How to Prepare for a Home Manicure

A manicure can make your nails look great and can make you feel terrific. But this is one treat you don't need to visit the salon to get. With a little preparation, you can give yourself a manicure right at home. Follow these tips to prepare for a perfect home manicure.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls
• Emery board
• Orange stick
• Nail clippers
• Nail buffer
• Cuticle cream

1. Locate the necessary home manicure tools (nail polish remover, cotton balls, emery board, orange stick, nail clippers, nail buffer and cuticle cream) at a drug, beauty supply or mass-merchandise store.

2. Find a smooth, level surface to work on. Be sure to spread your tools out in the order you plan to use them, so they are in easy reach. Preparation is the key to a professional-looking home manicure.

3. Remove any existing nail polish with nail polish remover. Cotton balls are great for this.

4. Wash your hands to remove any remaining nail polish remover, and dry your hands completely before proceeding.

5. Soak your hands in a bowl of warm, soapy water to soften the skin and nail area. Plan to soak your hands for about 10 minutes.

6. Dry your hands and clean any dirt from underneath the nails using the pointed edge of an orange stick.

7. Prepare to be pampered. Your nails are now clean, soft and ready for a great home manicure.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting an emery board, find one with a coarse file on one side and a fine file on the other. The coarse side of the file should be used first to rid the nail of tears or ridges. The fine side of the file should be used second, to further smooth out the nail's edge.