Ever have #nailenvy? Drool over countless nail-based Instagram accounts but can't seem to {hang ten} on your own? As Captain in this Varsity Nail Game, I'm ready to train my team. Follow along for my industry-insider tips to getting the perfectly tricked-out (finger)tips...

1. Research skilled gel nail art salons in your neighborhood. Use social media tools like Instagram and Pinterest to source local talent. Comment below if you want any direct references, and I'll respond!

2. Book your appointment NOW and specify you want "10 designs". These specialty salons can book out months in advance, especially in large cities. Want birthday nails for your August birthday? Now's the time to book your appointment. Expect to pay $150 for 10 designs on your nails. {Worth it!} Expect to sit in the nail chair for 3-4 hours. {Worth it!}

3. Peruse Pinterest for nail inspirations. Find one subject (your hero image) you are gravitating toward at the moment. In this case, I was feeling all sorts of summer groovy, and when I saw an image of a mermaid on a chicks nail, a light bulb went off! I wanted my very own Mermaid Nails.

4. Once you find your hero image, brainstorm the natural surroundings of that image. In my case, I thought "mermaid".... which lead me to "ocean, sea life, Poseidon, and glittery mermaid tails". Write down your keywords and search each of the individual words on Pinterest, followed by the word "nails". Here's what I searched: [Mermaid Nails, Sea Life Nails, Glitter Nails, Poseidon Nails, Nautical Nails, Lobster Nails, Seashell Nails, Ocean Nails, Summer Nails, Beach Nails].

{Another example: Hero Image: Birthday Nails. Search: [Cupcake Nails, Dessert Nails, Present Nails, Party Nails, Confetti Nails, Glitter Nails, Happy Birthday Nails, Bow Nails]. Ya follow? ;)

5. Create a Pinterest board for your manicure. Pin any and every nail image that you see from your search results where even just one nail, one design, one color combination of the manicure catches your eye. {Follow me on Pinterest to watch my Nail Art board constantly evolve @ Elshane's World.}

6. Look at all of the fingers on your board as individual works of art, not as completed manicures. Each finger gives you a chance to create your own unique manicure. Select your five favorite individual nail designs and screen shot or bookmark your selections.

7. Come to your appointment prepared. Bring an iPad or tablet that can directly open to your curated Pinterest page. Screen grab images as needed to have them on hand at all times.

8. Want your nails to last longer? Ask your technician to paint the designs on a half-moon shape on your nails {see my manicure for reference}. This reverse French manicure technique allows your nails to grow out for weeks without looking "grown out". Watch your $150 manicure last you for at least one month. :)

Good luck with your special appointment! Share your unique designs by hashtagging #elshanesworld @elshanesworld on Instagram. Can't wait to see the magic!

Can't commit to the full appointment? Buy some nail stickers for a quick fix: