How to File and Trim for a Manicure

A home manicure might require a lot of filing and trimming, but it's certainly a great way to save money. You'll need to file and trim to prepare your nails for your home manicure when you make the decision to skip the salon visit, but the end result can be just as professional looking.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cotton balls
• Tissues
• Nail polish remover
• Emery board
• Nail clippers

1. Remove old nail polish using nail polish remover.

2. Decide whether you want oval shaped or square shaped nails. Square nails are very popular.

3. Trim your nails to the desired length.

4. Start with one fingernail, and rub an emery board against the nail tip back and forth. Use a coarse emery board if your nails need a lot of shaping. Otherwise, use a medium or fine emery board.

5. Continue shaping your nail by moving the emery board starting on the right side of your nail into the center and then moving from the left side into the center.

6. Finish filing all your nails.

7. Brush away any nail debris with a tissue before painting your nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Trim a small amount of the length from your nails at first so you don't overdo it. Keep in mind that you'll also still need to file your nails, so you'll lose a bit more length even after you're done trimming.
• Use nail polish remover that comes in a round container for added convenience. You simply have to dip each finger in and wipe the remover off.
• Rub cuticle cream or moisturizer into each cuticle after you're done trimming and filing your nails.

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