How to Build a Ladder |Cost effective method: less than $25 [2021]

Would you like to learn how to build a ladder? Ladders come in handy all the time. With less than $25 bucks, you can make a functional and safe ladder that fulfills your desired proposal. In a few simple steps, we will guide you on how to build a ladder. 

A ladder is a necessary piece of equipment for every home or office. You’ll need one for a variety of activities, like changing light bulbs, dusting, removing items, and just for your children’s treehouses. As a result, when purchasing or constructing one, care should be used.

Learning how to build a ladder can be quite enjoyable. We will also be focusing on creating something that serves its purpose. However, the most significant benefit is saving money even while you learn these new skills. Even though it’s just basic carpentry, this is something that will always be enjoyable and beneficial to you.

You don’t have to be a skilled carpenter to build a ladder; all you need is a detailed guide, some woodworking knowledge, some equipment, and, of course, this tutorial to create a ladder! How to Make a Ladder, Specifically a Wooden Ladder will be discussed today.

What do you need to make a ladder?

Before we go into the steps on c, you’ll need to obtain the equipment and supplies you’ll need to construct a ladder on your own. The following is a list of the tools and materials we will be using:

Tools: 

  • 12 foot long two-by-four wooden boards, two pieces
  • 8-foot-long two-by-three hardwood planks, two pieces
  • A wood-safe glue tube
  • 35-40 screws, 2-3 inches in length
  • A Miter Saw
  • An electric hammer drill
  • A pen to write with
  • Brushes with desired paint

For Exterior Ladders:

  • Pressure-Treated 2×4’s
  • Three 1/2″ to 4″ Exterior Deck Screws
  • Exterior Deck Paint or Stain

For Interior Ladders

  • Untreated 2×4’s, framing studs
  • Three 1/2″ to 4″ Self-Tapping Wood Screws
  • Chalk Paint, Wood Stain, or Latex Paint would all work

Do you have them ready yet? Then, let’s dive right into the step-by-step process.

How to build a ladder: Step-by-step Guide

  • Step one: Learn the 2×4 against the location where you’ll need to make a little step ladder if possible. That should make deciding what angle will be most comfortable for that place a lot easier. By keeping the two by 4 12 foot wooden slabs side by side, you may line them up and fasten them together. The angle for your miter saw can then be calculated using a triangle calculator.

Use the ladder at the height you require for one length—the length of the inclination you chose across the floor or ground. The ladder’s fundamental framework will be made up of these. If you can’t find the ones indicated, you can use a table saw to cut the wood to the necessary size.

  • Step two: After that, you can return that board to the location where you’ll be building it to mark the point where you’ll be cutting the top at the same angle. If you don’t have one, you can make a little step ladder with a circular saw instead of a Miter Saw. To mark the tips, you’ll need to use a Speed Square.

Cutting the rear of the ladder so that it rests against the area I’m creating it for is the next step I employ to build a little step ladder. I do this by placing a board flat against the location and drawing a straight line on the ladder side. Again, a Miter Saw or Circular Saw can be used to accomplish this cut.

  • Step three: To mark the steps on your ladder, use the same angle you used for the cutting. Your efforts will be completely level with the ground or floor beneath the ladder due to this.

For the sake of better description: Use your marker pen to designate a location for more detail. 2*4 wood, 8 inches apart from the 12-foot end. Mark the other piece in the same way. These marks will indicate the middle of the topmost rungs of your ladder.

  • Step four: After completing the marking, you’ll need to create room for the rungs. Cut a rectangle measuring 5 x 7.6 x 2.9 cm with the specific mark in the center. For the rungs, cut out these rectangles in both of the 12-foot pieces.

Reduce the height of your ladder steps. For climbing, a comfortable width is around 18′′, but you can adapt it to fit your space. Then, using the marks you made as a guide, screw the steps into place, ensuring they are level. To keep the steps from shifting while you’re screwing them in, use two scrap blocks cut at an angle.

  • Step five: For extra safety, reinforce the ladder using wood glue to join the sections and secure the rungs in the notches. One by one, confirm the rungs, making sure to compare both sides for a perfect shape. Examine whether the rungs are parallel to one another and fit snugly in the notches.

When the construction is complete, it’s time to use screws to secure all rungs permanently. Again, use your drilling machine to accomplish this. For each rung, it is preferable to use four screws, two on each side. This component is critical for the ladder’s stability.

  • Step six: This is the final step in our guide on how to build a ladder. Attach your ladder to the playhouse, fort, loft, or bunk bed you built for by painting, staining, or sealing it. To secure the ladder, carefully screw through the top and front sides of the ladder.

To make the ladder solid and durable, choose a screw length that goes deep enough into the wood you’re fastening it to. For this, I’d use two screws on each side. Next, put a 2×4 between the two sides and screw the sides into that 2×4. I reasoned that this would be the most potent link for me. However, if done right, either method can be effective.

The above listed is a complete and detailed guild on how to build a ladder in your backyard. 

Other factors to consider when learning how to build a ladder

To fully grasp the concepts and instructions listed in this guide on how to make a ladder, these are some facts to consider. 

