How to Apply Nail Polish Professionally

Apply nail polish professionally at home.

Smears, chips, and uneven coverage are common pitfalls of wearing nail polish. It can get costly to have your nails professionally polished every time you chip a nail. Make a great impression, enjoy long-lasting nail color and save money by learning how to apply nail polish professionally at home.

Instructions

1. Roll your nail polish bottle gently between your palms. This will cause the small metal balls in the bottle to mix the polish before you apply it.

2. Dip your brush into your nail polish. Wipe the excess nail polish off on the rim of the nail polish bottle to prevent applying too much polish.

3. Paint one even stripe down the center of the nail, starting at the base of the nail. Then paint one stroke down the left side of the stripe, and one stroke down the right side of the stripe.

4. Dip your brush for each nail. Paint each nail as described in Step 3: one stripe down the middle, and one stroke down each side. If you miss a small spot, don't attempt to fix it yet; you will be able to cover these spots during the second coat.

5. Apply a second coat to each nail. This is to ensure that you get the desired color and adequate coverage. It will also help your nail color last longer. Start the second coat with the same nail that you started the first coat.

6. Apply a top coat of clear nail polish to each nail to prevent chipping and to make your polish look glossy and even. Do this in the same manner that you applied the nail polish.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't shake your nail polish bottle roughly. This can create air bubbles that may transfer onto your fingernails.

References

• How to Give a Professional Manicure: Video

Resources

• A Complete Guide to Manicure and Pedicure