How to Paint French Nails

There is just something about the look of French nails that many women love. To some, this look makes a woman appear more elegant, more refined and possibly more put together. It requires that you have a little tip to your nail, at least enough to paint.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover
• Clear nail polish
• Neutral nail polish
• Opaque white nail polish or beige nail polish
• Hand cream
• Tissues
• Cotton Swabs

Instructions

1. Remove all remnants of old nail polish from your nails. This also includes all traces of past clear coat polishes.

2. Make sure your nails are clean and dry. Clean underneath nail tips. If necessary use a nail brush or an orange stick.If the nails feel dry, apply hand cream onto your hands and then onto your nails, allowing them to soak into the nails and nail beds. Wipe off access with a tissue. Wait at least two minutes before you start applying nail polish.

3. Apply a clear coat to all nails. The clear coat will help the color paint to take hold and will work as a base coat. When applying use small, even strokes. Allow it to dry for at least two minutes.

4. Apply a neutral nail polish to all nails. This neutral nail polish should match the natural color of your own nail bed. Use small even strokes when applying. Correct any mistakes with a cotton swab slightly dampen with nail polish remover. Allow to dry for at least two minutes.

5. Apply a second coat and allow it to dry.

6. Paint the tip of your nails an opaque white or a beige white. Do this carefully. If you want your fingernails to look longer, paint along the curve of the white tip of your natural nail. Allow it to dry for at least two minutes.

7. Apply another coat of clear polish over each nail. By applying the extra clear polish, you will give each nail more shine and will help keep the polish from chipping as quickly.

8. Clean up any errors you see immediately. Use another clean cotton swab, slightly dampened with nail polish remover. Wipe it over the mistake, carefully.

9. Allow a full twenty minutes for them to set fully and dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep your nails looking fresh and polish, use gloves when doing any cleaning, including dishwashing tasks.