How to Give Yourself a Professional Manicure

Want a professional-looking manicure without the cost? It's easy!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Colored polish
• Clear polish
• nail file
• nail clippers
• cuticle "pusher"
• cotton balls or pads
• nail polish remover
• warm water
• lotion
• small dish to soak your fingers
• flat surface on which to paint

1. Remove any existing nail polish with nail polish remover and cotton balls/pads.

2. Cut nails if needed and file to shape. Remember to file in one smooth motion, not back and forth as this will damage your nail.

3. Soak your fingers in warm water for 5 minutes to soften cuticles.

4. Gently push cuticles back with cuticle "pusher."

5. Apply lotion.

6. Gently remove any excess lotion on nails. This will help polish to adhere.

7. Apply a base coat of clear polish. When applying polish, always apply in one fluid motion down the middle, then one side, then another.

8. Apply 1-2 coast of colored polish, allowing for each coat to dry thoroughly.

9. Apply 1-2 coats of clear polish for top coat and allow to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To maintain your manicure, always wear gloves when doing dishes or cleaning.
• Diabetics should never cut their cuticles since there is a risk of infection and nerve damage.

[sarahlovesnails]

on 8/31/2009 Love your how to- for more tips on nails visit my blog at sarahlovesnails.blogspot.com

[PennyT13]

on 3/1/2008 Manicures are very easy to do at home. Here's another type of manicure that does not use the soak to soften the cuticles http://sugarliciousscrubs.blogspot.com/2008/02/diy-mini-manicure-at-home.html Plus it includes pictures of each step.