3 Common DIY Mani Mistakes From A Celebrity Manicurist

At-home mani not measuring up to your favorite salon? While you may not be a seasoned nail tech, there are probably a few other factors contributing to a subpar paint job. Ever wondered how salon manis last so long? How the polish sits so smooth? How your cuticles look pristine for weeks post-appointment? 

"Before applying any kind of nail polish, give yourself a proper manicure," Lippman says. This means cleaning the nail of any residue with a gentle polish remover and dedicating time to tend to your cuticles. PSA: This does not mean cutting the cuticles. "I always say, if your skin gets dry, you wouldn't take scissors to cut off dry peeling skin—so you shouldn't do it with your cuticles," Lippman says.

Like most beauty tools, nail files aren't always intuitive, especially when you're going for a complex nail shape. One common mistake Lippman sees people making is "sawing" back and forth at the tip of the nail. "This can cause your nails to peel and become weak," Lippman says.

Instead, follow this protocol: "If you have thinner nails, if you have weak/peeling nails, instead of holding a file flush to the nail, tilt it so you file from underneath the nail," she explains. "While shaping nails, the file should not be slanted—it should be straight against the side wall and then perpendicular to the tip of your nail. File more or less in one direction." 

"A base coat is imperative to enhance the wear of the manicure and avoid staining the nails," Lippman says. If you've ever had a yellow stain left behind post-polish, it may be caused by a lack of base coat.

If you find a grade-A base coat (a few worthy picks here), it will actually benefit the nails—even when worn alone. "Forget the old wives' tale that says your nails need to 'rest,'" Lippman says. "Keeping them polished, or at least with a base coat, can strengthen and protect your nails so they look younger." (That's assuming you use clean, formaldehyde-free polishes, of course.)

She suggests waiting a full two minutes in between your base, polish, and top coats. That last step is also crucial for a salon-grade look, as a top coat can provide shine and protect against chipping.