When you’re getting ready for a manicure, a pedicure or both, you should try to avoid some of the worst mistakes that can affect both the health and the look of your nails, sometimes for a limited time, other times in the long run.
Here are the worst manicure and pedicure mistakes that you should avoid in order to get a good mani-pedi that lasts and doesn’t have any negative impact on your nails or skin.
Skipping the Base Coat
If you decide to skip the top coat, the worst that can happen is that your mani-pedi won’t last as long as you’d like. However, no matter how pressed for time you are, don’t ever skip the base coat. Applying colored nail polish directly on your nails can both stain them and dry them out. Your nails will also be more prone to breaking without a good base coat.
Starting with Greasy Nails
While oils are great for your cuticles, they don’t do the nail polish any favors. When your nails aren’t clean, polish can peel off easier. Applying it without cleaning your nails first is one of the worst manicure and pedicure mistakes. You can use a little cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or go for a nail primer before applying the base coat.
Blowing On Your Polish
It might seem like the natural thing to do, but blowing air at your wet nails can cause more problems than it fixes. Any stream of air aimed directly at polish that hasn’t dried yet can cause small air bubbles to form. You won’t notice them as they dry, but you’ll notice that your mani will be prone to chipping.
Being Rough With Your Cuticles
One of the worst manicure and pedicure mistakes is treating cuticles like they don’t belong. If you cut them off or push them back with force, you’ll damage them and increase the risk of infection. Try the gentle approach and push them back after you shower. Even if you want to cut part of the cuticle, do it after you’ve soaked them in warm water for 2-3 minutes.
Keeping You Polish On for Too Long
You might be happy that your nail polish hasn’t chipped, but that doesn’t mean you should keep it on until it does. It can cause nail discoloration and other healthy issues for your nails that stay covered for too long.
Using Blades for a Good Pedi
Cutting the dry skin on your feet with blades is definitely one of the worst pedicure mistakes, and it can lead to trouble in the long run or even infections. Stick to a callus stone for a more natural approach and you’ll reduce the risk of cutting yourself too deep. If you’re getting a pedicure at a salon, politely mention how you want to skin the blade part.
Using Artificial to Hide Your Nail Problems
Artificial nails can look beautiful, but they weren’t designed to be worn constantly once you discover a problem with your nail that you don’t want to deal with. Make sure you treat your nails when you see something wrong and don’t keep artificial nails on longer than recommended by the specialists who apply them.
Accidentally Applying Thick Coats
Three to four strokes of nail polish should be enough for any nail. If you use more strokes, you’re applying a thicker coat, which will take longer to dry. Thick coats often stain your cuticles and with longer drying time, you’re simple making one of the worst manicure and pedicure mistakes.
Failing to Protect Reds and Oranges from Discoloration
If you’re going for a warm and bright shade of nail polish, it would be a mistake to apply a single layer of base coat. The extra layer will keep your colors vibrant for longer and help your mani-pedi stay gorgeous once it’s dried.
Storing Polish in the Bathroom
Heat and humidity will shorten the life of your nail polish, so keeping them in your bathroom is one of the worst manicure and pedicure mistakes. Extend their use by storing them in a cool and dry place.
Getting Hot Water On Your Nails After a Mani-Pedi
A little cool water can help your nail polish set, but warm water will delay the drying process. Avoid taking a bath or shower for at least an hour after you finishes your manicure. Whether the water is hot or cold, one of the worst manicure and pedicure mistakes and letting a strong stream of water hit your nails directly right after you’re done.
See also:Best Nail Hacks and Manicure Tricks!9 Steps to Get Nails Grow Faster
