How To Do A Manicure At Home

If you enjoy getting your nails done but do not want to go to a salon or nail tech, you can absolutely learn how to give yourself a beautiful manicure at home. With the right tools and products, you can achieve professional looking nails. Follow the five steps below and you really can't go wrong.

1. Prep the nails

Prepping your nails for a manicure is arguably the most important step. You'll want to clip, file and buff them. One tip is to make sure to file in one direction instead of sawing back and forth.

2. Soak them in warm water for 3 to 5 minutes

This step can be very relaxing. Place your hands in a bowl of warm (not too hot) water. Over-soaking can potentially damage skin and nails, so try to limit this step to three minutes or less.

3. Time for cuticle care

Begin this step by applying a bit of cuticle remover. This will make pushing your cuticles back much easier.

Using a cuticle pusher, gently push the cuticle back away from the nail, but don't push it too far because it can damage nail growth or fray the cuticle.

4. Exfoliate and moisturize your hands

Massage a rich body butter or moisturizing body balm into the cuticles and all over the hands to hydrate and replenish skin.

5. Finally, time to paint

Using a cotton swab or pad, apply nail polish remover over the nail's surface to remove any residue from the moisturizing products previously used, as they can prevent polish from adhering properly. Apply a base coat, then follow with your gel polish of choice. Finish with a top coat.

New to doing your own nails?

If you are just starting out, Nailing It, A Beginner's Guide to Nails walks you through prep, application, and aftercare in one place. Instant download, so you can read it before your next manicure.

Practicing your technique? Our Acrylic Practice Sheets and Nail Art Planner Kit Bundle are printable and ready to use today. And when you're ready to move beyond polish, our acrylic application basics guide breaks down your first full set step by step.

BarBella Co is vegan, 10-free, and Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free. Where nail care, health & conscience go hand in hand!

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