Manicure

Manicures are a super fun way to add an oomph to your looks. It can replace accessories for the hands and enhance your overall aesthetics. At the same time, going to a nail tech wastes a lot of time and can also be expensive. Instead, you can do a neat manicure at home just as professionally. Besides, you will need the right tools to help you along the way. 

Moreover, the secret to a good manicure lies in the nail prep. If you’ve ever noticed, your nail tech spends more time prepping the nail than on the actual manicure. This is because it is essential for a good finish. Don’t worry if it all sounds confusing. This guide is here to help you get the perfect manicure at home. So, without further ado, let’s get started. 

The Various Steps In A Manicure

The easiest way to do an at-home manicure is to divide up the steps. 

First, the prepping and cleaning, first coat, and finish. Further, you can follow some nail and cuticle care tips to enhance your nail health. To begin, you will first need to gather a few tools. Besides, you’ll notice many of these come with your regular nail art kit. Find below everything you need for nail care as well as prep. 

  • Nail filler
  • Nail polish remover
  • Cotton balls or pads
  • Nail clippers
  • Cuticle pusher
  • Cuticle oil
  • Hand cream
  • Base coat
  • Nail Gel Polish (your choice of colours)
  • Top coat
  • Nail buffer
  • Warm, soapy water
  • Towel

Begin With Nail Prep

Before you get to the manicure, start with nail prep. It’s neither complicated nor difficult. Additionally, it is quite easy and will just be a few additional steps to your routine. 

Removing Old Polish & Cleaning Up

Start by removing your old nail polish. Soak a cotton pad with nail polish remover and wipe it off. If you’re removing gel polish or builder gel, you might not be able to remove it this way. In such a case, fill a small bowl with nail polish remover. Then, soak your nails in it for up to a minute and wipe off with cotton balls. After soaking, it will come off quite easily. 

Shaping Your Nails

  • After you’ve removed your old polish, let the nails dry before trimming and shaping them. 
  • Select your desired shape and begin trimming according to using your nail clippers. 
  • If you’re not experienced in this, trim as little as possible at a time. This way, you can shape it until you get the desirable shape. 
  • After that, make sure to use a nail filler to smoothen out the edges. 
  • Now, file in a single direction to avoid splinters. Besides, it’s far gentler on your nails. 

Soak Your Nails

Next up, make a bowl of warm and soapy water. Soak your hands in this for 5 to 10 minutes. It will soften your cuticles and help remove all the dirt from your nails. After soaking, you wash your hands and dry them. 

Alternatively, you can also use a cuticle oil or solution to soften your cuticles. Then, you push them back with the cuticle pusher tool. 

Wipe dry with a clean towel, and that completes your nail prep!

The Manicure Process

With your nails cleaned and cuticles pushed back, your nails are ready for the manicure. Besides, all you need is a Base Coat, Nail Gel Polish, and a Top Coat. In addition to this, you can use a nail art brushes to apply the nail polish. That said, let’s check out the process. 

Apply The Base Coat

Moreover, ensure your nails are completely dry before applying the base coat. It acts as a protective layer and prevents the nail gel from staining your nails. Besides that, it will give you a long-lasting manicure and a smooth one, too. 

Apply a thin layer of base coat, preferably using the same brand as your gel polish.

Apply The Nail Polish 

Once the base coat is completely dry, you can apply the nail polish of your preferred colour. Depending on the colour, you may need multiple layers. Pink, beige, mauve and similar lighter shades may require more than two coats.

Since gel polishes have a thicker viscosity, you might want to use a flat brush to apply. Moreover, the brushes that come with a pot may be rounder and stouter, thus picking up more product. This can make it difficult to achieve a neat finish. Also, don’t forget to go over the edge of your nail while applying the polish. Otherwise, it may begin to peel. 

So consider what you will find easier to use and apply it accordingly. 

Drying Or Curing

With gel polish, it is necessary to cure it completely between each layer. You will need a LED UV lamp to do this effectively. 

The process is simple – apply a thin layer of gel polish and dry under the lamp for a minute. Depending on your polish, you can cure it anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Moreover, once completely dry, go in for the next layer. 

Apply The Top Coat

No matter the shade, try not to apply more than 3 coats. Else, it can lead to an untidy-looking manicure. Now, it’s time to finish off with a top coat. 

  • Use a thin layer, and only coating will suffice. 
  • Moreover, make sure to cover the edges.
  • Cure it under a UV lamp. 

Hydrate Your Skin And Nails

After your manicure is done and dry, moisturise your hands thoroughly. Use a cuticle oil to enrich your cuticles and hydrate them. Also, between manicures, let your nails rest for a week and keep it moisturized. 

Conclusion

Mastering a DIY manicure at home is extremely convenient and a truly rewarding self-care practice. With a few simple tools and easy techniques, you will master the art in no time at all. Also, invest in quality nail polish and nail art tools today to get started. 

Get over to Cally Cosmetics and embark on a beautiful nail journey.

By Zubair Pateljiwala

I work at Data Service Solutions as a QuickBooks certified professional. If you are facing any errors or issues with QuickBooks, you can ask any queries about it. For asking your question, call +1-(855)-955-1942.

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