Here’s How To Do Your Manicure At Home

Having neatly cut and well-groomed nails is a much underrated flex. But, if you’re trying to cut fat or want to fuel your love for DIY projects, then you’re about to hear some good news. An at-home manicure is pretty easy to pull off (even for a beginner) and you do not need a ton of tools too. Excited already? Here’s how you can nail it. 

Here’s how to do a manicure at home: step-by-step guide 

Step 1: Gather everything you need 

You do not want to go on a tool-hunt when you have fresh paint on your nails, right? So, a smart thing to do is to gather everything you need before you start. Refer to the below list. 

• Nail polish remover
• Nail cutter
• Cotton pads
• Filer and buffer
• Cuticle cream / moisturizer
• Cuticle stick 
• Body scrub
• Base coat
• Your preferred nail paint
• Top coat 

Step 2: Use the nail paint remover 

Whether or not you have a nail paint on, use a good-quality, acetone-free nail paint remover on your nails. You always want to begin with clean nails, which is why this step is crucial. Get some remover on a cotton pad and swipe it on all your nails. This will remove the previous paint as well as any build-up on your nails. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after that. 

Step 3: Clip, file and buff 

Next comes in the chopping part. Use the clipper to neatly trim your nails into an even shape. Be careful not to overdo it. Once done, use a filer to give your nails a proper shape. Opt for an almond, coffin, square, or oval shape, based on your preference. Go slow to avoid filing them too short. Lastly, use the buffer on the top and edges of your nails to smoothen and shine them up. 

Step 4: Soak ‘em in hot water

Here’s the best part of the whole process. Soak your hands in a tub of warm water for 3-4 minutes. Add a gentle cleanser in the water too. This will soften your cuticles and loosen up any dirt and dead skin cells attached to your skin. You may also use a gentle nail brush to buff your nails and hands to exfoliate them. 

Step 5: Prep and push your cuticles 

Pat your hands dry and prep your cuticles by massaging a cuticle cream onto your nails. Then using a cuticle stick/pusher, gently push back the cuticles. Go very slow and do not exert any pressure to avoid injury. Once done, wipe off the residue from your nails. If you do not have cuticle cream, you may use a body cream or a moisturizer instead. 

Step 6: Exfoliate

Manicure is as much about your hands, palms and wrist as it is about your nails. Use a body scrub or make your own using 2 parts of castor sugar with 1 part of lemon juice. Massage your hands with the scrub for a good 1-2 minutes. Then thoroughly wash off and pat dry. 

Step 7: Moisturize

Use a thick, creamy moisturizer and apply it all over your hands and nails for some intense moisturization. You may also use a lightweight oil. Take your time to nicely massage your hands for a spa-like experience. After you’re done, use a cotton ball to clean your nails. If there is any moisturizer still sitting there, the nail paint will not stick. Explore our range of nourishing hand creams here.

Step 8: Apply base coat 

Do it like the professionals do by applying a base coat before your actual nail paint. This will prevent it from chipping, make it last long, as well as hydrate and protect your nail bed. Apply the base coat, then chill for a few to let it dry. 

Step 9: Apply the nail paint 

Starting from the base of your nail, go all the way down towards the tip in one single stroke. Apply 2-3 coats for maximum coverage. Keep your hands as steady as you can, best is to rest both your hands on a surface to avoid shaking. Do not forget the corners of your nail. Here’s a simple way to do it, apply a coat in the middle and then to each side of your nail. That way you’ll cover all grounds. It is okay if you get some on your fingers, you can clean the oopsies later. Apply your first coat really well and the next one will then be a breeze. Once the first coat is all day, only then proceed with the second coat. 

Step 10: Top coat

Finish off by applying a coat of clear nail paint to prevent chipping or flaking. Doing this adds shine to your nails and increases the lifespan of your paint job. Allow it to dry off completely before you do anything else.

There you have it – a manicure and at-home nails done in 10 easy-peasy steps!