How to Give Yourself a Professional Manicure at Home

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Recreate the spa atmosphere.

   Light a few candles and put them around your bathroom.
   
   Then get into your comfiest bathrobe and slippers, and relax with some soothing music.
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   Step 2: Remove old nail polish.

   Apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball. 100% acetone is what professionals use.
   
   Hold the moistened cotton ball on the nail for about 5 seconds to soften the old nail polish.
   
   Then wipe away. , Before soaking your hands, use nail clippers to cut your nails.
   
   Using a medium to fine grit emery board, file your nails in long strokes to neaten the nails.
   
   To avoid damaging your nails, file your nails in one direction only. , Limit buffing to when you have staining, or peeling.
   
   Unnecessary buffing can make your nails thin and week. , This removes dirt and softens the hands.
   
   Then pat dry with a hand towel and use a hand moisturizer. , Apply a cuticle remover.
   
   Gently push your cuticles back from the nail with a cuticle stick. , A base coat protects your nail from chemicals in the polish that weaken the nail.
   
   It also helps in preventing the nail polish from turning your nails yellow. , Using your favorite nail polish, apply 3 even strokes on your nail.
   
   One stroke down the middle and one stroke to each side.
   
   Let dry for 5 minutes.
   
   Then apply a second coat. , A top coat prevents chipping and depending on the type, helps the nail polish dry quicker. , Wait about 15 minutes for your nails to dry before touching anything.
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   Step 3: Cut and file your nails.

4. 4

   Step 4: Buff your nails.

5. 5

   Step 5: Soak your hands for 5 minutes.

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   Step 6: Push your cuticles back.

7. 7

   Step 7: Apply base coat.

8. 8

   Step 8: Paint your nails.

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   Step 9: Apply top coat.

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    Step 10: Wait for your nails to dry.

Detailed Guide

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