• Inflation has infiltrated every part of the country, and that includes the nail salons. There was a time when we could get our nails done without paying an amount equivalent to a university student’s school fee, but now it’s practically impossible. These days, there is a lot more thought that goes into deciding if getting our nails done is necessary. Getting nails done professionally is now out of reach for many people. 

    Fortunately, there is a practical alternative. We’ve created a guide that explores budget-friendly ways to get cute, long-lasting nails using simple tools, press-ons, and easy at-home techniques.

    Important Tools for DIY Nail Care 

    For DIY nail care, you don’t need complex equipment that will break the bank. A simple starter kit that works with your budget, and it includes:

    1. Nail clippers

    Price Range: 1,000-5,000
    Where to get: Jumia

    2. Nail file and buffer

    Price Range: 2,000-10,000
    Where to get: Temu

    3. Cuticle pusher

    Price Range: 1,000-7,000
    Where to get: Ubuy

    4. Cuticle oil (optional)

    Price Range: 3,800-12,000
    Where to get: Care to Beauty 

    5. Base and top coat

    Price Range: 2,000-10,000
    Where to get: Ubuy

    6. Nail polish

    Price Range: 1,800-8,000
    Where to get: Jumia

    7. Press-on nail sets

    Price Range: 2,500-8,000
    Where to get: Sojoee

    8. Nail glue

    Price Range: 1,500-4,000
    Where to get: Ubuy

    9. UV/LED lamp (if you plan to do gel nails)

    Price Range: 12,000-27,000
    Where to get: Temu

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    You’ll love: A Zikoko Girl’s Guide To Dealing With Inflation


    Affordable At-Home Nail Options

    1. Classic Nail Polish 

    This is regarded as the standard manicure, and it is the least expensive option. Not only is it easy to do while seated in the comfort of your living room, but it also comes with a variety of colours. They are the perfect option for everyday looks. 

    Step-by-Step Guide: 

    1. Trim nails with clippers and shape with a file. 
    2. Gently push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Make sure to avoid cutting your cuticles. 
    3. Apply a thin base coat to help polish last. 
    4. Apply 1-2 layers of the nail polish of your choice. 
    5. Apply a top coat to seal the polish. 
    6. Let nails air-dry and voila, your beautiful nails are ready.

    2.  Press-On Nails

    Press-ons are the most convenient nail options. They come in designs, ranging from French tips to Chrome, are quick to apply, and tend to come in multipacks that can last for weeks. When you want to get a salon-quality look without spending salon money, press-on nails are always there to save the day.

    Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Prep your natural nails by buffing slightly and gently pushing back cuticles. 
    2. Choose the right size of your press-ons for each nail. 
    3. Apply nail glue to both nails and press-ons
    4. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds, and you are ready to go. 

    3. Gel Nails

    For those who have a preference for long-lasting polish, having a gel kit is a great investment.

    Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Prep your nails by clipping and filing 
    2. Gently use your cuticle pusher to push your cuticles 
    3. Buff your nails until your nail beds are even 
    4. Wipe nails with rubbing alcohol to clear your nails of debris 
    5. Evenly apply a thin layer of gel base coat on your nails 
    6. Cure nails with your UV lamp for about 40-60 seconds 
    7. Once that is done, carefully apply a thin layer of your preferred gel polish and ensure to smooth the layer before curing for 30-60 seconds
    8. After curing the gel polish, apply a thin layer of top coat, smooth it and cure it for one last time for 30-60 seconds.

    Next Read: 10 of Our Favourite Alté Babes Share Their Wardrobe Essentials 

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  • Over the years, I’ve realised that you don’t need to have money or wear designer clothes to stand out at events. With the 2022 Lagos Fashion Design Week running from the 27th to the 30th of October, I’ve come up with a list of household items that could easily double as fashion statements to steal the show and land you on best-dressed lists everywhere. 

    Thank me later. 

    Grass

    This right here is iconic. I don’t know how the designer pulled it off, but they obviously don’t have two heads, so there’s nothing stopping you. Rainy season has refused to end, which means there’s a lot of grass around you. You can make an up-and-down grass fit. It’s the true definition of going green, and I love it. 

    A Raincoat

    I’ve always believed raincoats are outfits in their own right. A typical raincoat has sleeves, a hoodie and sometimes, pockets. What else do you need? So all I’m asking you to do here is take your raincoat to the local tailor in our area and ask him to make this design. Please and please, sit beside that tailor until they’re done, so you don’t end up doing  What I ordered vs What I got

    The trash in your bin 

    This outfit is how we’ll end global warming, trust me. Nigeria has a waste control problem, and a dress like this is the best way to recycle the waste in your house and do your part to fight global warming. You’ll be doing a lot for the environment than those celebrities who do adverts and donate money towards fighting global warming, but still use private jets from Lagos to Abuja. 

    The actual bin 

    Why stop at the trash in your waste bin when you could be innovative AF and turn the whole waste bin (and that black nylon, too) into a cocktail dress? You can also complete the look with a hat even Princess Diana would be jealous of? 

    RECOMMENDED: These Old-school Fashion Trends Still Bang in 2022

    Your bed

    This is for people who like to leave events early because they want to sleep. With this outfit, you get to kill two birds with one stone: You steal the show and get everyone talking about how “avant-garde” you are, and when your social battery starts to run out, you can just lie down in your mobile bed. Win-win.

    Mosquito net 

    With a fabulous mosquito net fit, you can catch the attention of the fashion community, the internet and maybe your crush. Yes, I think that’s a valid enough reason to try this. If you get malaria because you used your only net to make an outfit, well, that’s a small price to pay for being a fashion icon. 