1. Wood Choice

It’s critical to pick the proper kind of wood because the materials used in the ladder determine both your safety and the ladder’s longevity.

Although a ladder can be created from various materials such as aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and even plastic, I will only address wooden ladders because it is practically challenging to build one out of the other materials listed.

It is advised that hardwoods such as Mahogany, Oak, Alder, Beech, and Hickory are commonly utilized in the construction of wooden ladders. Softwoods such as Cedar, Spruce, and Pine are suitable for DIY projects. However, I suggest using cedar boards instead of pine because cedar would give your ladder a rustic feel.

2. Setting angles

Setting the ladder at a precise angle is critical to creating a lasting ladder for tree houses. The accurate alignment will assure the users’ safety while also providing comfort to their legs and climbing quickly.

You can use a large measuring device like a level or a protractor to find the needed angle. Furthermore, there are various programs available for mobile phones that you may use to locate the ideal angle for placing your ladder.

3. Height of the ladder

Another crucial consideration while creating a ladder is the height of the ladder. Although a ladder can be any length, it is always recommended to keep it under 12 feet. In the case of DIY ladders, a minimum of 6-10 feet is recommended.

How to build a ladder: Conclusion

Without a doubt, learning how to build your ladder is incredibly resourceful. To this end, we hope this article on how to build a ladder has been of help to you. Would you like to learn more? Please feel free to drop a comment, and we will be sure to answer your questions. 

How to Fold A Blanket Into a Pillow: A Step by Step Guide [Video]

How to Fold A Blanket Into a Pillow: Blankets are household items most commonly associated with coziness. They provide a soft covering that keeps us warm and supports us through the worst chilly weather.

Unfortunately, many people stop at those uses as not many people know that blankets can be used for so much more.

They can be turned into a decorative item to make your room more pleasing or make your bedroom fuller. They can also be turned into pillows that you can sit on while outside or give your overnight guests when you run out of pillows.

Also, a blanket never truly finishes serving its usefulness as old blankets can be cut up and sewn into gorgeous and decorative pillowcases.  Hence you never have to throw away an old blanket again.

But like we said, not everybody knows about these different uses and applications. To solve this problem and bridge a crucial gap, we have prepared a guide that will teach anyone hot to fold a blanket into a pillow and fold it to make the bed fuller and the bedroom appear more expensive.

How To Fold A Blanket Into a Pillow

Folding a blanket into a pillow is easy and quick to do. There are several ways to do it, and while the more complex methods may require that you practice it a few times to get it right, there are more straightforward methods that can allow anybody to turn a blanket into a pillow even on the first trial.

Easy fold

Step 1: Fold the blanket twice once, making sure that each fold is a quarter of the width of the entire blanket.

Step 2: Flip it over and fold it across the other axis so that the folded edge reaches the middle of the entire length of the blanket.

Step 3:  Fold the blanket from the opposite side until you arrive at the other part you had just folded. Then carefully observe to be sure both sides are even.

Step 4: Next, fold from the central part you have just created above. It would be best if you were getting a pocket in the next step.

Step 6: Wrap the rest of the blanket around the thick part and tuck the last bit into the created pocket.

Triple Fold

Step 1: Place the blanket on a table or flat surface with the pocket side facing down

Step 2: Make a long slender rectangle with your blanket by folding the long side into thirds. The left side should make up one-third of the length.

Next, pull the right side over the top of the folded part to line up perfectly with the exterior part of the left folded half.

Step 3: Flip the blanket over so that the pocket is facing up, then adjust it to make sure the pocket side is close to your body if it wasn’t before.

Step 4: Start from the top and fold the blanket down, folding the length into third and making sure that each fold is the same size as the pocket. The final fold should rest on the pouch.

Step 5: Tuck the part resting on the pocket into the pocket and use your hands to spread it out, so it doesn’t look messy inside the pocket.

Donut Fold

Step 1: Spread your blanket over an even flat surface such as the bed

Step 2: First, fold the blanket in half, then grab one side and roll until it resembles a sausage

Step 3: Curl the blanket now looking like a cylinder into a circle, then tuck the messier end into the much neater end

Step 4: You can also adjust the fold to make the middle wider if you can’t tuck it in properly.

How Do You Fold a Blanket At The End of The Bed?

How to Fold A Blanket Into a Pillow A Step by Step Guide

You can easily fold a blanket at the end of the bed and make for a very orderly display. The steps are as easy as follows:

Step 1: Fold the blanket in thirds

Start with a side and fold to the centre. Next, fold the other half to the top. You can also take hold of both corners of the blanket then shake it to lay out flat.

Step 2: Fold to display more of the blanket.

Grab the blanket by both corners, then bring both corners over to the opposite side. You can also fold the blanket in half lengthwise to allow for more display.

Step 3: Spread the folded blanket over the bed

When you choose to fold it as in step 1 or step 2 above, hold the folded blanket by the extremes and lay it over the bottom part of the bed. Keeping it this way will allow the folds to stay in place.

Kept this way, the blanket will serve as a runner for the rest of the bed.

Step 4: Run your palm across the blanket a few times

Once you have set the folded blanket at the end of the bed, smooth out any wrinkles and creases by running your hand over it a few times.

