There are few things more frustrating than spending a half an hour getting a manicure or painstakingly giving yourself one just to have your nails break. Or when your nail polish chips before the end of the afternoon. Or maybe there are more irritating things, but when faced with a chipped nail or nail paint, few will spring to mind.

To avoid chipping polish, make sure you apply your manicure correctly. Start with clean, dry nails. Buff them before you apply anything and make sure that any old polish is completely removed. Next, apply a base coat. Use long strokes starting at the base of nail and go all the way out to the tip. Start in the middle of the nail and then fill in the sides with similar long strokes. After that dries, apply one thin layer of nail polish and then another coat after that dries. The emphasis is on ‘thin’ layers. Thick layers tend to chip easier. After the second layer of nail polish has dried, apply a top coat to seal it. Re-applying a top coat every couple of days will help preserve your manicure with minimal effort.

Regular nail maintenance, whether or not it is followed by 4 or 5 rounds of polish, is necessary to keep your nails looking good. Keep them trimmed in a nice rounded shape that mirrors the half moons at the base of your nail, push back the cuticles, and apply a clear coat of polish if you like. Don’t bite them! Use a nail file if they need shaping and if you prefer longer nails, paint underneath with clear polish once a week.

A FEW TIPS:

Add a few of these tricks to your nail care repertoire and you will see your nails grow stronger and longer than they have ever been before.

* Massage your nails: Yes, even nails need a massage, and we don’t mean the cuticle; we’re talking the actual nail itself. Massage stimulates the blood flow in your nails just as it does in every other part of your body, which keeps them growing and healthy.

* Avoid acrylic nails: They only make your real nails weaker. The goal is to get to where you need less maintenance – not more. Acrylic nails are pretty high maintenance – not to mention expensive.

* Drink lots of water: Water is nature’s magic elixir. Brittle nails, like dull hair and dry skin, start with dehydration. You will eliminate the problem at its root by supplementing any other nail care with a good 2 liter bottle of water (at least) every day.

* Moisturize your hands regularly : Some use nail creams tailored specifically for the purpose of moisturizing your nails. Other use hand cream and make sure that their nails are liberally covered. Still others swear by soaking their hands in olive oil. Whatever you prefer, do it often. Your hands need hydrating inside and out and your moisturizing potion of choice will take care of the outside the way water takes care of the inside.

* Calcium and vitamin D : A regular serving of yogurt and non fat milk will give you the calcium necessary to keep your hair, teeth, and nails growing healthily. The vitamin D usually comes along with it as it is necessary for your body to process the calcium. Take a multi-vitamin daily just to be on the safe side.

Before Filing or Buffing…..
Before you start filing away at your nails, there are a few things you should do first.
Be sure to remove all old polish with a gentle finger nail polish remover.
After getting rid of the polish, soak your hands in warm soapy water for ten minutes. This will soften your nails and skin to allow you to not only buff your nails better but also remove the unwanted cuticle areas.
(You can make your own homemade hand spa by filling a large bowl with warm water and adding a small amount of scented bath oil to the water). After soaking your hands, be sure to dry them completely.

Buff Nails the Right Way
To begin, grab your nail buffer and file your nails as you normally would (rounded, square or oval). With the roughest side of the buffer, start to buff your nails.
Use a gently side-to-side motion when doing this.
The main purpose of this phase is to smooth out any major ridges your nails may have. Next, use the next roughest side of your buffer and repeat the process. This will further work any ridges out of your nail area.
To finish the buffing phase, utilize the smoothest part of the buffer to polish your nails until they shine.
Be sure not to be too rough when you are using the first few sides of the buffer. These are meant to only be used gently on the nails.

Tips for Professional Salon Results
After you’ve successfully buffed your nails.
Grab your favorite lotion (with or without sun block)
A pair of clean cotton gloves (socks will work if you don’t have gloves).

Lather your hands in the lotion, put them into the gloves and wait for ten minutes. When you pull your hands out, wash and dry them well. You will find they are incredibly natural and soft!
( Be sure to wipe your nails well, apply a top coat of polish and begin painting them in your desired color).
Allow the first coat of polish to set and apply another thin coat. Finish with a top coat and allow it to dry.

NAIL ART IDEAS

create-your-own-nail-care-spa-at-home If you thought you have heard everything about nail art then you need to read this article. Nail art is going all the more trendy. You can glue dried flowers, beads or a piece of your favorite fabric on to your nails.

These ideas not only provide elegance to your nails but also strengthen, repair and lengthen the nails. The whole process is not time consuming and does not require professional help. This piece of art remains intact for up to 4 – 6 weeks.

NAIL ART IDEAS

So gear up and put your creativity to work on the canvas of your nails?

Step By Step Process
1. Outline the shape of your nails on a paper leaving the outer edge longer than the actual size.
2. Now place these shapes on the fabric you have chosen and cut them out.
3. Wash your hands and pad them dry.
4. Apply a cost of adhesive agent to the nails or if the adhesive is not available then a thick coat of a transparent nail polish will also work.
5. Now place the cut out fabric pieces on the nails polished with the adhesive before it dries up.
6. Smoothen out the creases and press lightly and let it dry.
7. When it dries completely with the help of a scissors cut the extra fabric and give shape to the nails.
8. Finally apply a coat of the transparent nail polish and we are done.

How To Select The Fabric
1. Silk:
It is very popular and stylish. It is very fine and has a strong weave. It gives the finish of a French polish.

2. Linen: It is much thicker than silk. It stays opaque even after the adhesive is applied. Remember to apply a layer of nail polish colored or transparent on it.

3. Organza:
It is stiff yet light so it is easy to cut and shape. It stays on for days without needing to be touched up.

Georgette, chiffon or cotton or any fabric can be used. Only thing to be kept in mind is that it should not limp or hang lose.

Choosing The Color And Design
Gone are the days of baby pinks and conservative colors. Today gold, red, green and blue are in. Cyber colors and textures are taking over. The secret here is to match colors and designs with your outfit. If you are wearing club wear type, splash out with floral textures. You can also try gold, green for an earthly feel. Do not forget the tribal and animal prints.

Find Many Nail Art Ideas Gallery

NAIL ART IDEAS