Manicure isn't just for fashion. Manicure is a part of hygiene and well-being. We use our hands for doing almost everything and hence it is important to take care of them by keeping them clean and healthy and having pretty hands doesn't hurt.

Running to the salon every now and then for getting a manicure sounds hectic and isn't budget-friendly either. But relax! You can treat yourself with a salon-style manicure whenever you want and that too within the comfort of your own home!

DIY manicures are easy, time plus money-saving, and a great way to unwind and indulge in self-care.

[Also Read: Nail Care: Natural Tips]

This Diwali, say hello/Namaste with pretty hands!            

Manicure Tools

Salon style manicure steps

Step 1: Remove Your Old Nail Polish

Remove all traces of existing nail polish from your nails. Soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover and slowly wipe your nails well to remove the nail polish you are currently wearing.

Choose your nail polish remover wisely. Most nail polish removers contain acetone which works quickly and easily but can make your nails dry and brittle. 

Non-acetone removers work a bit slower but clean your nails without harming them.

[Also Read: Pedicure At Home That Will Cost You ₹0]

Step 2: Soak Your Hands

Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water mixed with a little bit of baby shampoo or face cleanser. Soak for at least 3-4 minutes to loosen up any dirt under the nails and soften the cuticles.

You can also soak your hands in warm milk or lemon water. Use a soft brush to gently clean the area around and under your nails. Wipe and dry your hands after soaking.

Step 3: Cut Or Trim Your Nails

Cut straight across your nails to reduce their length. Use small cuts to trim your nails evenly. Trying to cut off the whole length in a single cut is not a good idea.

Don't cut your nails too short, leave at least a little of the white tip on the top. Cutting your nails too short can cause pain, discomfort and even infections. You can clip the corners into your preferred shape.

Step 4: File Your Nails

File your nails to even out the rough edges after cutting. Don't drag the file to and fro using force as this can damage your nails. Gently swipe the file in one direction only.

The filing makes the edges of your nails smooth. You can file your nails in any shape you prefer-

  • Simple rounded shape
  • Square shaped
  • Square with oval edges
  • Almond-shaped
  • Ballerina shaped
  • Coffin shaped

Step 5: Buff Your Nails (Optional)

Buff your nails to make their surface smooth. Use the nail buffer very gently. Buffing removes the surface ridges and makes your nails brighter.

Buffing is just an optional step. You can skip buffing if your nail surface is not rough or peeling and flaky. In fact, buffing sands out the top keratin-rich layer removes natural oils and makes the nail thinner.

Step 6: Push Back Your Cuticles (Optional)

Apply a drop of oil (cuticle oil, almond, coconut or olive oil) and gently massage your cuticles. Use the cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles. Do not use force or pressure.

Cuticles offer protection against infections hence it is not a good idea to cut or remove them. Simply push them a little back. Pushing back cuticles will make your nails look longer. This is an optional step too.

Step 7: Moisturize Your Hands

Moisturize your hands using a good hand cream or lotion. You can also use any natural oil to nourish your hands. Moisturizing will keep your hands hydrated.

Massage your hands well to increase blood circulation to the area. Focus especially on the area around your nails and your fingers. Wipe off your nail surface if they feel damp or moist.

Step 8: Apply Base Coat

Apply a thin layer of base coat on your nails. You can use clear nail polish or white coloured nail polish as the base coat. Basecoat works like a primer for your polish.

Applying a base coat will prevent dark coloured nail polishes from staining your nails. Base coats also help your nail polish last longer on your nails. Let the base coat dry completely.

Step 9: Polish Your Nails            

Choose your favourite nail polish colour and apply your main nail polish. Use thin coats to paint your nails. First, paint a stripe down the centre and two more stripes on either side of it.

Paint your nails slowly and carefully. Apply another coat after it dries to make the colour richer. You can even get creative and try out different variations of nail art with colours, patterns and designs.

Let it dry completely.

[Also Read: Check Out The Biggest Nail Color Trends In 2020]

Step 10: Apply Clear Coat

Finally, apply the last clear coat of polish on top. Make sure to apply it evenly on the whole surface. The top layer will prevent your nail polish from chipping away.

The top coat acts as a shield and protects your nail polish. The clear coating also adds shine and lustre to your nail polish. Let it dry and your manicure is complete!

Manicure Tips 

Manicure

1. Don't wear nail polish for more than two weeks at a stretch. Take breaks and let your nails breathe freely from time to time. Keep your nails free of polish for at least 15 days before painting them again.

2. Close your nail polish bottle's lid tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Take it out and let it come to room temperature before you open and apply it. This slows down the product's discolouration and solvent evaporation.

3. Don't shake your nail polish bottle before use as this traps air and forms air bubbles. Simply roll the bottle between your palms for about 15 seconds.

4. Angle your brush a little forward and gently press down a little to spread out the bristles. Remember, less is more. Don't apply blobs of nail paint and smudge them.

5. Tilt your nail file a little so that you file your nail from slightly underneath. This way you can see exactly what you're doing. This will also prevent you from over filing your nail. 

[Also Read: Brilliant Hacks To Perfectly Put In Colour Street Nails]

6. Carefully apply a trace of oil around your nails to prevent them from getting stained by nail polish. Applying oil makes it easier to clean off with just a single wipe.

7. Soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover and wrap it around a thin stick. Use this to carefully remove any trace of nail polish from the skin around your nails.

8. Don't hurry. Let each coating of nail paint dry up completely before applying the next layer. Ideally, it is better to wait 10 minutes before applying the next coating.

9. Don't inhale nail polish remover. Stay away from heat or flame immediately after handling nail polish removers since they are flammable.

10. Before getting a manicure, you can exfoliate your hands using homemade exfoliating scrubs to make them clean, soft and supple. You can use a simple scrub made of rice powder, sugar and lemon juice. Exfoliating your hands will complement your manicured nails. 

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Home RemediesNail CareHacksDIY

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