Wrinkles and creases often leave the folds looking messy and subtract from the attractiveness. The neater the folded blanket, the more inviting it appears.

How Do I Make My Bed Look Fuller?

How to Fold A Blanket Into a Pillow A Step by Step Guide

Beds are what make the bedroom. The finer and fuller the bed, the more appealing the bedroom would be.

If you have ever seen a bedroom look full and wondered how it was done, here are five things you can also do to make your bedroom look fuller. You may use only one or two of the tricks below or combine all 5 for the best result.

The most snuggly way to make your bed fuller is to use multiple layers of beddings and ensure that whatever you insert inside the beddings is made of high-quality.

  1. Place inserts inside the duvet

The thick duvet makes it irresistible to climb onto that bed. The first thing you can do to make your bed look fuller is making double layers for your duvet and placing inserts inside.

You can use one or two inserts depending on how flat the duvet initially is. If the duvet is flat, place two inserts inside; otherwise, stick to one insert.

The trick is always to use an insert with the right temperature, so you don’t get sweaty when you settle in.

  • Fold your duvet cover into two halves or thirds.

For this trick, you will need both the duvet and your blanket. Fold the duvet into half or thirds, then carefully lay it on top of the blanket, which you must have folded as described above.

This will allow your bed to look big, full, and lovely. It would help if you also let the edges of the blanket overlap both sides of the duvet to see them.

  • Pick a textured blanket over a thick blanket.

You can also use only your blanket to make your bed look fuller even if you don’t have a duvet or the duvet is too flat, and you can fill it with inserts immediately.

For this trick, place your bed sheet upside down and continue to fold a few inches at the top of your bed. This will make the pattern well pronounced.

Next, pull the blanket up to the top of the sheet, so it peeks out. It is best to use a textured blanket for this if you have one. It gives the best text and allows for an extra layer of coziness.

  • Play with pillow inserts that are larger than the pillow covers

Take fat or sizeable high-quality pillow inserts and stuff them inside much smaller pillow covers. The large pillows will stick out and appear perky.

Pillows that are 22 inches in size or larger will work just fine. And once you pick high-quality pillow inserts, it doesn’t matter what quality of pillow covers you settle for.

  • Use multiple pillows

Pillows are not only for laying heads while we sleep. They can also be used for decorative purposes and make the bed look fuller.

Use five or more pillows for the best results. Just remember to use high-quality pillows as they always produce the best results.

How Can I Make My Bedroom Look Expensive?

How to Fold A Blanket Into a Pillow A Step by Step Guide

Not everyone with an expensive-looking bedroom had to break the bank to set it up. And having a luxurious-looking bedroom should not be a privilege reserved for only the wealthy and affluent.

Anyone can make their bedroom look expensive if they know the tricks and hacks and we are about to show you.

The quickest and easiest way to give your sleeping space that expensive look is to pay attention to the appearance of components such as hardware, pillows, and blankets. Using a particular type of these items can leave the room looking more classy tasteful.

Pay Attention to Your Hardware

The bedroom hardware usually includes items such knobs and pulls. These items can be found in dressers and nightstands.

Changing a copper know, for instance, into a crystal knob can raise the room’s reputation by several percentages.

The good thing is that these items don’t have to be costly to be visually appealing. You can purchase some online or from the hardware store and make a few changes.

Use Over-filled Pillow Inserts

If this trick works at fancy hotels, we see no reason why it should not work for your bedroom. Rather than regular pillows, use high-quality pillows and insert them into much smaller covers.

This allows the pillows to protrude while leaving the room with an extra touch of luxury and style.

Add Style to Your Blanket

A blanket isn’t just a cover for when it gets cold. You can use this piece of bedding to make your room appear more affluent than it is.

Fold the blanket to look fluffy and chunky, then place it at the end of the bed to step up your space. This can also steal attention from other less appealing things in the room.

Use Trays

As many of you may know, trays are often associated with dignity and class. Using trays in places such as the nightstand can upgrade the state of your room. You can then place a candle and a carafe-and-water glass combination for extra effect.

You can also place a tray in another strategic part of the bedroom and fill it with unique trinkets, pretty perfume bottles, and even jewellery.

Pick Texture over Thickness

We can’t seem to mention this point enough. Wealthy people usually look past size and thickness to pick texture. Textured items appear richer and seem to add an extra layer to the space.

Textured embellished pillows and blankets can provide your bedroom with that expensive vibe that people spend thousands of dollars to create.

Conclusion

How to fold a blanket into a pillow is a skill that everyone should learn. This is because you can never have more than enough pillows.

Pillows can be used to relax outside, make the bed fuller and the room richer. But they can also be used as decoration around the house.

Learning this will help you make the pillow you need for all the above. And lastly, you will never have to apologize to an overnight guest because you ran out of pillows. You just need to grab a blanket and quickly whoop up a pillow for them.

How to Cover a Hickey with Makeup – A Step by Step Guide [Video]

How to Cover a Hickey with Makeup: Anybody can get a hickey. However, hickeys are most commonly found on lovers. Personally, I think a hickey is something that a person gives to their partner to declare to the rest of the world that their partner is theirs and theirs alone.

