THE EASIEST AT-HOME MANICURE USING MANIME’S CUSTOM FIT STICK-ON GELS

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I’ve been a nail polish junkie for as long as I can remember. I kid you not, I have over 60 nail polishes. Although I have many, many colors to choose from, I still manage to grab these nail polish stickers (also known as nail wraps) more than my regular nail polish. Now let me be specific, I’ve tried a few nail polish stickers. The ones at the drugstore, although they’re cute, they weren’t the right size whatsoever. They were either too wide, too narrow, or just the wrong shape. They also didn’t last long.

I love a good nail design, but I’m simply not a nail artist. So I usually just go for a solid color, or a very simple design when painting my own nails. Although I always want a fun design, I don’t want to spend $242688 on my nails. And to be honest, I don’t really love getting my nails done at the salon. I’ve always been one to do my own nails.

Well, my nail game completely changed when I discovered a new nail brand ManiMe. They are a nail brand that has custom-fit stick-on gels that are specifically made for your nails and fit your nails perfectly. Technology is an amazing thing and what ManiMe has been able to do is so incredible! We’re not going to get into the technology, but let’s just say they somehow figured out how to print your stick-on gel mani to fit exactly your nail size and shape. Genius, if I do say so myself.

The process is extremely easy! You just have to create an account and submit photos of your nails. Honestly, the hardest part is choosing a color and/or pattern. Yes! They do have many many solid colors to choose from. Obsessed is an understatement.

New customers code: SWEATINSD for 20% off // Return customers code: SWEATINSD10 for 10% off

Photo credit: @nailsthatmatch

Photo credit: @nailsthatmatch

The process to place them on is extremely easy and I’ve learned a thing or two after 5 sets to really make the mani last at least 2 weeks. Yes, you read that right. Each mani has lasted me over 2 weeks. Although, I should mention ManiMe states that they last at least 10 days. My first mani were these pink moon nails below and after each mani set, my application got better and better. The key is to really press down to ensure they stick on.

How to apply ManiMe custom fit stick-on gels + tips & tricks:

  1. File nails to your desired shape and wash hands with soap and water and let dry.

  2. Using the prep pad, thoroughly clean each nail and apply a base coat.

  3. Peel off one gel from the sheet at a time. I like holding it by the tip of the sticker to ensure it stays very sticky by the cuticle part.

  4. As you apply, leave a very small gap between your cuticles and the start of the gel so it doesn’t sit on your cuticle.

  5. Press firmly to smooth out any wrinkles. *Really take your time and make sure to concentrate on the edges & cuticles.

  6. Fold the excess gel over the tip of your nail and wait 30 seconds

  7. Using the nail file in your kit, file downwards at the tip of your nails to remove excess gel. Angle the file away from your nail to avoid tearing the gel & to create a clean edge.

  8. If your nails are short, you can always use a nail clipper before you file.

  9. After filing and removing the excess, press down firmly on your gels to smooth them. This will extend the life of your manicure, so really take your time.

  10. Apply a top coat and add a bit more over and under the tip of your nail to extend wear.

It may seem like a lot of steps but I wanted to be as specific as possible. This should take you under 10 minutes!

How to remove your ManiMe set:

  1. Simply peel them off whenever you’re ready. So easy!

I’m fully obsessed and would order these over and over again. ManiMe comes out with two new collections a month. So there are always new colors and designs to choose from. I also need to mention their customer service is incredible!

New customers code: SWEATINSD for 20% off // Return customers code: SWEATINSD10 for 10% off

 

MY CURRENT HAIR CARE ROUTINE FOR THICK, COARSE, AND FRIZZY HAIR

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woman sharing her current HAIR CARE ROUTINE
 
 

It’s about time I share my haircare routine. I’ve never been the girl who can just get out of the shower, towel dry, and carry on with her day. My hair is frizzy, thick and I have a lot of it. So, it takes treatments and products to get to my current frizz-free and hydrated hair. It’s taken a minute to get my routine down but I can finally say I love my hair!

