How to Do a Manicure With a Home Salon

Scrubbing nails with a nailbrush eliminates dirt and debris.

A manicure can improve the texture, health and appearance of your nails and hands. It also helps prevent hangnails, nail breakage and infections. Pampering yourself by getting a manicure is ideal when you have the time, money and patience. However, with the increasing demands of daily life, you may not have the luxury of visiting a manicurist. Instead, create your own salon and give yourself a manicure in the comfort of your own home.

Things You'll Need

• Makeup remover pads
• Nail polish remover
• Nail file
• Water
• Nailbrush
• Lemon juice
• Towel
• Cuticle remover
• Orange stick
• Base coat
• Nail polish
• Top coat
• Hand cream

Instructions

1. Remove all traces of old nail polish. Moisten a makeup remover pad with nail polish remover. Swipe the pad over your old nail polish. Whether you use a nourishing remover or an oil-based remover, keep in mind that all nail polish removers dry out your nails. Use as little remover as possible. Avoid drowning your nails with remover.

2. Shape your nails with a diamond-finish nail file; these don't tear or split your nails. File each nail in one direction; work your way from one side of the nail to the other. Lift up the file and bring it back to the starting point before repeating the motion. Avoid making a back-and-forth, sawing motion, because this may cause breakage and tearing. Aim for a naturally rounded nail shape.

3. Soak your fingernails in warm water for no more than three minutes. Avoid adding soap to the water, because this only dries out your nails even more. Soaking your nails helps soften the cuticles.

4. Clean your nails with a nailbrush. Swipe your nailbrush over the nail surface and underneath your nails to remove any debris. If your nails are yellow due to staining of previous nail polish, brush them with lemon juice. Lemon juice removes the discoloration and naturally bleaches your nails. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel.

5. Massage cuticle remover into your cuticles. Wait two minutes for the remover to soften the cuticles. Push back your cuticles with slight movements of an orange cuticle remover stick. Rub the stick over the bottom surface of your nails to remove any cuticle residue. Avoid cutting your cuticles, because they protect your nails from bacteria.

6. Wash your hands to remove all product buildup. Dry your hands with a clean towel.

7. Apply a base coat to your nails. A base coat extends the length of your manicure, prevents nail discoloration and allows the nail polish color to better adhere. Wait one minute to let the base coat dry.

8. Apply two coats of the nail polish color of your choice. Use a quick-dry nail polish if you're in a rush. Apply the first coats using three sweeps per nail. Wipe the nail polish brush on the mouth opening of the nail polish bottle to eliminate excess polish. Swipe the nail one time in the middle; start at the root of the nail and work your way to the tip of the nail. Swipe the color once at the left side of the nail and once on the right side of the nail. Wait at least one minute to let the first coat dry before applying the second coat in the same fashion.

9. Seal your polish with a top coat. A top coat protects the polish from chipping and adds extra shine to the nail. Use a quick-dry top coat if you are in a rush; otherwise allow at least 20 minutes for your nails to dry. Apply a layer of top coat every other day to keep your nail polish looking fresh.

10. Moisturize your hands, fingers and nails with hand cream.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, avoid using quick-dry nail polish formulas, because the alcohol in these often makes them chip prematurely.

References

• The Cosmetics Cop: Home Manicures and Pedicures; Paula Begoun
• "Marie Claire" Magazine: Do It Yourself Manicure
• Nail Aid: Six Top Tips for Healthy Cuticles
• "Real Simple" Magazine: A Clear Top Coat and a Base Coat; Beth Adams