A hickey, also popularly called a love bite or kiss bite, is a bruise that forms on the skin due to bleeding under the skin surface. A minor injury can cause bleeding to the blood capillaries.

And this injury, in turn, can be due to someone biting or sucking too hard and for too long on the spot on your skin.

The result is usually a small red, purple, or blue mark on the skin. While this can be found anywhere on the skin, it is mainly found around the neck, as this is usually an area of focus during passionate kissing or lovemaking.

Hickeys are generally harmless and tend to resolve after a few days or two weeks, depending on the size of the hickey and the sensitivity of the skin.

However, while they linger, they can quickly become a source of embarrassment for the recipient, especially during a public appearance.

This has prompted us to write a post that teaches you how to cover a hickey with makeup. You can follow the steps and instructions below to quickly cover that hickey on your neck before you go for that essential public outing.

How to Cover a Hickey with Makeup

How to Cover a Hickey with Makeup – A Step by Step Guide

Hickeys are generally not dangerous and pose no significant threat to your health, but they can easily embarrass you in public. Learn how to cover them with makeup below quickly:

Step 1: Get the needed materials

As crucial as covering that hickey may seem, getting suitable materials is even more critical. You need to have everything you need if you want to get it right.

Some of the most important items include primer, corrector, foundation, concealer, a makeup brush, and powder.

Step 2: Apply the primer.

If the hickey is large enough and requires a lot of makeup, you want to make sure you have primer acting as the first layer for anything else.

Primers make the surface even and help reduce the greasiness and shininess commonly associated with makeup. They also make it easier to apply foundation and powder.

Be sure to use a primer that is both oil-free and contains at least 50% water. This type of primer minimizes the chances of ending up with runny, slippery, or greasy makeup.

Step 3: Apply the first corrector.

The first corrector you would need to apply should be on the inside of the hickey. Use a color opposite the color of the hickey on the color wheel. This will help to neutralize the outlook of the hickey.

For the best results, follow these simple tricks:

  • Use a corrector with a green undertone for the inside of a hickey that has a purple-red color
  • Use a corrector with purple undertones for a green-yellow inside
  • If the hickey is black-blue, then a corrector with red or orange undertones is best

Step 4: Apply a second corrector to the rest of the hickey

Once the inside of the hickey has been entirely and adequately covered, you will move to attend to the rest.

First, clean the brush to get rid of the color from the above step, touch it on the corresponding color and apply it to the remaining red part of the hickey.

Step 5: Blend the area.

Once you have finished applying the corrector to the hickey, the next step is to blend the area to match your skin. You can do this using a foundation and a concealer.

First, decide how much area you want the foundation and concealer to cover. If the hickey is on your neck, then the foundation and concealer only need to cover a small range from the hickey. However, if the hickey is on your face (rare but not impossible), you will need to blend the entire face to not look conspicuous.

Aim to use dry and opaque products as they usually get the job done without getting slippery.  You can use a rounded sponge for the application or the pad of your thumb if you don’t have the sponge.

Apply the foundation first before the concealer. Pour some of the foundations into the sponge or your thumb and press it against the surface. Once this is in place, repeat the process for the concealer.

It is recommended to apply it this way as using a brush only moves the products around, leaving the hickey exposed.

Step 6: Apply some powder.

After applying the foundation and concealer, you will need to put your makeup in place by using powder.

Finishing off with a powder also prevent you from quickly sweating the makeup off or staining your shirt with it.

Step 7: Check your work in the mirror

The final step is to view the hickey using a mirror. See if it is well covered and if it is still showing, apply some more foundation, concealer and powder as done above.

Why Do Hickeys Feel Good?

Hickeys do not feel good to everyone, but it is always because of two significant reasons when they do feel good. One reason is the lowered sensitivity of the recipient. The other reason could be the emotional attachment the recipient has for the giver.

A hickey is a bruise, and while it might have been given from a place of love, it is a bruise nonetheless. And for very, very sensitive skin, this can hurt for some time.

And even though hickeys hurt capillaries by breaking them, they are still generally painless in most cases. And if it feels good to you, it could likely be due to the emotional response and attraction you have towards the one who gave you.

How Do You Hide Hickeys With Toothpaste?

How to Cover a Hickey with Makeup – A Step by Step Guide

You may have a hickey but no makeup kit available. But will that stop you from attending that important event?

Using peppermint-based toothpaste is one unorthodox method through which people get rid of hickeys in the absence of makeup.

Step 1: Brush the hickey gently.

Use a stiff-bristled toothbrush to gently and lightly brush the hickey and the area surrounding it. This will allow for better circulation around that area. This will, in turn, help the hickey heal faster.

But be careful not to press or brush too hard as that could worsen the hickey. Also, only use a new toothbrush to avoid other complications.

Step 2: Apply the toothpaste.

Gently spread peppermint-based toothpaste over the hickey. Spread until the paste covers the entire area.

You will get a tingling feeling upon application. This is an indication that healing has commenced.

Step 3: Allow standing for a few minutes.

Allowing the toothpaste to sit for a few minutes will let the healing go on long enough for the mark to subside.

