How to Perform a Manicure

Treat yourself to a homemade manicure on your next day off.

You may not have the time or money to go to a spa and get pampered on a regular basis, but that doesn't mean you can't look like you get your nails done professionally. Knowing how to do a manicure at home can save you a lot of money, give you something to brag about when people see how nice your hands look, and even allow you to develop a new skill. You can use to pamper your friends on their birthdays or for other special occasions.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Moisturizing soap
• Warm water
• Towel
• Nail clippers
• Emery board or nail file
• Olive oil or lemon juice
• Small bowl
• Cuticle cream
• Moisturizing cream
• Orange stick
• Nail polish

1. Use nail polish remover and cotton balls to get rid of old nail polish. For harder-to-reach spaces like the sides of your nails, wet a cotton pad with polish remover and hold firmly onto the crease for a few seconds to wipe away any remaining polish.

2. Clean your hands using warm water and moisturizing soap. If your hands are a little rough, use an exfoliating cream to get rid or dead skin cells. This helps your hands feel much softer. Pat your hands dry with a towel.

3. Clip your nail to the desired length and use an emery board to file them in the desired shape. If your nails are already short, you may not need to cut them; filing them may be enough. File your nail by starting from the outer corners and going in toward the tip. Move your emery board in one direction only, instead of going back and forth, to create a smooth surface.

4. Soak your hands for 5 to 10 minutes in a bowl of warm water mixed with 1 to 2 tbsp. lemon juice or olive oil. This softens your hands further, and prepares your cuticles for the next step. Pat your hands dry with a towel.

5. Lather cuticle cream onto your cuticles, and moisturizing cream onto the rest of your hands. Use your thumb to massage the cream by making circular movements that improve blood circulation in your hands.

6. Use an orange stick to push back the cuticles. There is no need to clip the cuticles away, as doing so may cause infection.

7. Apply your nail polish. Start with a first stroke at the center of your nail, then another stroke on each side of the nail.

8. Wait at least 15 minutes between each coat. Let your nail polish air dry. Do not blow air on them or place them in front of a fan. This may cause streaks and create little bumps in your polish.

9. Apply a clear top coat to protect your nail polish, and help your nails dry faster and last longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak your set of clippers in boiling water for 5 minutes before using, especially if you share them with someone. This keeps bacteria away and reduce risks of infection.

• To dry your nails faster, dip them into icy water for 2 minutes after your last coat.

• Use petroleum jelly on your fingers around the edges of your nails to avoid polish going onto your finger. The polish must be dry before removing leftover petroleum jelly.

References

• Life Tools for Women: The Homemade Manicure
• Times Online: How to Do a Manicure