Getting a Manicure at Home

Written by Karen Bates (last updated July 17, 2017)

Many people enjoy the look and feel of clean, manicured nails. Getting nails done is a way to achieve a neat and polished appearance and it has become a beauty ritual for a lot of people.

Unfortunately, going to a nail salon to have your nails manicured regularly can become costly and even inconvenient. Making trips to the nail salon and paying for manicures frequently can really add up in terms of time and money, and for some it simply isn't an option at all.

Instead of spending money to have someone do your nails for you, it is a great idea to learn how to do a manicure at home. The good news is that this is easy and inexpensive, and it is likely to save you time and money.

To get a great manicure in the comfort of your own home, follow these easy steps:

  1. Start by making sure you have the things you'll need for the manicure. Some of the basics include nail polish, nail clippers, a nail file, polish remover, cotton balls, cotton swabs, lotion, a nail brush, a cuticle remover, and a cuticle pusher.
  2. Remove any old polish with the polish remover. Use a cotton ball or a little bit of paper towel to get the old polish to come off. Once the polish has been removed, trim and shape your nails to get the desired look by using clippers and a file.
  3. Thoroughly wash your hands and use a nail brush to clean under your nails. It may help to remove cuticles if you soak your hands for a few minutes. You can also exfoliate the skin on your hands during this step to help make them softer. After washing your hands, use a cuticle pusher to gently push your cuticles back. You may also use cuticle remover if needed.
  4. Once your hands are dry, you are ready to paint your nails. Start with a base coat to help protect the nails. Next, carefully brush polish onto each nail, then do it a second time. You can end with another coat of base coat or a clear, shiny polish.
  5. When your nails are dry, put lotion on you hands to moisturize.

Doing a manicure at home is a great way to save money without sacrificing beautiful nails. Buy a few different colors of polish for variety and remember that if your recently painted nails chip, you can touch them up with a dab of polish as needed.

Author Bio

Karen Bates

An English student who enjoys writing and art, Karen has had her poetry published in her university's literary journal and has several novels in the works. ...

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