Step 4: Gently rub it off

The tingling feeling will pass after the paste has achieved maximum efficacy. And once you stop feeling it, dip a washcloth into some warm water and gently wipe off the paste.

Then wait for 24 hours for the hickey to start to look less noticeable. If the hickey doesn’t seem to be subsiding after 24 hours, repeat the above steps.

How Do You Get Rid of A Hickey in Seconds?

How to Cover a Hickey with Makeup – A Step by Step Guide

Depending on the size and severity of the underlying injury causing the hickey, a hickey can last from anywhere between a few days to 2 weeks. Hence, it is impractical to attempt to get rid of a hickey within seconds.

What you can do, however, is help it heal faster or cover it with makeup if you have an important event coming up.

And since we have already discussed how to cover a hickey with makeup, let us now see some easy ways to help a hickey heal and disappear faster.

Using Cold Packs or Compressors

This is used for a hickey immediately after it is given or within 12 hours of its formation. Adopting this remedy within this period is essential for the best result.

The aim is to control the bleeding beneath the skin and consequently reduce inflammation. To treat, wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply directly on the hickey.

Alternatively, you can place a metallic object such as a metal spoon or bowl inside a freezer and allow several hours. Then bring it out and gently use it to massage the hickey.

Using Hot Packs

This remedy is usually used if you have not attempted to remove the hickey in the last 48 hours. That is, if 2 days have passed since you got the hickey, you can use this remedy to get rid of the hickey.

To use this remedy, soak a clean cloth or towel in hot water and massage the hickey. Alternatively, you can use a heating pad or hot water bottle. Place it on the hickey and massage.

The massaging is done from the center of the hickey outwardly. This helps to move the clotted blood away from the middle of the bruise.

You can repeat this process several times per day to speed up healing and recovery.

Using Vitamins or Aloe Vera Gel

Vitamin C or K can be topically applied to the hickey to help get rid of it. Both Vitamins have been widely acclaimed to have healing abilities and help you clear up the bruise faster.

You can also apply Aloe Vera gel to the hickey to heal it faster. This natural plant is well known for its healing properties.

Then lastly, in the case where you don’t have these Vitamins or Aloe Vera gel lying around and are feeling uninspired to run the hot pack remedy, yet 12 hours have passed (hence the cold treatment could be ineffective),, you can massage the area with a banana peel.

Rubbing the insides of a banana peel on a hickey for about 15 – 20 minutes a day can help speed up healing. Luckily, this treatment is not time-bound and can release special enzymes and compounds that help lighten skin and fade marks at any point.

Finally, remember to rest. We all know how the body naturally heals itself and faster too when given enough rest. Try not to touch the affected area often except when you are applying treatment so that the bruise can heal more quickly.

However, if you start to feel some severe pain on/around the hickey or notice that the hickey doesn’t seem to be healing after a week, it may be wise to consult your doctor.

Conclusion

For many, a hickey is a love symbol. It holds different emotional and sexual appeals to different people. It is done mostly in private and retains this attractiveness while kept in secret.

However, when it is brought to the public, a hickey can suddenly turn into an object of embarrassment. This is why many people try to cover it or get rid of it before an important event.

Learning how to cover a hickey with makeup or get rid of it entirely is a life hack that everyone should know. After all, you never know when you will be getting some love bite.

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone – A Step by Step Guide [Video]

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone: There are the highly durable acrylic nails, and then there are the natural-looking gel nail polishes. And somewhere in-between these are the dip powder nails.

Therefore, dip powder nails offer both durability and natural beauty. They may not be as durable as acrylics, but they perform better than gels.

Also, while they are not as natural-looking as gels, they offer more beautiful colors than acrylics. They also have been around for a long time, and even though they are no longer a raving trend, they are still prevalent.

Additionally, dip powder nails can either be fixed by a professional nail technician or done by yourself at home. After carrying them for 3 – 4 weeks, they can also be removed at home if you don’t have the luxury of running to the salon.

However, you will need to exercise caution when trying to remove these nails. Biting, picking, peeling, and pulling them may sound appealing, but any of these will ruin your healthy nail layers and strip the nail’s natural color away with it.

Chemicals such as acetone make the job easier and help you remove dip powder nails without damaging your nails.

But even these chemicals are not the most readily available commodities in many households, so what if you can lay hands on a bottle of acetone just when you need to remove those dip powder nails?

Not to worry much, as there are still several alternative ways to remove dip nails. We will now explore how to remove dip powder nails without acetone and answer other common questions you might have been asking.

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone – A Step by Step Guide

Acetone is widely known as a corrosive chemical that is used in many types of industrial manufacturing. And while it can help get your nails off, it can also damage your nails and cuticles at the same time.

It is, therefore, helpful to find other ways of effectively removing dip powder nails. Some of the safest and less painful products to use instead of acetone include alcohol, white vinegar, or nail polish remover.

Using Alcohol

You will need alcohol, a nail file, a towel, cotton balls and foil/ small bowl, nail buffer, and cuticle oil for this met

hod.

Step 1: Place one hand on the towel and file the top layer

To avoid making a mess, spread the towel and place one hand on it. Then using a nail file, rub the top layer of the nail back and forth until the shininess disappears.

