How to Paint Your Nails With the Opposite Hand
To start, if you are using colour, apply a good base coat., Prepare your work area and then wash your hands thoroughly., Find a position of holding the brush that is comfortable for you., Place the left side of your non-dominant hand on the table in...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: To start
Keep in mind that dark polishes stand out, as does red and metallic polishes show up mistakes easily.
Solid colours and chunky glitter are forgiving.
It is recommended that you use a clear nail strengthening varnish, for a couple of reasons:
People aren't going to notice the mistakes you'll likely have made.
It'll serve as a protective coat and help keep your nails strong as you practice polishing regularly.
It's an appropriate polish for both the home and work-place. -
Step 2: if you are using colour
Pat dry, then apply a small amount of water and nail polish remover to a cotton ball and swab your nails to remove any oils for better adhesion.
You could also try facial toner which isn't quite as drying to the skin. , Don't stress too much about this, as chances are as you get better you'll improve your form. ,, The idea is to steady your hand whilst keeping your thumb and index fingers free to manipulate the brush you are holding. ,, Flooding the cuticle is easy to do when you're a rookie, and fixing it is obviously harder with your non-dominant hand. ,, Reload the brush with each stroke if you must.
It is better to go thinner; you can always apply another coat. ,, You avoid messing up your nail polish if you're willing to wait before you varnish the other hand. ,, Wash your hands and pat them dry and apply some oil to your cuticles and any skin that has polish on it.
Let it sit on the skin for a moment or so then lightly scrape with a toothpick in a down-ward motion (it should come away easily).
Rub the remaining oil into your cuticles.
If you wish to use nail polish remover, then polish the tip of an orange stick and then roll a very thin amount of cotton ball around it, twisting it between your fingers, or use a Q-tip.
Dip this in nail polish remover and lightly rub the polish on your skin in a down-ward direction. ,, Keep practicing and try to improve. -
Step 3: apply a good base coat.
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Step 4: Prepare your work area and then wash your hands thoroughly.
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Step 5: Find a position of holding the brush that is comfortable for you.
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Step 6: Place the left side of your non-dominant hand on the table in a relaxed manner and either straighten your pinky out and tuck your ring finger in under your hand or vice versa.
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Step 7: Hold the brush between your thumb pad and against the side of your index finger (try adding the finger next to it a little as well for extra support).
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Step 8: Paint your opposite nails first
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Step 9: so you can avoid wasting time
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Step 10: Unscrew the lid and apply a little less polish to the brush than you think you should.
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Step 11: Lightly squeeze the handle of the brush to help prevent you from shaking or twisting the handle and start in the center of the nail
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Step 12: slightly further away from the cuticle than you normally would.
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Step 13: Paint one strip down the middle
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Step 14: then one either side of that.
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Step 15: If you flooded the nail a bit
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Step 16: put the pointy end of an orange stick or toothpick as close as you can to the cuticle and run it along one side and along the nail groove
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Step 17: then repeat on the other side if necessary.
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Step 18: Once finished polishing all of your nails on that hand
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Step 19: let them dry thoroughly.
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Step 20: Polish your other hand like you normally would and let it dry.
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Step 21: You don't necessarily need nail polish remover to get rid of the varnish on your skin.
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Step 22: Be sure to wash your hands and apply a hand cream or nail oil.
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Step 23: Admire your newly painted nails.
Detailed Guide
Keep in mind that dark polishes stand out, as does red and metallic polishes show up mistakes easily.
Solid colours and chunky glitter are forgiving.
It is recommended that you use a clear nail strengthening varnish, for a couple of reasons:
People aren't going to notice the mistakes you'll likely have made.
It'll serve as a protective coat and help keep your nails strong as you practice polishing regularly.
It's an appropriate polish for both the home and work-place.
Pat dry, then apply a small amount of water and nail polish remover to a cotton ball and swab your nails to remove any oils for better adhesion.
You could also try facial toner which isn't quite as drying to the skin. , Don't stress too much about this, as chances are as you get better you'll improve your form. ,, The idea is to steady your hand whilst keeping your thumb and index fingers free to manipulate the brush you are holding. ,, Flooding the cuticle is easy to do when you're a rookie, and fixing it is obviously harder with your non-dominant hand. ,, Reload the brush with each stroke if you must.
It is better to go thinner; you can always apply another coat. ,, You avoid messing up your nail polish if you're willing to wait before you varnish the other hand. ,, Wash your hands and pat them dry and apply some oil to your cuticles and any skin that has polish on it.
Let it sit on the skin for a moment or so then lightly scrape with a toothpick in a down-ward motion (it should come away easily).
Rub the remaining oil into your cuticles.
If you wish to use nail polish remover, then polish the tip of an orange stick and then roll a very thin amount of cotton ball around it, twisting it between your fingers, or use a Q-tip.
Dip this in nail polish remover and lightly rub the polish on your skin in a down-ward direction. ,, Keep practicing and try to improve.
About the Author
Frank Wells
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow cooking tutorials.
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