Things You'll Need:
- Nail polish
- Oil
- Moisturizer
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Step 1
Set up your supplies on a flat surface in a well-lit area. Manicures sometimes get messy, so lay down a soft towel or paper towels on which you can work.
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Step 2
Soak your hands for a few minutes in warm water with a few drops of oil in it. Use cuticle oil, bath oil or even olive oil. This process softens and moisturizes your nails and cuticles.
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Step 3
Pat your hands dry, and push back your cuticles gently with an orange wood stick. Try not to cut your cuticles unless they catch and snag. Use cuticle nippers if you must cut your cuticles. Rub in cream specially formulated for cuticles when you finish.
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Step 1
Trim your nails with nail clippers, if necessary. You'll find it easier to shape your nails if you cut them into the basic shape you want.
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Step 2
File your nails. Use an emery board, metal file or glass file to file your nails. File gently and in one direction at a time. Back-and-forth filing weakens nails and causes them to split.
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Step 3
Shape your nails as you file. While you file the rough edges off your nails, use your file to coax them into the shape you want. Oval nails look pretty on almost all hands and break less easily.
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Step 4
Buff your nails to finish the job. Use a buffer in a back and forth motion to add luster to your nails and get rid of any sharp or ragged edges left over from when you shaped and filed your nails.
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Step 1
Polish your nails if you desire. Bear in mind that dark polish shows mistakes and chips more than clear or light polish.
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Step 2
Allow your nails to dry for 20 minutes, then moisturize your hands with any rich cream.
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Step 3
Brush a little oil onto each nail to prevent scratches and dings while they're still drying.
