ‘curl’: the sides are slightly curved inwards, so that the whole nail gradually takes on a classic shape. Be sure to check and see for yourself!
10. Skin contact with nail polish
To avoid getting polish on the skin around your nails, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the skin before painting. Once the coating has dried, remove any remaining polish from the skin with a cotton disc or stick.
11. Undried varnish
If you do not have a special means for drying the nail polish, use a simple and proven method: dip your nails in ice water for 2-3 minutes, and then gently oil them. This method will help to fix the coating, prevent smudging and keep your manicure neat even at home.
12. Clean the area under the nail with the tip of a pair of scissors or a file
Impurities always accumulate under the nails, so this area should be cleaned regularly. However, it is strongly discouraged to do this with scissors, files or other hard objects, as you risk damaging the connective tissue between the nail and the skin. If you don't have a special nail care brush, don't worry: just use an old toothbrush. It's a safe and effective way to keep clean without traumatising the sensitive area under the nail.
Published: 16.07.2025 11:50
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