Honey uses a roll-and-shake combo. “Some people say not to shake or roll because it makes bubbles in the polish, but I do a combination of the two at the start of a manicure,” she explains. “By the time I am ready to use the color, the bubbles have settled.”
5. Two thinner coats are better than one thick coat.
While it’s tempting to go for the gusto with one thick coat, don’t. Globs of polish just means longer drying time and a higher risk for smudging. “Thick coats are a no-go!” exclaims nail styling artist Gracie J. “Thin and even coats work best for a seamless look.”
Celebrity manicurist Sarah Chue breaks it down a bit further. “Many thin coats will allow polish to dry in between—use only three layers max of color,” she says. “In general, one layer of base coat, two coats of color, and one layer top coat. Sometimes if you’d like more pigment or the color seems a bit sheer, a third coat of color is tolerable.”
Remark agrees. “Almost any polish you’ll find on the market is formulated to be polished with two coats, so use this as a rule of thumb for polishing at home,” she says, adding, “if the polish texture is sheer, oftentimes it will look good even with one coat. However, if it’s an opaque color, it will absolutely require at least two coats.”
6. Apply product in three strokes.
One swipe and you’re out? Not so fast. “The professional way to apply is middle then sides,” says Edwards. “However, as long as you get full coverage on the nail, it’s really a comfort level for the individual.”
7. Avoid heat when drying your mani.
As for drying, air-dry or use a blast of cold—not hot—air to assist. “Heat actually keeps your polish from firming. Cold air does the opposite,” says Chue. “[If you’re in a rush], try quick-dry drops after a few minutes of drying.” For her at-home manicure, Narva likes to wait 5 to 10 minutes and use one drop of Tenoverten’s Non-Toxic Quick Dry Drops ($18) on each nail, holding hands facing downward so the drop covers the entire nail.
8. Fix mistakes ASAP.
Got a little overzealous with polish? It’s a quick fix. “Use a stick with a flat edge, dip it in acetone, and work it around the eponychium after each nail,” explains Gracie J (eponychium is the cuticle area). “That way you don’t wait until the end, when the polish has already dried up in the crevices.”
For smudges, you can gently use your finger to push polish back into place before adding a layer of top coat. “If it’s beyond fixing, like when you get those dents, it’s best to just wipe it off and re-do,” Gracie J adds.
9. Make manicure maintenance an everyday thing.
After all your hard work, a few good habits can extend the life of a DIY manicure. “I always recommend that my clients wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning the house,” shares Gracie J. “I also tell them to use cuticle oil. It helps keep the skin around your nails healthy and promotes healthy nail growth.”
Narva is a huge fan of hand creams—two of her favorites are from Omorovicza and Tatcha. “Both are super hydrating but do not leave an oily finish,” she says.