If you still get a hard copy of the newspaper, here’s a use for it you may not have thought of: newspaper nails. This isn’t newsprint embedded within layers of gel (though that’s a cool trick as well), it’s a transfer of the newsprint onto the nail — so you can offer this style even if you’re at a natural nails-only salon. Polished Day Spa in Houston adapted this technique after seeing it on several nail blogs. It charges $30 for the nails. Here’s how the salon creates the look:
1. Do a standard manicure using a light color (so the newsprint will show). Let the nail polish dry completely before the next step.
2. Dip the nail into alcohol for five seconds.
3. Put the newspaper print face down onto the nail and press firmly and evenly for 15 seconds. (Darker newsprint shows up better than fine print.)
4. Peel back the newspaper slowly without smudging the print.
5. Let dry for about one minute, then apply top coat to seal.

Photography by Hamy Pham

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