One positive thing to come out of quarantine? I’ve low key become a nail professional. I made it a goal of mine these last few months to learn how to do my own nails and after reading tons of blogs and watching countless YouTube videos, I think I finally mastered the art of different DIY at home nail methods and how to achieve that salon quality look at home. To be honest, when this is all over, I don’t think I’ll go back to getting my nails done at the salon after this (with the exception of the occasional pedicure).
I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how I do my nails so here are all the different methods I’ve researched so you can pick the right one for you!
BASIC POLISH
You know this one. Give yourself a little at home mani and paint it on yourself. Just make sure you spend ample time letting the polish dry or you’ll risk those dreaded dings which I always struggle with.
Cost: $10 to $15 for a polish color & top coat (but can be re-used).
How long it takes: 30 minutes.
How long it lasts: About 4-5 days with no chips if you are very careful.
How to take it off: Easy. Just grab some polish remover and cotton pads and you’re good to go.
GEL
This is my preferred method when it comes to any nail polish whether fake nail or natural nail. It’s basically a hybrid of gel and nail polish that’s cured and hardened with a UV light and thanks to amazon, you can get your very own LED/UV Lamp and DIY at home now.
Cost: About $60 for a complete set that includes an LED Lamp + Base Coat, Gel Polishes & Top Coat
How long it takes: 45 minutes to an hour.
How long it lasts: About two to three weeks with no chips.
How to take it off: Do it at home with cotton pads, acetone, aluminum foil and a cuticle pusher.
ACRYLIC
The OG of nail extensions. It’s a combination of a liquid and powder that creates a hard protective layer over your natural nail and false tips. The mixture hardens from exposure to air and creates a transparent canvas for regular nail polish. Unfortunately this is not an easy method to DIY, but you can purchase all the materials online if you are feeling ambitious but it’s not one I’ve personally tried.
Cost: You can get an acrylic nail kit for about $23 but then will also need to purchase nail tips, a nail drill, and then your polish of choice to complete the manicure.
How long it takes: About 1.5 hours or more for a full set and 45 minutes for a fill.
How long it lasts: Two to three weeks.
How to take it off: Do it at home with cotton pads, acetone, aluminum foil and a cuticle pusher or visit a salon.
PRESS ON NAILS (OR GLUE ON)
Okay so this is the latest craze I’ve been addicted to lately. Basically this is a full cover nail that is natural looking, durable & relatively easy to remove. You set them in with nail glue which keeps them bonded for about 7 days (maybe longer if you are very careful with them). I’ve been seeing people everywhere been using the KISS nails and I’m super into the vibe.
Cost: A kit costs about $8-10 depending which style you go for.
How long it takes: About 30 minutes (including nail prep beforehand).
How long it lasts: 7 days, but I’ve heard of people going longer.
How to take it off: Soak nails in a bowl of soapy water for about 20 minutes and use cuticle pusher to “pop” them off gently.
I have used press on nails for at least 10 years- so easy once you learn how to manage them- so much less time consuming, they do not destoy your nails and so much less expesnive. I figure that I save $700 a year using the press on nails- which allows me to buy facial products that are more expensive and better for my skin!
I prefer Dazzle Dry, which is super healthy for nails and dries quickly without any UV light! It lasts 1-2 weeks and with the base coat and top coat is easy to apply.
Hi!! You haven’t mentioned nail wraps which is an easy way to have beautifully painted nail without painting them!!!
By the way very woww nails on the photos!!❤❤
Love these nails!
Your nails look so pretty no matter how you do them!
I’ve become a big fan of press on nails during quarantine myself. I love how quick and easy they are to put on and how glamorous they can be. I’ve had way more fun with my nails over quarantine than I have in years!