 
 
woman showing her hair result with her HAIR CARE ROUTINE
 
 

MY CURRENT HAIR CARE ROUTINE FOR THICK, COARSE, AND FRIZZY HAIR

KERATIN TREATMENT

I’m fully obsessed with keratin treatments. I’ve gotten about 6 treatments so far and guys, it’s a complete game-changer. I go to Kat at Bay Park Salon and she really knows her keratin. I’ve gotten some treatments that only last month, but with Kat, it usually lasts me about 5 months depending on how fast my hair grows. It takes away the frizz completely.

SHAMPOO

I personally like to switch up my shampoo about twice a year and I recently switched over to Maria Nila Heal Shampoo and we love. I have a dry scalp and deal with dandruff. I also only wash my hair once a week so that definitely doesn’t help the scalp issues, haha. I’m about a month into this shampoo and I’ve noticed a huge decrease in scalp dryness & itchiness. It also leaves the hair really soft, which we love! I’ll also update this as I change my shampoos and try new ones.

Since I have such a dry scalp and deal with product build-up, I also sometimes add a few drops of Phyto Phytopollèine Botanical Scalp Treatment to my shampoo. It has tea tree oil and really soothes the scalp. It’s actually meant to be used before you wash your hair. Just apply to the scalp and leave on for 20 min before washing your hair.

CONDITIONER/HAIR MASK

I basically only use deep conditioners now since I only wash my hair once a week. I switch it up depending on my needs and hairstyle goals but love these for thick, coarse, frizzy hair: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector & Leonor Greyl Masque à L'Orchidée Nourishing Mask.

MY RIDE OR DIE POST SHAMPOO CLEANSE

I can not live without this product. I’ve gone through over 5 bottles and there’s no stopping me now. dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse is my ride or die. Some people use it instead of their shampoo but I actually use it in addition to it because of my dry scalp and product buildup. I find that it cleans the scalp even more, moisturizes the scalp, and leaves my hair soft & shiny. If you’re dealing with product buildup or dry scalp, you need this! Or if you find some shampoos are too harsh for your hair, try using this instead of shampoo.

PREP SPRAY I DE-TANGLING & HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY

Love love love this product from IGK. It’s their Good Behavior 4-in-1 Prep Spray and it’s a multitasking priming spray that detangles, protects against heat, controls frizz, and enhances shine. It was made for us thick, frizzy-haired ladies!

HAIRSTYLING PRODUCTS

I use ALTERNA Haircare CAVIAR Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mist specifically on my roots but it’s made for root-to-tip. It adds volume to my roots without weighing it down. I don’t overdo it, just a few sprays.

As my leave-in treatment, I switch it up a bit. I use It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Treatment and it’s a cult classic for a reason. They also make a keratin & glossing version! I also use Phyto Phytodefrisant Blow-dry Balm which is one of my OG products. I’ve been using it since I was like 18 and love it. It does some magic for unruly, frizzy & rebellious hair.

For in-between keratin treatments, I use another product from IGK’s Good Behavior line. It’s their Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray and it’s so so good. It smooths, it has 24-hour frizz control, and it’s a heat protectant. If you have frizzy hair, you need this product. If I didn’t have keratin done, I would be using this each and every time I wash my hair from root to tip.

OIL TREATMENTS

I love to apply oil to my hair the night before I wash my hair. I sleep in it overnight and it’s been such a game-changer in getting my hair healthy and more nourished. I also apply a tiny bit to my ends. Loving these oils lately: Moroccanoil Treatment (pricier but worth it, especially if you have very dry hair), NOW Jojoba Oil and 100% pure Argan Oil.

DRY SHAMPOO

Good ole’ dry shampoo! What would life be without this bad boy? I’ve been loving Batiste’s Dry Shampoos. I use their regular formula (love all of their scents but Luxe is next level) on days 1-3 and bring out their volume dry shampoo on day 3ish for extra volume.

TOWEL

I always use a microfiber towel. It prevents breakage, frizz and is honestly way more comfortable than a big towel on your head. I love Aquis hair towels and turbans. Another game-changer in my routine.

I know having frizzy, unruly hair can be a struggle sometimes so hopefully, this was helpful! I’ll do another blog post on all the styling tools that I use because I’ve found some incredible ones! Feel free to comment or DM me with any questions! Talk soon!