How to Get the Perfect Matte Nail Look – Essence

Summer is nearly here and also you’re probably in the mood to get your nails done. And should you’re trying to stick to a budget and wish to do your personal nails, check out a matte nail look.

“Achieving the perfect matte nail look depends on the quality of the matte topcoat used” Mazz HannaNailing Hollywood CEO, tells ESSENCE. “Higher quality top coats will provide a better, longer lasting matte finish.”

Plus, you would like to prep your fingers no matter the length of your nail. “It’s important to prep your nail before you paint your matte mani because if you don’t buff your nail to a smooth finish, the ridges on your nail will really show through.” Thea GreenFounder Nails.INCshe says. “To keep the look chic, I would recommend shorter nails, as longer nails with a matte finish can be too extreme for everyday wear.”

Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to achieve a matte look.

Make sure your nails are clean

Aaliyah SmithNail expert and founding father of NailBiz, Green and Hanna recommend cleansing your nails to create a smooth surface and extend the lifetime of your manicure. “Remove old polish, trim and file your nails to the desired shape, and gently push back and/or trim your cuticles,” says Hanna. “Clean your nails with a nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol using a lint-free wipe to make sure your nails are free of any oils or contaminants before buffing.” Then, file your nails to the desired shape and length.

Apply a base coat

Smith recommends using an LED lamp when applying a transparent base coat. “Once applied, cure the base coat under the LED lamp for about 60 seconds,” says Smith. “This step is crucial to protect the natural nail and provide a base for the color.”

Apply matte nail polish

Once cured, it’s time to apply the color in thin, even layers. Hanna recommends ensuring to cure each layer under an LED lamp and repeating as needed. Once the base coat is applied and has dried, apply two to three thin coats of matte nail polish. Hanna also notes that every coat needs to dry to prevent smudging should you’re using regular or gel polish. If you do, cure each layer under a gel lamp.

How to maintain a matte look

Consistently matting your nails can go a great distance. “You can reapply top coat if you notice it rubbing off after a few days,” says Hanna. “If you’re using oils and lotions, wipe the surface of your nail with water or isopropyl alcohol if you’re wearing gel polish to prevent the matte finish from rubbing off or becoming greasy.”

Are matte nails a summer trend?

Apparently so. According to Smith, Green, and Hanna, matte nails are here to stay this season. “Matte nails are always in style when you want to switch up your nail look from the classic glossy finish,” says Green. “A matte effect definitely adds a trendy twist to your mani and looks great with summery, bright shades. Likewise, a matte mani in richer, deeper shades will look great as fall approaches.”