7 nail hacks for busy women

Listed are a few hassle-free ways you can nail the way your nails feel and look

ISLAMABAD:

Beautiful nails are not just a sign of good health but also prove self-care. You may think getting salon-ready nails requires time and excessive spending, but this is far from being true. As suggested by make-up artist Naima Zahin, here are a few hassle-free ways you can nail the way your nails feel and look.

1. Make nail polish last longer

Cleaning your nails with vinegar will make your nail polish last longer. Take a Q-tip, dip it in vinegar and rub it all over your nails before applying nail polish. Other than making your nail colour last longer, it will keep your nails healthy and fresh.

2. Go natural to reduce yellowing

We all know what too much nail polish does to nails. To prevent this, mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with two-and-a-half tablespoons of baking soda and rub it on your nails using a toothbrush.

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3. Use a bobby pin as a dotting tool

Ever wondered how ladies achieve perfect dots on their nails? Use the end of a bobby pin, dip it in a colour that would pop on your base color and start dotting your nails. Voila! You have the perfect polka-dot pattern.

4. Achieve a half-moon manicure

Hole-reinforcers are oval-shaped stickers that you can stick to your nails to perfectly apply polish on half your nails in the shape of a moon. All you have to do is paint your nails one colour, following base-coat application, of course, and let it dry completely. Once it’s dry, apply the second coat on the covered area.

5. Prevent over-polishing

Apply petroleum jelly on the sides of your nails to prevent nail polish from spreading. Once you’re done, simply wipe off the jelly. No pain, no stains.

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6. Paint perfect stripes

To make stripes on your nails, cut strips of tape depending on how thick you want them to be. Try to make the stripes on the same angle on each nail. Once the areas that aren’t taped have been polished, apply a different colour on the spaces in between.

7. Blow-dry or water-dry ’em

Blow-dry your nails. This will make the polish dry within two-to-three minutes as opposed to half an hour. Keep the blow-dry on cool. Another way to quickly dry your nails is through dipping your hands in ice-cool water for about five seconds after you’ve applied nail polish. Make sure you keep the bowl of cold water ready before applying the colour.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2015.

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