I Just Voted: Election Ink Nail Care and After-Care Ideas | ABS-CBN
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I Just Voted: Election Ink Nail Care and After-Care Ideas
I Just Voted: Election Ink Nail Care and After-Care Ideas
Metro.Style
Published May 12, 2025 05:00 AM PHT
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Updated May 12, 2025 06:03 AM PHT

As we go out to vote today—there is one unexpected side effect: the unpredictable placement of the indelible election ink. Though it’s a proud symbol of nationalism, it’s also terrible for manicures and leave unsightly stains for days to come. But don’t worry; your nails don’t have to suffer because of your beliefs. With a few clever tips (and some creative nail art ideas), you can keep your hands looking polished even after you cast your vote. Here are ways you can care for your nails:
As we go out to vote today—there is one unexpected side effect: the unpredictable placement of the indelible election ink. Though it’s a proud symbol of nationalism, it’s also terrible for manicures and leave unsightly stains for days to come. But don’t worry; your nails don’t have to suffer because of your beliefs. With a few clever tips (and some creative nail art ideas), you can keep your hands looking polished even after you cast your vote. Here are ways you can care for your nails:
1. Apply a Thick Top Coat Before Voting
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your nails is to apply an extra-thick layer of clear top coat before you head to the polls. This creates a protective barrier that will make it easier to remove any ink residue later on.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your nails is to apply an extra-thick layer of clear top coat before you head to the polls. This creates a protective barrier that will make it easier to remove any ink residue later on.
2. Choose Dark or Bold Nail Colors
Election ink tends to stain lighter polish shades more noticeably. In case you’re due for a manicure before election day, pick deeper hues like navy, burgundy, emerald, or classic black. These colors will hide any potential stains much better than nudes or pastels.
Election ink tends to stain lighter polish shades more noticeably. In case you’re due for a manicure before election day, pick deeper hues like navy, burgundy, emerald, or classic black. These colors will hide any potential stains much better than nudes or pastels.
3. Moisturize Your Cuticles and Hands
Dry skin can absorb ink faster. Moisturize with a rich hand cream or cuticle oil before voting. This helps to create a slight barrier, preventing ink from seeping into your skin.
Dry skin can absorb ink faster. Moisturize with a rich hand cream or cuticle oil before voting. This helps to create a slight barrier, preventing ink from seeping into your skin.
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4. Keep Your Nails Short
Trim your nails for election day as short nails are easier to clean, less prone to staining, and look effortlessly stylish with a glossy or matte finish.
Trim your nails for election day as short nails are easier to clean, less prone to staining, and look effortlessly stylish with a glossy or matte finish.
5. Clean Gently, Don't Scrub
If you do get stained, avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can damage your skin and nails. Instead, try soaking the stained finger in warm water mixed with a little baking soda or using a gentle nail polish remover.
If you do get stained, avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can damage your skin and nails. Instead, try soaking the stained finger in warm water mixed with a little baking soda or using a gentle nail polish remover.
6. Try Nail Art!
And since you’ve been inked, why not embrace it fully with some nail art, like an ink-inspired accent nail (perhaps dedicating one nail, usually the pinky—to a color that mimics the ink mark so there’s a repetition). You can try a cute ombre also with colors deep blue, violet, or even black. This is a great way of masking uneven ink stains. Try metallic details such as gold or silver foil accents—it’ll be irregular, so the splotch of ink on your index finger won’t be too out of place.
And since you’ve been inked, why not embrace it fully with some nail art, like an ink-inspired accent nail (perhaps dedicating one nail, usually the pinky—to a color that mimics the ink mark so there’s a repetition). You can try a cute ombre also with colors deep blue, violet, or even black. This is a great way of masking uneven ink stains. Try metallic details such as gold or silver foil accents—it’ll be irregular, so the splotch of ink on your index finger won’t be too out of place.
7. Press On Nails and Wraps
When in doubt, try press-on nails or nail stickers for an instant upgrade. Just make sure to trim and clean your ink-soaked nail first.
When in doubt, try press-on nails or nail stickers for an instant upgrade. Just make sure to trim and clean your ink-soaked nail first.
8. Embrace It and Show It Off
Right after voting, check out different deals that give you discounts when you can show them indelible ink, like Starbucks, which gives out a free drink upsize!
Right after voting, check out different deals that give you discounts when you can show them indelible ink, like Starbucks, which gives out a free drink upsize!
This national election, cast your vote proudly — and beautifully. With a little prep and a touch of creativity, you can protect your manicure and maybe even turn a practical necessity into an opportunity for personal expression. After all, beauty and nationalism can go hand-in-hand, quite literally.
This national election, cast your vote proudly — and beautifully. With a little prep and a touch of creativity, you can protect your manicure and maybe even turn a practical necessity into an opportunity for personal expression. After all, beauty and nationalism can go hand-in-hand, quite literally.
Anchor Photo: By Avinash Kumar and Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
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