A lovely manicure is every woman’s desire, but going to a salon for it can be expensive. Fret not, as you can give yourself a salon-quality manicure in the comfort of your own home without breaking the bank. Follow the steps below to achieve perfect nails.
Step 1: Remove Old Nail Polish
Use a cotton ball and nail polish remover to take off old nail polish from your nails. A cotton ball is much more efficient than a cotton pad as it has more surface area. Be sure to wipe in one direction to avoid spreading the nail polish on your skin.
Step 2: File and Trim Your Nails
Use a nail file to shape your nails. Start at one corner of the nail and work your way across the top in one direction. Be careful not to file too close to the skin as this can cause bleeding and pain. If your nails are long, you may want to trim them with nail clippers before filing.
Step 3: Soak Your Nails
Fill a bowl with warm water and a drop or two of gentle dish soap or any other soap you have at home. Soak your nails in the solution for a few minutes. You can also add a few drops of essential oils or cut a slice of lemon and soak it in the water for a refreshing scent.
Step 4: Push Back Your Cuticles
Use a cuticle pusher to push back cuticles gently. Be sure to do this carefully and gently, so you don’t damage the skin around your nails. If your cuticles are stubborn and won’t push back, you can apply cuticle oil or a cuticle softener to help loosen them.
Step 5: Polish Your Nails
Apply a thin layer of base coat on your nails before applying nail polish. The base coat helps the nail polish adhere better to the nail, making it last longer. Once the base coat has dried, apply two coats of the nail polish of your choice. Be sure to brush one stroke down the center of your nail, followed by a stroke on each side, and let it dry for at least 10 minutes for a smooth finish.
Step 6: Apply Top Coat
Once your nails are dry, apply a top coat to protect your nail polish from chipping and add a glossy finish. Hold the brush at a slight angle and glide it over each nail in one stroke, then let it dry for around ten minutes.
Step 7: Clean Up
Use a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any polish on your skin around your nails, or use a small paintbrush to remove excess nail polish.
In conclusion, pampering yourself at home is easy, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have salon-quality nails in no time.
