CHIP-FREE NAILS: Hollywood's Celebrity Red Carpet Secret That YOU Can Do yourself

This trick will save you so much time & money!…if you’re into that sort of thing!

Ever wonder how celebrities manage to go from photoshoot to red-carpet to whatever else their job and lifestyle entails and be able to switch up their nail looks multiple times without spending literal hours getting their nails done and redone? Very often, press-on or glue on nails are used and they're game-changers. Not just that, but you don't have to only use them when you want to wear long nails. If you're a simple "short gel manicure" girl, I'm going to change your life in a hot second.

Sometimes, their manicurist has already pre-shaped, painted, and prepared the fake nails before they even get to see the celebrity. Think of it like meal-prep, but for your nails. (Highly recommend to save you time!) Between my latest video on the subject and this post, you'll be halfway to being your own personal manicurist in no time. 

So, let me break down how you can save time and money and look good at the same time -- if you're into that sort of thing...

✨ SHORTY SPICE - Short Square Nails

A perfect short, clean, squared off manicure can be both chic & practical. Hello, people that type a lot! When I'm busy writing, I do my best to keep my nails short.

Besides being able to, you know, do stuff, short nails look amazing with any nail color. A classic red, a dark-almost-black is both edgy and chic, and a short white that can really enhance a summer tan are all great options.

If you’re going for an opaque look, a "natural white" nail is probably best. You can still use clear ones as well. If you like to go for sheer nudes/pinks, go for the clear ones. You can still use them when you do an opaque polish in any color, but they give you that versatility for sheer shades, because while sheers are more chip-forgiving, they can still look a mess eventually.

✨ OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR NAILS - Almond Shaped Nails

This is a classic look that really stands out from the crowd in the best way when done right.

This classic old-Hollywood-esque nail is super feminine, glam, and eye-catching. I also find that this style looks nice on most hands as long as you don't go too long. A nice almond shape that’s not too pointy nor too oval is ideal.

These are my go to press-ons for achieving the look with minimal shaping. Just glue them on and perhaps file down the tip just a bit to smooth the edge, paint and go.

The best shades to wear this style are definitely a classic red but nudes also look great. Of course, you can use whatever color you want, it’s up to you.

For myself, reds just make me feel happiest followed by a dark almost-black or an opaque white when my nails are short.

✨ SEXY SQUARE - Long Square Nails

I must admit that while these are a lot of fun...they’re not exactly the classiest style. I call them "hooker nails" in real life. LOL If you’re looking for sophistication -- this probably ain’t it, sis! When I wear my nails like this, I think of, like, a mobster’s wife or mistress, or...a rich man’s second wife from New Jersey! It's a vibe.

PS - it’s kind of my dream to be someone’s second wife!

Anyway, a little tackiness from time to time keeps life fun and keeps you young. But, it’s definitely a look that’s hard to keep from looking a bit trashy if you’re not too careful. I’m just being honest!

The main thing that takes a manicure from looking tacky to more tasteful is length, width, and colors.

If you want to maintain a classy look, consider length. "The longer the nail, the longer the hoe!," Khloe Kardashian might say. LOL The width on longer nails should always taper in slightly from the end of the finger to the tip of the nail. I'm talking slightly, unless you're going for a ballerina shape, in which case, it can be much more dramatic. As far as color goes, just avoid neon or crazy nail designs. Keep it simple. Simple is always best. However, if it’s “your thing” or part of “your personal brand” or makes you really happy, do what you want. That goes for anything really. Personal style above what anybody says, even me. Do you!

These tricks will prevent your nails from chipping which is super-helpful in keeping yourself looking polished, but that’s just the half of what it takes to have a nice hand. Make sure your cuticles are well cared for. A little cuticle oil can go a long way. Cuticle oil is a must as well as a nice hand cream (or rub the leftover moisturizer you apply to your face to your hands instead of washing it off) if your hands are prone to dryness.

⚡️ And most importantly, to maintain the health of your nails, make sure to remove the fake ones after 10 days or so. The removal process is not to be overlooked as it's paramount to keeping your own nails in as good condition as possible. Typically, after about a week, you can soak your hands in warm-to-hot water for about 10 minutes and the nails will pop off without much effort. Never force a nail off. You can cut them down to the length of your natural nail, remove the polish, and then soak in 100% acetone.