How to Give Yourself a Salon-Worthy Manicure At Home

At-home manicures can be a terrific alternative to the expensive nail salon services that often only last a handful of days, no pun intended! But in order to give yourself a thorough, long lasting manicure at home you’ll want to follow a few key treatments to get the maximum number of days out of it.

How to do a manicure at home

We've put together a little step by step guide on the ultimate salon-worth at home manicure. Be sure you set aside plenty of time for the manicure itself and for the drying time after, and you just might be surprised how great your manicure looks.

Step 1: Remove old nail polish thoroughly

Using natural polish remover and cotton balls, be sure to remove all signs of your previous color choice. Sometimes it takes a few passes to get a bright color, such as red, removed thoroughly from skin and nails.

Step 2: Soak

In a shallow dish, combine raw honey and olive oil in warm water. The honey has antibacterial properties and will cleanse and soften your nails while retaining moisture which is great for dry nail beds.

Olive oil will also add moisture and shine to dry nails and cuticles. Soak for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Clean

Using a brush or nail file remove debris and dirt from beneath your nails. If your nails are yellow or discolored make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Massage nail beds with the mixture and let it sit for a couple of minutes then rinse off.

Step 4: Massage

It may be a little strange to give yourself a massage, but don’t skip this step! Your skin will benefit from the hydration, not to mention we hold a lot of tension in our hands and fingers. This whipped shea butter is a perfect choice to use during a hand massage. 

Step 5: Cuticle Treatment

To soften cuticles, add a drop of lavender essential oil to a teaspoon of olive oil. Gently massage into your cuticles and then use a q-tip to push back your cuticles so they don’t get in the way of your polish.

Step 6: File

Using a nail file, shape your nails into your desired length and shape, making sure they all are even in shape and length.

Step 7: Polish

Now you’re ready for polish. Are you a neutral girl that sticks to pale pinks and nudes, or do you change your nail color with the season? Most nail polishes should be applied in two even coats, and don’t forget a clear top coat. Clear top coats can lengthen the staying power of the nail polish and help speed up the drying time. 

Step 8: Plenty of drying time!

One of the reasons at home manicures are difficult is because we rush through them without allowing our nails to thoroughly dry. That ultimately leads to dings or smudges. Give yourself a good 15 minutes (or longer!) to make sure everything is completely dry.

Have you ever tried treating your nails at home? Or are you a frequenter at a nail salon? Do you have any tips we failed to mention, please share in the comments!