If you are reading these lines, it’s because having the nails perfectly done all the time isn’t a whim for you; it’s a necessity. However, it’s a requirement you’ve imposed on your image that involves not only a time commitment but also money. And yes, going to the beauty salon every twenty days to renew your manicure becomes one of those tasks you dread the most, but it’s also a financial outlay that shows up in the long run.
Relax, you’re not alone. I used to be one of those who fell into that endless loop until I discovered the option of doing a semipermanent manicure at home. I won’t lie to you, it isn’t an easy task. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and with a bit of intention, ingenuity, and practice you can achieve results worthy of professional hands. I’ll tell you how.
As a true admirer of the world of nails and a fan of every single trend that appears, I decided at a moment to try my less-dependent version and get a semipermanent manicure kit. I didn’t want to give up having nails perfect for almost a month, but I had grown tired of the constant visits to my trusted manicurist.
At first it went wrong, very wrong. So much so that I was about to give up and return to what made me happy. The first manicures I did lasted less than two days before they disappeared. There were results with irregularities, with nail polish on the skin, and not to mention the disaster of using the left hand to apply nail polish when you’re truly right-handed.
But like everything in life, it was a matter of practice. By watching tutorials on social networks and taking notes of tricks from the experts, I started to get the hang of it and today I can proudly say that I manage a fairly decent manicure that lasts until I decide it’s a good moment to remove it.
In fact, I’ve found in this process a little moment of disconnect. Doing my nails at home means an hour without mobile or other distractions, since my hands are busy. A chapter of my favorite series or a movie I feel like watching, and hands to work (no pun intended). I recommend it.
Tips to make the semi-permanent manicure last
If I’ve convinced you, before recommending my favorite kit, here are some tips that have helped me a lot to improve the result.
– The nail preparation is essential: filing, pushing back the cuticles and buffing the surface are steps you can skip. Also, it’s very important to clean the superficial layer of the nail with an appropriate product to prepare it to receive the polish.
– The layers of polish, the thinner the better: when applying color, it’s best to use a small amount. It’s preferable to apply three coats, instead of two, rather than adding one that’s too thick. This will cause the product not to dry correctly and end up lifting as the hours pass.
– Respect the drying time: it’s very important to know how long each product needs to cure. On the brand’s website where you buy your manicure kit you will find the instructions and steps to follow. Some polishes have longer curing times and others shorter.
– Be careful not to paint the skin: it’s very common to stain the finger with the polish. It’s not a problem. But it’s crucial that before placing your hand under the lamp you clean the product. Try to prevent this from happening, as being the continuation of the nail it can make the color lift over time.
To start trying, here is my trusted kit, the Starter Set Essentials from Neonail. It’s a complete set for semipermanent nails that contains most of the necessary products (semipermanent nail polish, base, top coat, LED lamp) for a step-by-step semipermanent manicure.
Starter Set Essentials from Neonail.
Prepare the nail, apply the color, the base and the top coat, and with a good step-by-step method and some time you can achieve a good manicure. It also includes a romantic pink shade of limited edition that suits all skin tones. And it’s reasonably priced!
Another option is the Starter Set UV Gel Polish Manicure from Hi Hybrid, which is also ideal for creating an impeccable UV gel manicure, incredibly durable and colorful. It includes a red polish, perfect for those who stay faithful to the classic manicures that are always a hit.
Starter Set UV Gel Polish Manicure from Hi Hybrid.
And it’s a set that has everything you need to achieve an optimal result for your nails. It includes a base coat, the red color, a top coat, a nail cleanser, the UV LED lamp, a buffing block, and a nail file. You can’t go wrong.