    All your school bags 

    Ignore all the fashion people that pretend like one bag — or those tiny Jacquemus bags — are enough for fashion week. Where will you put all your stress, lies, lip balm, white handkerchief and Chicken Republic chickwizz? You need all the space you can get, so get inspired by this model and wear all the bags in your house. Borrow from your neighbours if you have to. 

    Toilet paper

    Kindly note that the toilet paper used for this fabulous pantsuit hasn’t been used. I repeat, IT HASN’T BEEN USED. Because I don’t need anyone pulling up to the Zikoko office to say we advised them to use stained toilet paper for an outfit. I’m only asking you to use clean toilet paper. I’m not crazy. 

    A bag of rice

    If there’s one thing Nigerians never get tired of, it’s rice. Rice is everywhere, whether it’s Jollof, fried, concoction or local. This means that finding an old bag of rice will not be a problem. Plus, the colour of the sack is a perfect shade to compliment your melanin. These things are essential. 

    Someone else 

    If none of the other suggestions lands you on a “best street style” page, wear someone else. There’s no way you’ll wear someone, and heads won’t turn to look at you. This is the fit to end all fits. 

    ALSO READ: We Need to Talk About Cancelling Skinny Jeans for Men

  • Every naturalista knows that caring for natural hairstyles is not beans. If you’re not going broke trying to buy the right products to control your mane, you’re figuring out how to style it without using up five working days. It’s a struggle.

    These eight easy-to-recreate styling ideas will save you time:

    Twist-outs

    Twist outs - Zikoko

    Image source: Hairstyle hub

    Twist-outs are a natural hair staple because it involves relatively low effort. You can easily do a twist-out after wash day (and a full detangle) with little or no products. Get an easy tutorial to follow here.

    Low bun

    Low bun natural hairstyle

    Image source: African American hairstyle videos

    A low bun is another perfect simple hairstyle for the stress-hating naturalista. It’s great for both formal and casual occasions, and even if you have short hair, you can always include hair extensions yourself if you want a fuller look.

    Here’s a simple tutorial that I found.

    Fauxhawk

    Image source: Adanna Madueke (YouTube)

    If you’re looking for a longer-lasting protective style, then you should try the fauxhawk. It’s a chic look for a fun night out or if you just want to switch up your style for a few weeks. 

    I found this tutorial, so you don’t have to try explaining this style to a hairdresser who will only end up doing something different.


    RELATED: Is It Time to Break Up With Your Nigerian Hairdresser?


    Bantu knots

    Image source: stylecraze

    The beautiful thing about bantu knots is that I’m yet to see anyone that doesn’t look good rocking them. You can do them with your hair or add some extensions if your hair isn’t long enough to make the knots.

    This tutorial will show you how to style your bantu knots.

    Double puffs

    Image source: rayann410 (YouTube)

    Tired of simple bun styles but still need to leave home in ten minutes? Then you should try double puffs. As promised, this won’t stress your life, and you can experiment as much as you want. Win-win.

    You can also use this tutorial for reference.


    RELATED: Ten Things You’ll Relate to if You’re a Naturalista


    Finger coils

    Image source: Chizi Duru (YouTube)

    Finger coils are easy to style, but be warned — this is one of the more tedious ones on this list, depending on your hair’s fullness. You’ll probably want to try finger coils during the weekend or when you have more free time. 

    I found a finger coils tutorial that’s quite straightforward.

    Classic afro with top bun

    Image source: Thrive Naija

    The afro always works, and if you want to do something different with it, just add a top bun. 

    All you have to do for this style is section off the top part of your hair, moisturise and style it in a tight bun, then finger-comb the rest of your hair into an afro. This quick style works for casual and semi-formal occasions. Here’s a simple tutorial for reference.

    High Puff

    Image source: healthyafrohair

    You can never go wrong with a simple high puff. For a little razzle-dazzle, style it with a cute head wrap, and you’re good to go.

    If you have short hair, you’ll find this tutorial helpful.


    ALSO READ: What Your Favourite Type of Braids Says About You

  • In January 2016, Mattel, the manufacturers of the popular fashion doll, Barbie released the doll in new and diverse body sizes and colours.

    Although the conventional Barbie doll remained a part of the debut, the other dolls were aimed to represent all the different forms of girls around the world.

    As commendable and brilliant as this debut is, some demographic of girls still remain unrecognised.

    This Nigerian lady after stumbling into the Barbiestyle page on Instagram got inspired to give the doll a new look.

    Haneefah Adam is not only a medical scientist but also a Nigerian lifestyle blogger and modest fashion enthusiast.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BARnewcryms/?taken-by=muslimahanie
    And while at it, the 24 year old M.Sc. degree holder in Pharmacology runs her lifestyle brand Hanie collection.

    Hijarbie was born out a desire to inspire young Muslim girls by giving them a model that represents their religious background.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BAaHCoaS-hp/?taken-by=hijarbie
    Hijarbie’s wardrobe features really stylish pieces with matching hijabs that are making older Muslim women swoon.

    Haneefah also hopes to dress up more dolls of diverse colours and sizes in the future.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BBfs8l4y-gs/?taken-by=hijarbie
    Plans to make the doll available for sale are currently in the works as Muslim women around the world are excited to buy these dolls for their daughters.

    In spite of the negative Islamophobic comments, Hijarbie stays slaying.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/_35HFVS-kj/?taken-by=hijarbie
    You can view other cute pictures on Instagram: @Hijarbie

    Haneefah is also an artsy individual and a DIY enthusiast.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/7DUMlRLyl0/?taken-by=muslimahanie
    Other creative works from her can be found on her social media pages. Twitter: @Ms_hanie Instagram: @Muslimahanie