How to Perform a French Manicure

Do your own nails for a professional-looking manicure.

You can get a professional-looking French-style manicure yourself; it's fun, easy and far less expensive than going to a salon.

Things You'll Need

• Orange wood stick
• Base coat
• Sticky strip
• Transparent pink or nude nail polish
• Clippers, beauty scissors or a nail file
• Nail polish remover
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. Remove all nail polish from your nails with a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover. Wash your hands and soak them in warm water with conditioner applied to the cuticles.

2. Push back the cuticles with an orange wood stick. Wash your hands and nails and pat them dry.

3. Clip your nails to the desired length, then shape your nails by filing them evenly.

4. Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail and let them dry for a few minutes.

5. Carefully apply sticky strips to use a guide, then apply white hue to the area. Make sure your hands are steady when applying the color. If you require a straight look, paint a straight line across the tips; for a rounded appearance, follow the curve of the nail.

6. Allow the tips to dry, then apply a second coat if you like.

7. Paint the entire nail with a pink or nude color to to seal the whitened tip and complete the look. Allow your nails to dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Apply a clear topcoat to protect nails and give extra sheen.

9. Use a cotton ball or cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover to remove any extra white around the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply base coat at nights for longer lasting nails.

• Always make sure your nails are properly dry before you touch anything.