How to Apply Colored Nail Polish for a Manicure

You want to give your client the best looking manicure possible. Some people like natural nails, others like to wear colored nail polish. For your clients who want color, you can apply the colored nail polish after cleaning and cutting the nails and cuticles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask the client to pick out a color. She should make her nail polish choice before the manicure begins.

2. Let the base coat dry. Use a small fan at your station to help the client dry the nails quickly. It should only take a minute for the base coat to dry enough to continue applying the additional coats of polish.

3. Glide the colored polish across the nails. Start with the pinkie finger of each hand and work your way towards the thumb. Apply the colored polish evenly and carefully to avoid air bubbles.

4. Wait a minute and then apply the second coat of the colored nail polish. After each coat, ask the client to place her hands in front of the fan. When you do the second coat, try to get all of the spots that you missed during the first coat.

Tips & Warnings

• After the colored nail polish is applied, the manicure is almost complete. The only step left is to apply the top clear coat and place the hands under the dryer.
• Avoid getting the colored nail polish on the client's skin. If you do, quickly wipe it away with nail polish remover.