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.

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#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.

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#3 Add cornstarch to a nail colour to create a matte polish. You can also use clear polish for a matte top coat.

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#4 Similarly, create your own glitter polish by mixing craft glitter or loose eye dust with a clear nail polish.

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#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.

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#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.

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#8 Use a lip or eye pencil to apply those tricky rhinestones.

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#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.

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#11 Dunk your hands in a bowl of icy water to speed up the drying process.

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#12 Use a rubber band when doing French tips. Simply loop it into a knot to keep it in place.

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#13 No dotting tools? No worries! Make your own with pins and pencils.

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#14 Apply chunky glitter coats by dabbing instead of brushing for better coverage.

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#15 Put your nail polish in the fridge for 20 minutes before painting to make it glide on smoother.

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#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.

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Have you ever tried any of the above hacks? Do you know any other tricks for the perfect mani?