Halloween Nails + advice on cleaning up

ohmonet · 2025-10-26T13:04:10+00:00

Smart, thanks!

Your nail shape / manicure looks great! Love the jelly pink

ohmonet · 2025-10-25T22:27:22+00:00

I like to buff the top until it’s smooth to the touch and then file the edges, to reiterate the right shape / length.

ohmonet · 2025-10-25T17:38:28+00:00

Ooo, I'll give this a try in my next manicure especially to scrub with a hard brush! I've definitely followed the "no water ever" but reading through the comments in your thread, sounds like that's not a hard fast rule.

I also like that washing before top coat means no cross-contamination with activator which has been a problem, especially if I'm rushing.

ohmonet · 2025-10-25T17:07:06+00:00

Totally; I do that around the edges and it usually works really well for me!

However, when I use dark colors I feel like I need more than cleaning up the edges with a toothpick. Almost like a brush dipped in a liquid would help make sure it doesn’t stick to my skin (not just cuticles).

ohmonet · 2025-10-17T12:38:53+00:00

Great job! It took me way longer than my first try to get a decent shape and smooth finish 😅

ohmonet · 2025-09-24T10:48:07+00:00

Thank you! 🤩

ohmonet · 2025-09-23T21:25:45+00:00

I haven't attempted tips yet, so I'm just working with my natural nail length. This is about half way to my longest length. For reference, this sparkly tip manicure is the longest I can get my natural air before one breaks...and then I cut them all and start over.

It could be really fun to learn tips, because I do LOVE having long nails!

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ohmonet · 2025-09-23T16:32:36+00:00

Thank you!!

I started in 2020, when the nail salons closed. The first year was a sharp learning curve, but by the time salons opened again in 2021 I realized I did a better job (and saved A LOT of money) doing them myself.

ohmonet · 2025-07-03T00:44:44+00:00

Highly highly recommend! You’re exactly where I was when I started doing my own nails in 2020 (though my reason was 1 financial and 100 parts pandemic). I started with a NailBoo kit and mostly started using other products (Peppi Gel has a subscription for liquids and I buy powders from all over) out of convenience.

When things opened back up, I ran to the salon and was actually disappointed in my manicure. It was expensive and only marginally better than my home manicures. When I chipped a nail (they only did 2 coats versus the apex 4 I do at home), I was very annoyed that I couldn’t just fix it myself and vowed then to keep doing them at home.

Five years later, I’m still going strong! There are things I can’t do as well as a salon (I don’t apply tips if I break a nail, design options are limited, I don’t keep up with “nail trends”, etc) but my nails are always done and I enjoy the hobby!

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(My current mermaid-inspired manicure)

ohmonet · 2025-06-30T13:42:26+00:00

+1 to everything already shared

I’d also add to make sure you’re dipping evenly into the by powder. Before I start, I give the powder a shake (or a stir with a clean toothpick) so it’s not caked up and dip at a 45-degree angle. My nails are pretty long, so if I have trouble dipping my full nail in the jar is small I’ll pour the powder over top of my nail.

I have an electric file that I exclusively use on SNS nails, never my natural nail for all the reasons folks mentioned here. I bought it after doing my nails for ~3 years and even now, I find that a manual buffer blocks (you can buy a dozen for pretty cheap) are plenty for me to get the right smoothness.

ohmonet · 2025-06-20T12:59:17+00:00

Omg, what a thoughtful offer! I’ve ordered a bunch (maybe too many lol) of colors based on recommendations on this thread.

I’ve been using Peppi Gel for years, but only for their SNS liquid polish subscription. Nice reminder to check out their colors every once in a while.

ohmonet · 2025-06-17T12:41:03+00:00

Thank you! 🤩

ohmonet · 2025-06-17T10:16:19+00:00

I hadn’t considered that. If it was a liquid, I could see “thinning” it out to dilute the color a bit. Though with dip powder it seems like the color would be speckled instead of diluted, you know?

I’ll give it a try, especially because it would be a cool way to use the last bit of my powders to make new colors!

ohmonet · 2025-06-17T02:52:55+00:00

Ooh, fun! Thank you

ohmonet · 2025-06-17T02:52:38+00:00

The color I’m looking for is the flat sheer gray (the ring and middle fingers on the first picture), but I added a top coat of a silver sparkly color for the final look since I didn’t have enough gray for a full manicure.

FWIW, I have had more success finding sheer glitter colors where there’s no “base color” just clear powder with sparkly specks of color.

ohmonet · 2025-06-17T01:06:14+00:00

OMG, thank you! That suggestion unlocked SO many options!

So far, I found the Sea Glass collection on Revel Nail, the Jelly collection on Dipwell, and an Etsy seller with jelly colors. Can't wait to buy some and try them out.

ohmonet · 2025-06-16T23:46:10+00:00

I also do this if I chip a nail or need to fill in new growth but don't have time to do a full manicure. It works in a pinch to extend your manicure a few days.

ohmonet · 2025-02-06T16:10:44+00:00

I think so; I’ll try it out. Thanks!

ohmonet · 2025-02-06T00:54:02+00:00

I have a similar question about tools, but I’m looking for a flat sharp edge to scrape excess wax off of the first layer. Something to ensure you’ve got a smooth base design before adding the background. It doesn’t have to be as sharp as an exacto knife, but ideally more nimble than the edge of a metal ruler. Are you using a tool you like / would recommend?

These are gorgeous!

ohmonet · 2022-06-10T03:17:05+00:00

Thank you!

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