How to Do a Professional Manicure at Home

Today’s busy schedules require more time for ourselves to take some extra time. Amidst all the self-care activities we can do, a professional manicure stands out because it is considered a beauty must and a lovely way of pampering oneself. Why spend money in the salon when you can get beautiful nails right in your home? In this guide, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of doing a professional manicure at home so you can flaunt beautifully polished nails any time you want.

Read more: Basic Knowledge of Skincare

Why Do Your Manicures?

There are a ton of advantages to doing your manicures:

Cost Savings:

Salon visits can become pricey over time, and with an at-home manicure, you only need to spend the money to buy materials once.

The Convenience:

You can do your nails when it’s convenient for you – whether this happens on a lazy Sunday or a crazy weekday night, it’s up to you.

Personalization:

The freedom to choose colours, techniques, or nail art styles is limitless to your imagination.

Therapeutic Experience:

Focusing on yourself during a manicure can be a therapeutic experience, especially because it is one of the sure ways to destress.

Key Tools and Materials to Make Your Manicure Perfect

Before getting into the actual steps, gather what you need for the best manicure in your home. Here’s the list you will need:

Nail Clippers: This tool trims and keeps your nails neat.

Nail File: File your nails to any style you want to be – square, oval, or rounded shape.

Cuticle Pusher: Push out those cuticles without breaking the nail.

Cuticle Remover: Softens and eases the cuticle removal process.

Nail Buffer: to smoothen out the nail surface for shining

Base Coat and Top Coat: Protect your nails and prolong the time of your manicure.

Nail Polish: pack of colours to use your favourites or to try new ones

Hand Cream, Cuticle Oil: to moisturize and keep your nails healthy

A bowl of warm soapy water. When you dip your fingers into warm soapy water, your nails will soften during cuticle care.

Exfoliating Scrub (optional): for soft hands.

Preparing all these materials beforehand will ensure a nice and entertaining manicure experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Do Professional Manicure at Home

Step 1: Remove Old Nail Polish

Start fresh! With nail polish on, it’s time for a gentle remover. Soak a cotton pad with nail polish remover and place it on your nail for a few seconds. Then wipe the remover off. Make sure to cover all of the nails because you certainly do not want to get any of that residue onto your natural nails.

Step 2: Soaking of Nails

Soak your nails in a bowl filled with warm soapy water for about 5-10 minutes. This will soften your cuticles, which can be pushed back easily. The soaking process is important because it not only prepares your nails but increases blood circulation flow which will contribute to healthy nails.

Step 3: Shape and Trim Your Nails

It’s time to cut and shape your nails. First, cut them at whatever length you like with clippers. Then you can file them down however you want them with a nail file. Here are a few popular shapes you might see:

Square: Gives off a clean, fresh look.

Oval: One of the most classic, and suits any kind of finger.

Almond: For a petite, extended appearance

You would always file the nails one way when filing nails to avoid splitting them.

Step 4: Push Back Your Cuticles

Now that your nails are shaped, it is time to tend to your cuticles. Use a cuticle tool to gently push back your cuticles. Take time to be gentle and not exert too much pressure. If some cuticles prove a bit stubborn, go ahead and first dip a little bit of the cuticle remover to soften them.

Step 5: Buff the Nail Surface

Polishing your nails is also a way of smoothing out the surface so that the polish can stick to it. You need a nail buffer, from coarse to fine side to smoothen ridges on your nails. Lastly, use the fine side for a polished finish. In doing so, you are not only preparing your nails for polish but also giving them a lustrous shine.

Step 6: Moisturize Your Hands and Nails

Step 7: Apply Base Coat

The base coat is just one of the many applications to protect your nails from stains and provide extra longevity to the polish. Choose a good quality base coat, and then apply a thin layer over the complete nail. Then, wait for it to dry before applying the colour.

Step 8: Polish Your Nails

This is the fun part! Choose your favourite nail polish colour, and paint it onto your nails. Here’s how to do it just right:

Application of the first Coat: Apply at the centre of your nail, working your way outward toward the edges so that you’ll have even coverage.

Dry time for the first coat, after which you can go ahead

Apply the second coat to intensify the colour.

Third Coat (Optional): If you want to have an even more vibrant shade, apply a third coat and let each coat dry appropriately.

Step 9: Top Coat

Once your colour is dry, seal the deal with a top coat. This layer adds shine, but what is perhaps more important for the longevity of your manicure is that it acts as a protective barrier against the chips and scratches that can leave nails looking sloppy.

Just make sure to get enough of the top coat on the tips of your nails to seal in the polish.

Mistakes happen! Once your top coat is dry, grab a small brush or a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover and clean up the excess polish that may have gotten on your skin. This will finish giving your manicure a polished, professional look.

Tips for Maintaining Your Home Manicure

Tips to keep your freshly done nails looking fabulous for as long as possible are as follows:

Moisturize Daily: Apply cuticle oil and hand cream regularly to keep your skin and nails hydrated.

Avoid Excess Water: When you wash dishes or clean, wear gloves to protect your manicure.

Touch-Up Chips: Apply polish and top coat before chips have time to mar your look.

Maintenance for a Healthy, Strong Look: Touch up once a week.

Home Manicure Mistakes that People Commonly Make

Working too fast

While it’s easy to tempt oneself into rushing through a manicure, taking the time with each step will assure a better outcome. Think of it as a mini-spa experience—enjoy it!

The Omission of Base and Top Coats

Always use these vital layers. Not only will you protect your nails, but you’ll extend the life of your manicure considerably.

Neglect of Cuticles

When you tend to forget your cuticles, you are likely to have an uneven polish application and hangnails later. Remember to include this in the process.

Failure to Let it Dry Completely

Each coat should dry completely before putting on another. This will not take much time to cause very considerable damage to the finish and lead to smudges.

Enjoy Your Do It Yourself Manicure Experience

A skill that will benefit anyone, mastering the art of at-home professional nail manicure goes beyond aesthetics. It is truly empowering, letting one nurture creativity and self-care at any moment. The more you do, the better you will be, and before long, your nails will pop out like those from expensive salons. Gather all your stuff, prepare a cosy spot, and treat yourself to a self-love ritual that will keep your nails looking stunning.

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You can book your appointment in Aseya’s Salon

(FAQs)

How often should I do a do-it-yourself manicure

You can also get a manicure once every one to two weeks. Manicures help you present your nails well and give you a chance to care for them.

Do I have to apply a base coat?

Yes! Applying a base coat helps prevent staining of your natural nails while letting the polish adhere better.

How do I safely remove nail polish without damaging my nails?

Always use a non-acetone nail polish remover, which is much gentler on your nails. Soak a cotton ball, press it into the nail and let it there for a few moments before you wipe it away.

What if my nails just keep breaking?

You may want to get a nail strengthener, and then just be sure you’re eating a balanced diet full of certain vitamins that help support the nail, biotin and vitamin E amongst others.

Can I try some nail art at home?

Absolutely! Nail art is the best way to look creative and let out your little artist hidden somewhere deep inside of you. Try first with a simple dot design and simple stripes, but do not be afraid to get into more complex styles if you feel comfortable.

What’s the best colour a person can get for their manicure?

Classic staples in nude, red, and pink can always be present. There are also some seasons where certain colours rule, or just what’s in; try new trends for a fresh look.

How do you keep the manicure looking so fresh?

For one, keeping the nail moisturized will make a major difference and very little water exposure. You would be surprised; getting a quick touch-up with a top coat makes a big difference within a few days.

What if I want to try some kind of nail shape?

You can mix this up with other shapes. Just be sure not to split on the filing.