When Jan Arnold, founder of CND, wanted to sell her line of nail colors to designers for fashion week, she told them, “you can add 20 beautiful accessories to each model.“ and she is correct!

 

When you’re at the ball, everyone sees your nails. Whether shaking hands, hugging someone, holding a drink or standing in a group talking with your toes peeking out from under your gown, your nails are one of the most highly visible, yes, set of accessories you wear to a party. Of course you want them to look great!

 

Nail salons are everywhere. Mani/Pedi is a weekly ritual for many women.  So why is it even necessary to discuss nails for a party, when we’re all experts anyway?

 

What I’m going to do in this article is give you some tips (pun intended) on what to do and what not to do with your nails for a party.

 

Make sure they’re clean

 

When you have painted nails, it’s easy to forget that dirt collects behind the top of your nail. It’s really important to scrub that area. I use soapy water and a nail brush, to make sure I remove the last traces of the gardening I did the day before. You may think nobody will notice, but you’re wrong.

 

Don’t just look at them and say “they’re good enough.“

 

I know, you just had them done a few days ago and the party is tonight, and you don’t have the time or want to spend the money, so nobody will notice those couple of chips. Well, that’s your choice, but I am totally self-conscious about that, and I don’t want it to impact my enjoyment of the party, so if it’s an event where I want to look my best, I want my nails to look their best too.

 

Do I have to go to a salon to get my nails done?

 

Of course not! You can do them yourself. Your sister/daughter/spouse can help you do your nails. Take a deep breath and let go of the idea that getting your nails done takes several hours. Buy the tools, and a few polish colors you really like, and learn how to do it. I am on the road a lot, and because I like my nails to look a certain way, I often do my own fingernails before a party. But I walk a lot and I value the whole of my pedicure, not just the polish,. so I try to schedule that for when I am in town. My pedicure polish lasts a lot longer than my manicure polish.

 

Is it OK to wear super long nails to a ball?

 

If it’s going to make you feel good, you should do it! But keep in mind that super long nails are not so much an accessory, as a statement. So if it’s not a statement that you want people thinking about, my advice is keep them under a half inch behind the tip of your finger.

 

What about designs on my nails?

 

It’s a party! Be festive! I’ve seen some wonderful nail designs at parties, as well as glitter, alternating colors, and nail jewelry. Be bold! But again, remember that the more you do with your nails, the more they become a statement.

 

Should I use shellac or dip?

 

There are potential health issues from various kinds of nail coverings, so it’s a good idea to look at the research and figure out what’s best for you. If you like to change your polish frequently, there isn’t really a need for some of the long lasting treatments. In my case, since I’m regularly getting ready for a party, I am using “regular“ nail polish almost all the time.

 

Celebrate!

 

It’s about having fun, and enjoying time with other people, so don’t overthink your nails, but don’t under think them either! Just be sure they’re clean and in good shape, whether or not they have polish and fancy designs. And as your social life developer, I command you to enjoy the ball!