16 nail hacks for amazing DIY manis

Hi, I’m Sam, and I can never have bare nails. They must always be perfectly painted. Some may call this OCD, but I’m sure many of you are just the same. And if so, you’ll also understand the pain felt when you smudge your colour, accidently paint your fingers or can’t decide on a shade in the first place. So I thought I’d pull together the best nail hacks I’ve come across. This is one for the mani maniacs!
#1 Fix a broken nail using a tea bag, nail glue and a clear polish. Simply cut the tea bag to size, glue it onto the broken section and go over it with a coat of polish.
bh recommends: Fing'rs Brush On Nail Glue and INTENSAE YÜYI 2-in-1 base and top coat.
Pinterest: Inspire Beauty Tips
#2 Hate how hard it is to remove glitter nail polish? Avoid it completely! Instead, purchase a set of fake nails (we like Nailene So Natural Undecorated), paint them with your favourite glitter polish (Mode have a great sparkly gold one called Finders Keepers) and take them on and off as you please.
etsy.com
#3 Add cornstarch to a nail colour to create a matte polish. You can also use clear polish for a matte top coat.
Pinterest: Brit + Co
#4 Similarly, create your own glitter polish by mixing craft glitter or loose eye dust with a clear nail polish.
ebeautyblog.com
#5 Just like with DIY hair dye, when you’re about to do your nails, apply a little moisturiser or Vaseline on your cuticles. That way, it’ll be easy remove any polish that falls outside the nail.
madtownmacs.blogspot.com
#6 Can’t choose a nail colour? Try pairing it with the lippy you want to wear. bh loves these combos:
#7 Paint just like the pros by following this instructional chart.
Pinterest: Makeup Tutorials
#8 Use a lip or eye pencil to apply those tricky rhinestones.
allwomenstalk.com
#9 It’s no secret that most nail polish removers smell awful. And when they spill in your bag when travelling, no item escapes the stench. So to avoid that #firstworldproblem, take Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover Wipes on your travels. They’re also great for those with a fear of cotton balls.
#10 Create love hearts using a toothpick and three dots.
thebeautydepartment.com
#11 Dunk your hands in a bowl of icy water to speed up the drying process.
rubywing.com
#12 Use a rubber band when doing French tips. Simply loop it into a knot to keep it in place.
lifehackable.com
#13 No dotting tools? No worries! Make your own with pins and pencils.
thedailyvarnish.com
#14 Apply chunky glitter coats by dabbing instead of brushing for better coverage.
contagious--love.tumblr.com
#15 Put your nail polish in the fridge for 20 minutes before painting to make it glide on smoother.
dweam.com
#16 Can’t stand chips? Invest in an at-home gel manicure kit for a longer-lasting, stronger mani. bh recommends: GlazeMe Premium Starter Kit.
Pinterest: BeautyCross
Have you ever tried any of the above hacks? Do you know any other tricks for the perfect mani?
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98 Member Comments
Me too! Anything DIY, love it! I can not go to the manicurists in the salons ever, since I almost fainted and vomited when went once with my sis. My body too sensitive on those smells of chemicals. It was a bit embarrassing lol
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AMAZING tips. Thankyou than you thankyou! :)
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I love these tips. So useful!
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There were a few I haven't heard of until now, especially No. 1. Thanks for the great tips. Oh, and whoever belongs to the nails of No. 16, your nails look great and that colour suits you.
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So many different looks for your nails
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Oh I'm definitely trying that moisturiser trick. I always have a lot of cleanup around the edges. My favorite trick is using PVA glue as a base for glitter polish for easy removal
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Wow! These are genius!
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I love the #7 instructional chart - whenever I get a manicure that's the technique they seem to use. I might have to give it another try myself
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Wow how wonderful are these hacks, loved it!
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These are actually really amazing tips - I'm terrible at doing my own nails. But with some of these tips I think I'll give it another go. Vaseline around the skin is genius!
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Wow I love these fantastic tips
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I've been using paw paw ointment recently to cover my cuticles when applying nail polish & it works! Nail polish remover wipes are the best - as soon as my current bottle of remover runs out, off to the shops I go to pick up some Manicare remover wipes, love them.
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I think I'll try your idea of using paw paw ointment to cover my cuticles.
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These are all fantastic. Thanks!
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These were really great. No 7 A basic how to put nail polish on. Almost deserves its own post.
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Huh. I never would have thought of most of these tips! Excuse the pun.
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great tips, have tried a few of these before
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Interesting tips.
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What wonderful ideas! I love the teabag idea, will try this next time my nail breaks. Would never have thought of any of these. Thank you BH.
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brilliant tips!
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Awesome article thanks. Well thought out
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I've never heard of using a rubber band to paint on French tips. I must give that tip a go.
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There is some wonderful ideas for helping fix and achieve great nail looks.
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