How to Manicure Your Fingernails at Home

You can save time and money by manicuring your fingernails at home. Using a few minimal supplies, your nails can be buffed, filed, and polished just like they would be at the salon. For additional fun, consider having a manicure party, or inviting a friend.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• nail file
• soaking tub
• nail polish remover
• nail polish
• fingernail clipper

1. Removing existing polish. If your nails currently contain nail polish, soak your nails for 10 minutes in soapy warm water. This treatment will relax your hands and loosen your polish. After 10 minutes, remove the polish from your nails one finger at a time. Then soak for another 5 minutes.

2. Clipping and trimming. Clip your finger nails so each nail has a nice, rounded edge. Trim any additional length without cutting your nails too short.

3. Buff your nail beds with a nail file. Make sure you are using a nail file made for use with natural nails. Don't buff too hard, just enough to take rough edges from the surface of your nail.

4. Moisturize your hands. Take a few moments and massage your hands one at a time. Have a friend or family member massage lotion or massage oil into your hands.

5. Polish your nails with the paint color of your choice. Before you apply nail polish, use nail polish remover to remove any lotion or oil on your nail bed. Start by polishing a clear base coat on your nail. Then apply two coats of nail polish, followed by a top coat. Make sure you wait 5 to 10 minutes in between each coat to ensure proper drying time.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic

[miasavc]

on 10/3/2009 I did this myself & it is fun & less expensive!