Do you like nail enhancements? I used to visit the nail salon often and experiment with different nail lengths, shapes, and designs. I loved being able to try the newest colors and keep up with the trendy styles. Needless to say, the frequent trips to the nail salon wasn’t cheap. I started purchasing tools to fill my own nail sets at home and with some practice, I was able to skip the nail salon altogether.
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If you’re looking to get creative with your nails this summer, you’re in luck! In this post I’ll be discussing my favorite non-toxic gel polishes, LED curing lamps, and everything you need to do your nail enhancements at home! Remember, there are always cheaper alternatives out there. Be sure to take the time to look around online and in stores to secure the best deals.
6 Things You Need for DIY Nail Enhancements
1) Brush On Nail Glue I’ve tried many brands of nail glue over the years and highly recommend brush-on glue. The amount of times I’ve tossed regular nail glue out after one use because the small opening is clogged is staggering and wasteful. I’ve also tried using a needle to unclog the tip but 9 times out of 10 it doesn’t budge. The brush allows for precision application and also seals properly to prevent the glue from drying out.
2) False Nails Amazon offers many types of false nails. You can purchase press-on nails or enhancing tips. There are also a few that are already shaped, which saves time and is great for beginners. If your nails are on the smaller side like mine, they require a bit of filing on the sides but it’s worth the extra effort for a perfect fit. My current favorite is the almond shaped press on nails. There are 600 pieces and 10 different nail sizes. I find these nails are the perfect shape and length for everyday wear.
3) False Nail Clippers If you are planning on doing nail enhancements, whether you are using full nails or just tips, then having false nail clippers will come in handy. These clippers are shaped to your natural nail and leave you with a straight cut vs. using scissors, which gives you an uneven cut and not to mention it hurts! If you visit your local beauty supply store, be sure to pick one up!
4) Nail Files and Buffers In order to get smooth and even nails, you’ll need a good nail file and buffer. Whether you prefer using a nail drill or a traditional buffing block, they’re essential for making your nail enhancements last and look natural. I currently use a Nail File Kit from Amazon. The buffers have a medium grit which makes it perfect for nail enhancements, although keep in mind they can be sharp around the edges.
5) LED Lamp LED lamps last longer, cure faster, and are a better alternative to UV lamps. I purchased a starter set from Bioseaweed Gel years ago and it came with a mini lamp. Mini sizes can’t cure your entire hand, which means you’ll have to cure your thumbs separately, but they’re cheaper and travel friendly. I recently invested in a full-sized lamp and it’s made the curing process so much faster.
6) Gel Base, Top Coat, and Gel Polishes You can choose to use regular nail polish but I prefer using gel polish because they add shine, increase durability, and are long wearing. (Not to mention there’s no drying time.) All of my gel polishes are from Bio Seaweed Gel. They are non-toxic, cruelty free, vegan friendly, and are formulated without the “big 5” toxic chemicals found in polishes.
Unlike most gel polishes, Bio Seaweed does not stain the nails or require primers, buffing, or sanding before application. You can also skip the alcohol wipes after application because there’s no sticky residue left over. Just apply to your nails, cure in the LED light, and you’re done! Bio Seaweed Gel gives discounts often, so sign up for their newsletter and follow their social media for promo codes and latest sales!
If you’re looking to get creative this summer, I hope this list gives you an idea of how you can do your own nail enhancements at home. Do you prefer natural nails or nail enhancements every now and then? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
These are all such great tips! I just love doing DIY manicures at home, and definitely need to look into that LED lamp!
DIY manicures are so much fun! I’m so happy with my LED lamp. Thank you for reading Heidi!
Your blog’s aesthetic is gorgeous! Found it on a fellow friend’s page. Take care
That is so kind, I truly appreciate it! Thank you so much for visiting Candace!
I like painting my nails. I’ve never tried enhancements though. Thanks for sharing!
Enhancements are a lot of fun, I’d definitely recommend giving them a try! Thank you for reading!
I honestly do my nails that often, but these are great tips for doing them at home and the products to use!
Thank you for reading Karalee!
This is such a comprehensive list, thank you for sharing! I just stick to easy nail polish when I do my nails – and probably leave it on too long before I repaint them, haha! the polish I have on now is more chipped than anything! I do like how when my sister does her gels nails they last longer but I prefer how quick it is to use traditional polish 🙂
Hope you are having a nice weekend 🙂
I agree, traditional polish is my go-to whenever I’m looking for something quick! Thank you for reading Mica, I hope you’re having a lovely weekend as well!
Nice tips for doing your own nails! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading Wendy!
What a great list of nail essentials! I have never enjoyed the idea of making repeated visits to a nail salon when I can easily do my nails at home with the right tools. I quite enjoy false nails I can securely glue on; they look pretty and often cannot be told apart from real nails.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you Jaya! I agree, it’s awesome how many options there are now-a-days that can make the nails look very real!
Ooh I love this! I’ve only had my nail done the once (and it wasn’t the best experience) so I really like the idea of doing them at home. I’m definitely going to look into the bio seaweed gel! Thank you so much for sharing x
I hope you love it! It’s a great alternative if you’re looking for natural and non-toxic ingredients. Thank you for reading!
Great tips! I still go to the salon to get my nails done bc I love the hand/foot massages! But you’ve opened my eyes to other options I wasn’t aware of!
Crystal | http://www.amazingbaby.app
The hand and foot massages are so relaxing! I definitely miss those. Thank you for reading Crystal!
I had my nails done for several years but now do them myself. I do like the look of a gel and I like that this product sounds more safely manufactured. Does it still require the foils to remove it? Thanks for sharing about it.
Gel polishes still require acetone to remove and this can be done with or without foils. I’m currently use their product called Unpolished that doesn’t require foils. Lightly buff the gel to remove shine, apply a quarter sized product onto the nail, wait a few minutes and use a tool to scrape off. It takes several applications to remove but I prefer it over using foils! I hope this was helpful, thank you for reading Jodie!
I love doing my own nails! Thanks for all the product suggestions!💅🏼✨
My pleasure! Thank you for reading Elizabeth!
I don’t wear or have false nails but I have started using nail wraps which are so great (I’m terrible at applying polish myself). I like the fact that there are so many options for nail enhancements these days and that they tend to look really good!
I recently started using nail wraps and they’re great! I’m glad there are so many options to choose from. Thank you for reading Molly!
Nail arts are cool and it elevated our style. Thank you for sharing this tips with me.
I agree! Thank you for reading Fadima!