Nail progress; 1yr

Seeing my nail progress over the last year has been so rewarding, and if you're on your own DIY nail journey, I totally get the highs and lows! It’s true what I said in my original post – it can still take me HOURS, and sometimes you just don't love the outcome. But trust me, it gets better, and the satisfaction of a perfectly painted set you did yourself? Priceless! One of my biggest struggles, especially in the beginning, was getting the shape right and avoiding those dreaded thick nails. My best advice here is patience and practice with filing. Invest in good quality files and buffers. For shape, I found watching YouTube tutorials on different nail shapes (almond, coffin, square) incredibly helpful. Don't be afraid to experiment to find what suits your hands best. As for thickness, applying thinner coats of polish (especially gel!) is key. It's better to do three thin coats than one thick, gloopy one. Another thing that used to frustrate me was the time commitment. An entire evening dedicated to nails still happens sometimes! To cut down on time, I’ve learned a few tricks. Prep is crucial – make sure your nails are clean, filed, and buffed before you even open the polish. This saves time later. Also, having all your tools laid out helps. And honestly, sometimes putting on a podcast or your favorite show makes the time fly by. Don't feel pressured to rush; enjoying the process is part of the hobby! For those moments when you finish a design and just hate it (like my pink heart phase!), don't panic. It's part of the learning curve. I've learned to see these as opportunities to try something new. Having a good quality, gentle polish remover is your best friend. And remember, not every design has to be a masterpiece. Sometimes a simple, clean look, like a classic *French tip*, is all you need, and they become a proud achievement once you master them. They were definitely a game-changer for me in terms of perceived skill! I've also started incorporating more creativity, like adding silver glitter accents or trying out *wavy lines*, which has really upped my nail game. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures. You might surprise yourself! The cleanliness of my application has definitely improved with consistent practice, and that's something I wish I'd focused on earlier. Ultimately, doing my own nails has been more than just saving money (though that's a huge pro!). It's become a relaxing, creative outlet and a wonderful way to express myself. If you're thinking of starting or are feeling discouraged, keep going! Your nail progress will be amazing too.