How to Do a Self-Manicure

Manicures are a great way to keep your hands looking healthy and well-maintained. While it’s quite a treat to get a manicure at a salon, the cost of regular visits adds up very quickly. Rather than spending a large sum of money at salons, many people opt to do their own self-manicures at home. While a self-manicure takes time and a small investment in the right products, it’s a great way to save money while taking care of your personal grooming.

Things You'll Need

• Nail-polish remover
• Cotton balls
• Nail polish
• Nail file
• Cuticle oil
• Nail soak
• Moisturizer
• Top coat
• Base coat
• Bowl
• Baby wipes
• Exfoliant

Instructions

1. Soak a cotton ball with nail-polish remover and carefully remove your nail polish. Darker colors tend to be harder to remove, and also take longer. Make sure to remove all remnants of the polish.

2. Use a nail file to shape your nails. Many people choose between an oval shape and square shape. Opt for whichever you prefer.

3. Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles and your nail bed. Allow the oil to soak into your nails for approximately 5 minutes.

4. Soak your nails in a bowl of lukewarm water that's big enough for both your hands. Add 1 to 2 scoops of your favorite nail soak. Soak your hands for at least 10 minutes.

5. Exfoliate your hands. Use your favorite exfoliant and gently scrub. Towel-dry your hands and follow up with your favorite moisturizer. Allow the moisturizer to be absorbed into your skin for 5 minutes.

6. Wipe your nails with a baby wipe. This will remove the excess oil and moisturizer from them. Apply a base coat to your nails and allow it to dry for at least 2 to 3 minutes. Follow up with two coats of the nail polish of your choice. Allow that to dry for at least 3 minutes. Finish up with a coat of top coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Shorter nails look best in an oval shape. If you have long nails, you can either do a square or oval.

• Make sure you allow your nails enough time to dry. Otherwise, you will ruin your manicure.