You should be left with a white and powdery appearance on each nail before you move to the next step.

Step 2: Pour some alcohol into the bowl.

Pour a generous amount of your alcohol into the small bowl. You don’t have to empty the entire bottle in but pour enough to cover the nails when inserted.

Step 3: Soak the nails in the alcohol

Now dip your fingernails into the bowl containing the alcohol and allow remaining until you see the nail polish start to get soft and melt off.

When you see the polish coming off, use a cotton ball to see if you can gently nudge the nails to come off. They should come off without force, but if they do not, you will need to soak the nails much longer.

Repeat the above until the nails come off with no force. Generally, it takes 10 minutes of soaking for the nails to remove without effort.

Step 4: Wash your hands.

You will need to wash the alcohol off your hands for the next step. Wash properly with soap and water.

Step 5: Buff the nails

Once the nails are dried, use a nail buffer to smoothen your natural nails and give them any desired shape. Remember to buff as carefully as possible to prevent any damage to the now delicate nails.

Step 6: Rub some cuticle oil.

As soon as you finish buffering the nails, you will need to follow up with cuticle oil. Apply the oil on each nail thoroughly. This is important in ensuring that you don’t end up with nails that become too dry too quickly.

Be aware that inhaling the alcohol product for too long could leave you feeling sick. If you can’t stand the smell of alcohol for that long, you may choose to use white vinegar.

You can follow all the above steps but with white vinegar instead.

Using Nail Polish Remover

To use this technique, you will need a preferred nail polish remover, a small bowl, a paper towel, nail file, cuticle pusher, cotton ball, nail buffer, and cuticle oil.

Step 1: File the nails

Spread the paper across the working surface, place one hand on it, and file the nails. You will need to keep filing until all of the shininess has been removed.

Step 2: Pour in the nail polish remover.

Pour the nail polish remover into the small bowl. Most nail polish removers generally contain acetone; hence you should use a glass bowl for this process.

However, polish removers only contain a particular percentage of acetone while also featuring oil, perfume and other chemicals. This makes them less harmful yet equally as effective.

Step 3: Soak the nails.

Dunk your nails into the bowl of polish remover and allow standing for some minutes. Generally, the amount of time you will need to leave your fingernails in the bowl depends on the thickness of the dip nail powder layer.

A thin layer would require 15 minutes of soaking, while thicker layers would take longer. However, you must never leave your nails in the bowl for more than 15 minutes at a time, as the acetone contained in the product can still cause some damage.

Step 4: Remove the nails

Use the cotton ball to try to pull the dip powder nail off gently. However, if it proves hard to dislodge, use the cuticle pusher to remove it carefully.

Be sure not to apply too much force, and if you notice it is not coming off quickly, even with the pusher, you may need to soak the nails for a few more minutes. Exerting a minor force, in this case, is necessary to avoid damaging your natural nails by reinserting them into the polish remover.

Step 5: Clean up with a buffer

Once the dip nails have been successfully removed, use a nail buffer to file and smoothen the nail. This will help correct every crack, remove any remaining dips particle, and give the nail a desired shape and length.

Step 6: Finish up with cuticle oil

Apply cuticle oil to your natural nails to prevent them from cracking afterwards. The cuticle oil will do this by keeping the fingernails moisturized.

Do Dip Nails Ruin Your Nails?

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone – A Step by Step Guide

Dip nails do not necessarily ruin your natural nails, but they can dehydrate your nails and cause the sealing layer to break temporarily.

And while the application of this type of manicure may not pose any permanent damage to your nails, removing it the wrong way can ruin the roots and cuticle of the nail as well as the surrounding skin.

Hence, you must take caution while removing them. Other measures that you can also take to avoid damage to your nails include:

  • Thoroughly wash your hands with mild soap and water after removing dip powder nails
  • Practice regular moisturizing. Apply a generous amount of cuticle oil, Aloe Vera, or Vitamin E at all times on the entire nails and cuticles
  • Don’t only remove the dips; buff the nails to make them smooth and give them shape.
  • As much as you can, avoid using acetone to remove dips. They often weaken your natural nails and escalate any existing nail problems.
  • Give the nails time to rest after removing dips. A few days or an entire week will help the nails recover enough not to sustain permanent damage.
  • Always apply a strengthening coat during those few days or one week of rest.

Which is better for Nails Gel or Dips?

How to Remove Dip Powder Nails Without Acetone – A Step by Step Guide

Gels and dips are two trendy manicures, and though they are classified under the acrylic family, they are both distinct and different nail products.

It would then make sense to define which of these manicures is better so that you can easily decide which to lean towards.

When stacked against each other using the parameters defined below, it is safe to say gel nails are better than dip nails.

Application

Gel nails are usually painted the same way regular nail polishes are done. The fluid is painted on the nails and dry for about 45 minutes under UV or LED light.

This nail polish only dries under these two kinds of light and will remain wet when not exposed to either. You may then having trouble doing it yourself if you have neither of these lights at home.

On the other hand, dips are applied using colored powder acrylic mixed with a glue-type resin called cyanoacrylate. As the name implies, the application process involves dipping each finger into a pot containing the acrylic powder repeatedly until the desired thickness is achieved.

