Nail Care – 10 Easy Steps for the Perfect Self Manicure
Doing your own manicures at home can save you both time and money and with the right tools, can provide you with a professional looking manicure.
By following these simple steps, you can have healthy, beautiful looking nails and hands in less time then you may think.
What you will need
Nail Polish Remover (optional)
Cotton Pads (optional)
Nail Clippers
Nail File/Emery Board
Nail Buffer
Cuticle Stick/Orange Stick
Small, shallow bowl
Lemon Juice (optional)
Hand Towel
Base Coat (optional)
Nail Polish (optional)
Top Coat (optional)
Cuticle Oil
Hand Lotion
10 Easy Steps to the Perfect Manicure
1. If wearing any nail polish, using the nail polish remover and cotton pads, remove all nail polish.
2. Fill bowl with warm water and if nails are discolored from using polish or smoking, soak nails in Lemon Juice instead.
3. Wash hands with a gentle soap and dry hands and nails thoroughly.
4. Using nail clippers trim nails to desired length.
5. When using a nail file to shape nails, always start from one side of your nail and go in the same direction with your file, avoid a sawing, back and forth like motion as this can damage nails. Never file wet or damp finger nails as soft nails are more likely to break or chip when shaping.
If going for a classic square shape, file the tops of nails straight across and slightly round edges so they are not left sharp. If you prefer the oval shape, use the nail file to curve nails starting from one side to the other.
6. Using the flat side of your cuticle/orange stick, gently push back cuticles. Make sure to be gentle on cuticles and be careful not too push them back too hard or too far as this can make them prone to infection. If needed, using the pointed end of the cuticle stick, clean under nails.
7. Using your buffer, gently buff the tops of your nail beds to smooth nails. Just as you do with filing, go in one direction with your nail buffer. If you do not plan on wearing nail polish, look for a nail buffing file with multiple sides that will buff, smooth and polish your nails, leaving them shiny.
8. If you plan on painting your nails, wash and dry hands and nails when finished buffing. Apply desired nail polish and allow to dry.
*To avoid nail discoloration use a base coat before applying dark colored nail polish. You may also want to use a top coat for added shine and durability.
9. Massage cuticle oil into cuticles.
10. Apply a moisturizing hand lotion and massage into hands until completely absorbed.
And that’s it, you’re done! Great looking, manicured nails are simple to achieve and by doing them at home you save yourself the time and money you would spend at a salon.
Stay prepared for your at home manicures with a Professional Manicure Kit. These kits provide most of the tools you need for a perfect manicure at home.
