How to Give Yourself a Professional Manicure

Going to the salon to get a manicure is relaxing and can boost your self-esteem, but sometimes you just do not have the funds to do so or the time. Instead of letting your fingernails go, you can give yourself a manicure at home. You can even do it with professional results.

Items Needed:

• Nail polish


• Topcoat


• Base coat


• Cuticle softener


• Cuticle pusher


• Nail polish remover


• Orange stick and cotton or a cotton swab


• Nail clippers


• Lotion

1. Soak your hands in warm water to soften them and to remove any dirt on your skin or nails. Use a nail file to remove any dirt underneath your nails.


2. Use an orange stick with cotton or you can just use a cotton swab to remove any remaining nail polish. Make sure you dip the swab in nail polish remover first.


3. Trim your finger nails using fingernail nail clippers. Cut straight across or shape them as you wish, but be careful not to cut down too far.


4. Apply cuticle softener to your cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher to push them back, but never cut them. They protect you from harmful bacteria entering into your nail bed.


5. File your nails using a nail file. Do not forget to buff the top of them slightly, in order to remove any uneven spots.


6. Use a towel to wipe away any debris remaining from the buffing.


7. Rub lotion on your hands.


8. Apply a base coat to your nails. Allow it to dry thoroughly.


9. Paint on a layer of nail polish. You can choose any color you like. In fact, you can even apply a different color to each nail. Let the color dry completely. Apply a second layer, if you are chose a lighter color.


10. Apply your topcoat and let it dry.