Nail art with the group chat is the new salon night

Big Night In is a series where Canadian experts and creatives share advice on how to spend a magical night at home. It's the ultimate guide to staying in — whether solo or with friends — featuring thoughtfully curated ideas that are anything but routine.

Take the gossip and deep chats offline for a nail-art session together. It's cheaper and more relaxed than a trip to the salon, and gives you the perfect excuse to hang while helping each other with tricky designs. 

"It helps if you're in a group with an even number of people so you can work in pairs," said nail-art content creator Alison Nguyen. "That way, you can work on each other's nails or get some assistance, especially with your non-dominant hand."

For a salon experience at home, Nguyen recommends ensuring your "nail station" — whether you're using a desk or coffee table — is decluttered, dust-free and stocked with nail care standards: files, clippers, alcohol wipes and clean brushes for tidying up any mistakes. She also likes to use cuticle softener, a cuticle pusher, a nail buffer and a bright LED light, which you can invest in to take things to the next level.

When it comes to polish, Nguyen prefers a gel formula. But don't worry about breaking the bank on a whole new collection if you're just starting out. "Invest in a few shades you love, and if you want a lighter or darker shade, you can play around and mix the polishes together," she said.

Picking a theme for your nail-art session can be a fun way to stir up excitement and inspiration at the start of the night. "I like to focus on any holidays coming up and come up with a classic nail look incorporating elements of [that day]," said Nguyen. For example, for Valentine's Day, she'd opt for a "French tip with some dainty heart details."

Whatever design you settle on, the process is the same: start by filing your nails, do some cuticle prep, then get painting. Work on your non-dominant hand first while sipping on your drinks and chatting about life, Nguyen advises. Then, when it's time to paint your dominant hand, ask each other for help. 

Her top tips to help things go smoothly? Take your time, keep your cleanup brush on standby and remember that less is more. "Don't pick up too much gel polish on the brush to avoid flooding and getting it on your skin," she said. 

And, unlike a trip to the salon, there's no need to usher your friends out when you're done. Nguyen suggests putting on a movie and enjoying some dinner as you admire your fresh new nails.