An Essential Guide To The Perfect At-Home Manicure

Going to the salon might not be an option for us right now. But that still doesn’t mean we can’t glam ourselves up a bit! While DIY nails aren’t everyone’s fave – mostly because they’re just so hard to get right – I’m here to show you how to achieve salon-worthy nails in the comfort of your own home.

Doing your own nails can often feel like a daunting task – trust me, I felt the same when I first started! However, as cliche as the saying is; the more you practise, the easier it gets. I still have plenty of difficulty painting my nails with my left hand (I’ve accepted that my right hand will always look slightly worse). I’m definitely muuuuuch better than I was in my teens though, and at least now I’m not getting polish all over my fingertips.

If this is your first time delving into the world of at-home nail care, then you might need to pick up (or order) some extra tools first. Manicure kits, like this one from Amazon, are super handy since they contain all the bits and bobs you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry if you don’t have or can’t access everything on the list below though, just follow along with the steps you can do!

Essential manicure tools:

• Clippers/scissors
• Cuticle remover
• Cuticle pusher
• Cuticle nippers
• Nail file
• Clear base and top coat
• Nail polish
• Cuticle oil/cream
• Hand cream

Optional extras:

• Nail polish remover
• Buffer block
• Cotton buds

6 Step Guide To The Perfect At-Home Manicure:

STEP 1: Clean and prep

I always begin by washing my hands to make sure that I’m starting with a clean slate. If you’re already wearing nail polish, you’ll want to remove it at this point so that the varnish we apply later goes on as smoothly as possible.

STEP 2: Trim

Depending on personal preference, you can go in with a pair of scissors or nail clippers to help bring your nails to the desired length. If you’re happy with the length already, then feel free to skip this step!

STEP 3: Shape

Now, onto the heavy work – filing. I normally use this Jessica Emery Board just because it’s cheap, has great reviews and does the job. Plus, it comes in different levels of coarseness so you can choose which grit works best for you. To avoid weakening your nails, you’ll want to file in a singular direction using light strokes. Try not to go back and forth as this can cause the nails to split. I generally like a soft oval (or squoval) finish, but there are tonnes of different shapes you can choose from.

STEP 4: Cuticle care

This step probably takes the longest, but it’s definitely worth it if you want a clean, even finish. First, apply a cuticle remover, like this oil from Mylee, and leave it to sit for a couple of minutes. Then take your cuticle pusher and extend the nail plate by gently pushing your cuticles back. Use your cuticle nippers to snip off any hangnails and dead skin, making sure that you’re not pulling too hard or cutting too far. Your cuticle oil should have done most of the work, so – to avoid infection – I would suggest keeping the clipping to a minimum.

STEP 5: Paint

Get your base coat and apply a thin layer onto the nail – this is important as it prevents staining! If your nails need a little extra support or protection, I recommend using a strengthening or ridge-filling polish for this bit. Next, go in with your colour of choice. For lighter shades you may need a couple of coats to build up the opacity. Wait a few minutes between layers and clean up the edges with a cotton bud. Finally, add your top coat and VOILÀ you’re done … well almost.

STEP 6: Moisturise

Since your hands can get pretty dry with all the prepping and cleaning, you need to add some moisture back in! I like to take a tiny bit of this Burt’s Bees Cuticle Cream and massage into the nail, then follow it up with a light layer of their Almond & Milk Hand Cream.

TOP TIP: Apply this cream sparingly as it can take a little while to soak into the skin.

And that’s it! My six step guide to the perfect at-home manicure. What does your nail care routine look like?