How to Give Yourself a Professional Manicure

Well-manicured nails complete a more professional look.

Many women like to pamper themselves but don't always have the time or money to head to the salon to get their nails done professionally. If this is the case with you, you can take it into your own hands, and for a fraction of the time and money, can give yourself a professional-looking manicure. Get your beauty tools and nail polish together, and get ready to treat yourself to a manicure at home.

Things You'll Need

• Soft (180-grit) nail file
• Soft (240-grit) buffer
• Orange stick
• Cotton balls
• Nail clippers
• Nail polish remover
• Paper towels
• Nail polish base coat
• Nail polish
• Nail polish top coat
• Cuticle oil
• Lotion

Instructions

1. Clean your nails. Roll one end of the orange stick in cotton until it looks like a large cotton swab. Dip the cotton into nail polish remover and clean your nails in a circular motion. Push back your cuticles and then scrub the surface of your nails, making sure to go up and down the side edges.

2. Trim and reshape your nails using nail clippers and the 180-grit nail file. Make each nail the same length. Buff the surface of your nails to remove any ridges and buff the tips of your nails. Rub lotion all over your hands and between your fingers.

3. Dip the edge of a paper towel into nail polish remover and scrub your nails again, including the tip, to remove any particles from buffing.

4. Paint a layer of base coat onto the entire surface and edge of your nails. Let the coat dry for five minutes.

5. Paint on a coat of your favorite nail polish color. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. Try to cover each of your nails in three strokes or less to prevent streaks. Wait five minutes and apply a second color coat.

6. Wait five minutes for the top coat to dry. Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and massage it in. Allow your nails to dry completely, which may take up to two hours. Your nails are dry when you can tap the surfaces together and they don't stick to each other.

References

• Prom Spot: Give Yourself a Professional Manicure
• Hairstyles & Nails; How to Give Yourself a Professional Manicure; June 2010