Painting attractive nails involves several steps, from proper preparation to applying the polish and ensuring it lasts. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

Clean Nails: Start with clean nails. Remove any old nail polish with a nail polish remover. Use a cotton ball or pad soaked in remover to ensure all traces are gone.
Trim and File: Trim your nails to the desired length using nail clippers. File the edges to your preferred shape (square, round, oval, etc.). Always file in one direction to avoid splitting the nails.
Push Back Cuticles: Soften your cuticles with cuticle oil or by soaking your nails in warm water for a few minutes. Gently push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher. Avoid cutting cuticles as it can lead to infections.

Apply Base Coat: Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail. This helps protect your nails from staining and provides a smooth surface for the nail polish to adhere to. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Choose Your Color: Select a nail polish color that you love. Shake the bottle well to mix the polish.
First Coat: Apply a thin layer of nail polish to each nail. Start with a stroke down the center of the nail, followed by one on each side. Avoid painting too close to the cuticles to prevent polish from pooling.
Second Coat: Once the first coat is dry, apply a second, thin coat. This helps to deepen the color and ensure even coverage. Make sure each coat is dry before applying the next one.

Seal with Top Coat: Apply a top coat to seal in the color and add shine. This also helps prevent chipping and extends the life of your manicure. Make sure to cover the entire nail and the tips to seal the edges.

Correct Mistakes: Use a nail polish corrector pen or a small brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any mistakes around the edges of your nails.
Hydrate: Apply hand lotion or moisturizer to keep your hands and cuticles hydrated. Avoid using your hands too much for the next few hours to let the polish set completely.

Patience is Key: Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. This prevents smudging and ensures a smoother finish.
Thin Layers: Applying thin layers of polish rather than thick ones helps the polish dry faster and reduces the chances of smudging.
Avoid Heat: Avoid exposing your nails to heat (like hot water) for at least a few hours after painting, as it can cause the polish to soften and smudge.
Regular Touch-ups: Apply a fresh layer of top coat every few days to maintain the shine and extend the life of your manicure.
Healthy Nails: Keep your nails healthy by moisturizing regularly and giving them a break from polish occasionally to prevent them from becoming brittle.