Back to Uni: Nail Care Tips, Looks & Colour Inspiration for Students | 14 Day Mani

As the new academic year begins, it’s the perfect time to refresh nails. Whether you're buried in books, typing away on your laptop, or simply enjoying some downtime between classes, having a stylish and long-lasting manicure can add a bit of joy to your routine, and protect your nails from damage. Here are some nail care tips and colour inspiration to help you start the semester on the right foot-well, hand.

 Nail Care Basics: Setting the Foundation

Proper nail care ensures that your manicure lasts and keeps your nails healthy.

1. Hydrate Regularly: Applying non-icure hydrating serum daily helps keep your cuticles soft, prevents hangnails, and makes your nails stronger, making your nails look healthier overall.

2. Never Skip the Base Coat: A base coat protects your natural nails from staining and creates a smooth surface for your gel polish, which helps your manicure last longer.

3. Seal with a Top Coat: A good top coat is key to making your gel manicure shine and last. It seals your polish, preventing chips and adding a glossy finish.

4. Give Your Nails a Break: Between manicures, give your nails a few days or weeks to rest. This helps avoid overexposure to nail products, which can sometimes weaken the nails.

Look 1: Aura Nails – Subtle and Stylish

Aura nails are a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s both unique and versatile. Start with a light purple base, in shade 'Sassy Susie'. This soft, calming colour provides the perfect backdrop for a hot pink ombré aura in shade 'Flamingo Fizz', which can be gently blended from the centre of the nail outward using our 'Ombre Nail Art Brush #12'. The result is a look that’s understated yet eye-catching, ideal for everyday wear with just a touch of individuality. If you fancy being arty and going a step further, why not add some stars with shade 'White Paint' and our 'Nail Art Liner Brush'?

Look 2: Simple White Chrome – Clean and Polished

For those who prefer a minimalist approach, a white chrome nail is both simple and sophisticated. Begin with 'Milky Way' , a milky white gel polish that serves as a perfect base colour. Once cured for 60 seconds, apply a chrome powder over the top to achieve a smooth, mirror-like finish. This look is versatile enough to complement any outfit and works well in both casual and more formal settings.

Pro Tip: To achieve the best chrome effect, apply the chrome powder directly on top of a cured top coat layer rapidly whilst the nails are still warm from being under the UV lamp. Don't forget to then add a final top coat and cure again for 60 seconds.

Look 3: Trending Red and Pink Polka Dot Nails

For a playful yet timeless look, red and Pink polka dots are always on trend. Start with our Vibrant red 'Milano' base cure for 60 seconds under the 'UV/LED Lamp' then using a 'Dotting Tool' use 'Candy Floss' and add small pink polka dots across each nail and cure again. Finish with our Glossy 'Top Coat' and cure for 60 seconds. Then to finish off apply        'Non-icure serum' to hydrate your nails.