An activator polish is used to paint a top coat on top before it can cure in the air. This intricate application may also mean it is practically impossible to install these nail types yourself at home.

Durability

A gel manicure generally lasts for about 2 – 3 weeks, while dip nails last for as long as 4 weeks. This makes dip better than gel nails in this regard.

Sanitation

Dip nails are generally disadvantaged in this regard for two reasons. First, the application process requires dipping fingers into a pot of powder. In many cases, this pot is shared by many other customers. This makes it easy to pass nail infections around.

Secondly, dip nails are thicker than gel nails, making it very easy for them to pick dirt and germs during everyday activities.

Potential Damage to the Nails

Like all enhancements, both nail types can leave the nails feeling brittle and dehydrated for some time. All nails share this shortcoming, and there is no way to decide which is better in this aspect.

However, this effect is only temporary, and the nails recover once they are allowed to rest and given some good aftercare following removal of the enhancements.

Removal

Aside from the intricate method of installations, dips are also usually very thick. This makes them more complex and more challenging to remove than gel nails.

You generally need to spend more time and resources trying to remove dip nails than you would gel nails.

Cost

Fixing dips usually cost more than gel nail. This could be primarily due to the tools and expertise required to fix dip powder nails.

So that whether you are going to the salon to have it done or trying to do it yourself, you end up spending more getting dips than gel nails.

Conclusion

Dip powder nails are almost as durable as acrylics and nearly as natural and beautiful as gel nails. They hang somewhere in between, providing you with the best of both worlds.

And while removing them can be a little tricky, it is possible to do so without acetone. And we have written this article to do just exactly that – teach you how to remove dip powder nails without acetone.

How to Untangle Matted Hair – A Detailed Guide For Anyone [Video]

Matted hair – those hard clusters of tangled hair that form when loose hair strands get caught up and entangle with other strands forming distinct clumps around the hair – have become a major problem for many of us and most people don’t know how to untangle matted hair.

In the best case scenario, they can be caused by the accumulation of sweat, dust, and dirt, by the failure to comb the hair regularly, or through the build-up of oils, minerals, and other chemical products.

Worst case scenario, they can be caused by head lice infestation, which would prompt the total removal of hair followed by immediate application of the appropriate treatment.

The type of matted hair caused by everyday issues such as dust, build-ups, and failure to comb the hair regularly can happen to anyone but is often more popular amongst those with curly hairstyles.

Since it can happen to anyone, it could happen to you too. And when it does, your first reaction may be to panic, grab a pair of scissors and go to town cutting and destroying your hair. It is also very tempting to consider running to the professional stylist to get the mats untangled.

However, this guide will teach you how to untangle matted hair without paying the professionals or losing too much hair.

How to Untangle Matted Hair

How to Untangle Matted Hair – A Beginner’s Guide

Now that we know what causes your hair to mat and how popular this hair challenge can be let us learn how to untangle matted hair as painless as possible.

For Easier Mats

Step 1: Gather your essentials

These are the items you will need to untangle efficiently and as painlessly as possible. These items generally include your favorite conditioner, detangling or wide-toothed comb or brush, oils such as coconut oil or olive oil, and shampoo.

Step 2: Prepare the hair.

Get your hair ready for detangling by making it slightly wet. You can achieve this by running some drops of water through the hair at minimal pressure.

Alternatively, you can use a water spray bottle to sufficiently dampen the hair. You can do this by holding the bottle next to some hair strands and spraying away.

Also, if you suspect that your hair may contain too much oil or other chemical products, then you may want to consider washing those off first. Then wait until the hair drains properly before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Apply some conditioner.

Once you have dampened the hair enough or finished washing and draining (if it contains excessive oil), fetch a handful of your selected conditioner and apply it to the hair.

Apply and massage until the product reaches the hair ends and fully covers every strand. The amount of conditioner you require depends on the thickness or length of your hair.

Step 4: Allow the treatment to stand.

You will then need to allow the conditioner set to work, untangling and detangling tight clumps of hair strands. The time the treatment requires to attain maximum efficacy might depend on the product you choose.

However, most products need between 30 minutes to 2 hours to work effectively. In extreme cases, some may even be required to be left overnight. You should consult the package to be sure how long to allow it.

Either way, cover the treated hair with a shower cap or a plastic bag. This will reduce the extent of the mess that may be made and hasten the treatment process.

Step 5: Start detangling with your fingers.

Once the treatment time is complete, start untangling each knot with your fingers. It is always best to start with the easiest mats beginning from the roots and working your way down.

Brushing from the roots to the hair ends makes it easier to loosen the knots.  It would be best if you stopped every time you feel a particular knot becoming too hard to loosen. Then try to untangle from a different angle.

It would help if you continued to do this until you had gotten all the knots out of the way. Then finish up by washing the hair and taking a shower.

For Severe Mats

Step 1: Start by combing

Use a wide-toothed comb to brush up the hair gradually. Separating the hair into many partitions will make the combing much easier.

It is advisable to start combing from the ends and gradually move a few inches higher every time you feel you have completely unknotted the mats below your hands.

