If you suffer from serious nail envy, you’re not alone.
While you may rock a stunning manicure after investing in a professional treatment, your nails probably leave a lot to be desired when left to their own devices, right?
It’s easy to assume that the friend or co-worker with the stunning hands regularly treats herself to salon treatments, but it’s actually much more likely that she makes a habit of caring for her own nails from the comfort of her own home.
When it comes to enviable hands, regular DIY treatments are the holy grail of nail care.
And here, ladies, are just nine things every woman with incredible nails does on the regular.
1. Wears gloves
Protecting your hands from the elements is vital if you want to avoid dry or chapped skin.
Our hands take a real battering on a daily basis, so ensuring they’re wrapped up and warm is the first step in properly caring for them.
2. Moisturises
You can’t moisturise enough when it comes to your hands, and slapping on the odd drop every now and again just won’t cut it if you want hands worthy of a photoshoot.
Like brushing your teeth, you should moisturise your hands at least twice a day, but there’s nothing to prevent you from topping it up throughout the day.
3. Removes old polish
Many of us are guilty of painting over old nail polish instead of starting from scratch, but the ladies with the truly stunning nails know this is never the way to go.
Properly removing nail polish is so important as it gives your nails time to breathe, and provides you with the perfect platform for a brand-new treatment.
4. Invests in the right products
If you want a salon-finish without the price tag, you need to do your homework on the best products for at-home manicures.
Thankfully, Sally Hansen have an incredible array of products which protect, condition and strengthen the nails without breaking the bank.
5. Considers cuticles
No matter how on point your polish game is, raggy cuticles are a dead giveaway that you’re a mere novice when it comes to nailcare.
Tend to your cuticles after the shower as they will be at their softest, apply oil and gently push them back with the help of a cuticle stick
6. Files (the right way)
Filing back and forth is a massive no-no when it comes to caring for your hands as it splits and ultimately weakens the nails.
You need to file in one direction to prevent damage using the ‘rough grit’ side of the emery board before finishing off with the ‘fine grit’ side.
7. Uses a Base Coat
Unless you want discoloured fingernails, it’s vital you always use a base coat before applying your desired colour.
Not only does it act as a barrier, it actually aids the application of your main colour and results in a smoother texture.
8. Opts for multiple thin coats
If you’re guilty of slapping on a thick layer of polish in an effort to get the job done quicker, you need to stop now.
Multiple thin layers is your only man when it comes to a salon-quality manicure.
9. Has patience
You can’t expect a salon-quality finish if you only invest five minutes in your at-home job, can you?
Like the professionals, you need to take your time on the treatment, and ensure you’ve ticked off each step before moving on to the next.
When it comes to nail care, Sally Hansen’s wide range of products guarantees a salon-quality finish … at a snip of the price.
From treatments to polishes, the range is exactly what you need when you want to make nailcare a priority without breaking the bank.
You can find out more information, here.
Available in pharmacy and grocery stores nationwide with prices ranging from €6.99 to €10.99.
