A celebrity make-up artist has revealed the common mistakes people make when doing their own nails – including not using cuticle oil properly and not preparing their nails before a manicure.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Amy Hide, who has painted nails for A-listers like Harry Styles and worked on editorials for Vogue also shared how wearing rubber gloves when cleaning and avoiding supermarket manicure kits are also the best way to prolong perfectly pretty nails.
Amy has been in the nail industry for a decade and works at Paint Nails London inside the celebrity salon hotspot Beauty Club on Oxford Street.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, Amy Hide, who has painted the nails for A-listers like Harry Styles and worked on editorials for Vogue also shared how wearing rubber gloves when cleaning and avoiding supermarket manicure kits are also the best way to prolong perfectly pretty nails. She also owns a chain of salons across Hampshire and Surrey – the Greener Nail and Beauty
Beauty Club, which has trendy pink walls and a functioning bar, was started by nail artist Angel Gaffney and hair extension specialist Louise Bailey.
Paint has been named one of the top salons in London by dozens of magazine – with Glamour recently describing it as ‘absolute aesthetic-heaven’ with ‘vibe of The Beverly Hills Hotel in LA’.
It’s become is a hot spot for influencer including the likes of Verity Bowditch, Anna Vakili, Chloe Khan and Jessica Alves- while they also do nails at exclusive parties held by Boohoo.
Here, Amy reveals how to perfect your nails – from the best way to remove cuticles to using a reputable salon.
PREPERATION IS KEY
‘Preparation is key with any nail service. Not only for aesthetic reasons but for longevity,’ Amy explained.
‘The two important features are to ensure you are pushing off the dead cuticle/protein from the nail plate with a cuticle pusher and finish off with a light buff using a white buffing block.
‘The second step is cleansing, wipe or wash off any dust/debris, then using a lint free pad or even kitchen roll and a nail cleanser or acetone wipe over the natural nails. This will ensure the product adheres to the natural nails correctly.
Amy has been in the nail industry for a decade and owns a chain of salons across Hampshire and Surrey – the Greener Nail and Beauty. She has done nails for Katya Jones (pictured) and Harry Styles
NEVER PEEL YOUR GEL NAILS OFF
‘Peeling your gel or enhancements off is a HUGE no no!
‘I know it’s tempting if you are unlucky enough to have a chip, lift or split after a few weeks of wear to pick at the area but I always tell my clients this.
‘Each time you peel off your nails a layer is removed, and so next time your nails won’t last you as long (nail products won’t last to their full potential on damaged nails) and the cycle will start again!
NOT USING DAILY CUTICLE OIL
‘Keep your nails nourished with daily cuticle oil – I recommend dadi’oil by famous names and contact your manicurist for correct removal removal or fixes,’ Amy added.
‘Daily cuticle oil, your manicurist will always say this, and we aren’t saying it just for the sake of it!
‘Daily use of a cuticle oil will not only keep your natural nails and skin looking healthy but it keeps the skin supple, reduces chances of hang nails, and the natural nails nourished and flexible underneath your gels or enhancements.
Amy also works as at Paint Nail Studio inside the celebrity salon hotspot Beauty Club on Oxford Street, which has been described as similar to the Beverly Hills Hotel in style
WEAR GLOVES WHEN YOU’RE WASHING UP
‘Always protect the nails’ is a number one rule, wear gloves when cleaning and washing up and don’t use your nails as tools like picking that pesky label off the new plant pot you just brought.
BE CAREFUL WITH HOME MANICURES
‘With the high street drugstores and online retailers being saturated with “at home kits” we have seen a huge increase in damaged nails.
‘This is caused by over filing, incorrect application and removal of product, and sometimes even the products themselves.
‘Think of it this way, at home hair dye kits are never the same as having professional colour.
‘If you are choosing to do your gels or enhancements at home, enrol onto a course with a reputable academy or your favourite brand.
Beauty Club, which has trendy pink walls and a functioning bar, was started by nail artist Angel Gaffney and hair extension specialist Louise Bailey. Pictured are manicures they’ve performed
GO TO A SALON WITH GOOD REVIEWS THAT USE GOOD BRANDS
‘Always look for a salon with honest reviews and one that uses well known branded products.
‘Brands like CND, NSI and Artistic are always good to look out for.
‘Ensure you are able to view the team members qualifications and are able to communicate with you are able to advise the right nails for you depending on your desired look and outcome.
‘Red flags for me are high staff turn around, mixing product brands and restricted payment methods eg. Cash only’.
You can Amy at Paint London here