That is, fetch a handful of the strands; give it a half-twist to prevent pulling the hair directly from the scalp, and brush under the hand repeatedly until the knots have been removed.

Also, it is a good idea to hold the hair higher up while combing to avoid or reduce pain.

Step 2: Apply the conditioner.

If the combing does not remove all the knots, you will need to apply a few drops of conditioner directly on the tough knots and massage it with your fingers.

This lubrication will reduce the effort required to loosen the matted hair.

Step 3: Thin out the tougher knots

Some mats may refuse to untangle despite the conditioning; you will need to thin out those mats when this happens.

Please do this by opening up a pair of scissors, then running the bottom blade of the scissors through the underside of the tough mats and tugging gently at the knot until it comes loose.

If all else fails, then carefully cut out the tough mats. This should be a last resort approach and done very carefully to prevent taking out more hair than necessary.

Step 4: Finish with combing.

This time use a fine-toothed comb to brush the hair from the roots to the ends. This will help you confirm that all the mats have been successfully removed.

Step 5: Wash the hair

Once you have established that all the mats have been completely eradicated, rinse your hair with shampoo and conditioner. Wash one partition at a time to make the job easier. Then take a shower to wash the rest of your body.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Matted Hair?

How to Untangle Matted Hair – A Beginner’s Guide

Healthy hairs usually have a scalp with a pH level of 5. However, as we start to encounter pollution, the hairs begin to suffer neglect. After extended use of different chemical products, this pH level increases to about 7, becoming very alkaline.

This causes the hair to lose its smoothness, shininess, and softness, becoming dryer and breaking easily. The result is frequent tangling that forms several mats.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help with matted hair by lowering pH levels to balance the high alkalinity. Apple cider vinegar has a pH of 3, which may be too acidic but can be diluted in water and used without any negative effects.

When used to rinse your hair, ACV can return your hair scalp to its normal acidity and restore the health of your hair, especially if you have natural or curly hair.

Other benefits of ACV include

  • ACV can easily prevent both bacterial and fungal growth on the hair scalp. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it able to counteract dandruff and hair lice infestation – the very things responsible for hair loss.
  • It has essential hair ingredients such as Vitamins B and C, and potassium which are important for clarifying and exfoliating the scalp.
  • ACV can help to stimulate and increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth
  • Using ACV is not only cost-effective but also an excellent way of avoiding products with chemicals and preservatives that can potentially damage your hair.

How Do You Detox Matted Hair?

How to Untangle Matted Hair – A Beginner’s Guide

Your hair needs regular detoxification after extended use of chemical products. These chemical products may contain toxins and low-quality ingredients that affect the health of your hair.

You can detox matted hair by using a hair detox mask, undergoing oil-based scalp massage, or creating your special detox regiment from household items.

Using Hair Detox Mask

This is a 5-step procedure that can be easily used to eradicate build-ups from the hair at home. But first, run a sensitivity test to ensure your skin will not react to it and wash off immediately if you feel discomfort.

The ingredients used for this method include bentonite clay powder, apple cider vinegar, and Aloe Vera gel.

Procedure

Step 1: Measure half cup each of the clay powder, ACV, and Aloe Vera gel and mix

Step 2: Take a handful of the product and generously spread it on the hair. Massage until it reaches the scalp and covers the entire hair.

Step 3: Wear a shower cap or plastic bag and allow sitting for 20 – 30 minutes. However, try not to allow the mixture to dry out completely before taking the next step.

Step 4: Measure one cup of white vinegar and use it to rinse your hair, then wait for about 3 minutes before washing with a clarifying shampoo.

Step 5: Lastly, finish up with an immediate detox hair soak or a shine boost rinse

Using Oil-Based Scalp Massage

This is an alternative method for detoxing matted hair and is popularly used by those who may be easily sensitive to a hair detox mask.

The simple procedure involves selecting the oil-based product based on your hair needs, diluting the product, then massaging it into the scalp as generous as possible, then allowing it to sit for about 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, wear a shower cap or plastic bag to allow the hair to absorb the oil properly. It would help if you also spent some time in the sun to allow the heat to open up the hair pores so that the product can penetrate.

Making Your Detoxifier

Alternatively, those who can’t stand clay or oils on their hair can create their homemade recipe and make a custom detox mask or massaging oil.

You could use baking soda or garlic to make a hair detox mask. Baking soda can make a detox mask that can easily remove build-up in hairs that have suffered mild damage. At the same time, garlic can be diluted in a carrier oil to prevent chemical burns while encouraging hair growth.

For oil-based scalp massage, you can use micellar water or egg whites mixed with coconut oil. Micellar water can remove impurities from the scalp by making it too dry, while the egg white mixture can help clean and strengthen the hair.

Conclusion

It is correct to view matted hair as the arch-nemesis of natural and curly hairs as they occur very often with these types of hairstyles and can be extremely frustrating when they happen.

Yet, they can also occur on just about any hairstyle, making it unclear who is spared from the evils of matted hair and who is not.

However, when it happens to you, do not panic or run off to your stylist. Instead, take a breather and follow the guide above to learn how to untangle matted hair effectively and painlessly.