Today I will talk about How to do a home manicure at home.
When I was still working with my clients, they often asked me how to do a home manicure. That is why some of you are probably thinking the same question. So let’s go because knowing how to perform quality manicures at home is essential for every woman.
What You Will Need?
If you don’t do your nails often, you may not have many pieces of equipment at home. But I suggest you buy some, and with proper care, you can have them for a very long time.
The first investment is more significant than you would like. But if you compare it with regular salon visits, home Mani pays off pretty quick.
For a good home Mani, you need the following:
- Cotton pads
- Lint-free nail wipes (optional)
- Orangewood stick or metal cuticle pusher
- Bowl with warm water and hand soap
- Nail polish remover (acetone-free)
- Hand sanitiser (optional)
- 1 small and 1 medium clean towel
- Cuticle Oil
- Hand cream
- Base coat
- Colour nail polish (optional)
- Top coat (optional)
- Nail file (240 grit or 180 grit) (Check the article about best nail files for natural nails)
- Buffer block (240 grit)
Take Your Time
Home Mani is great for relaxation. It is best to do it at the kitchen table (or a table with a similar height). Set some relaxing music, and you can start.
Preparing Everything
- Remove old nail polish, and wash your hands with warm water and hand soap.
- Put a large towel on the table.
- Pour hot water into the bowl with a bit of regular hand soap. (Let the water cool down in the next 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes warm and cosy when needed.)
The Shape of Your Nails
Start filing your nails in the desired shape (square, almond, round, etc.).
You can do that with a 180 grit nail file. File gently and slowly, and remember, always only in one direction. You should file from the side of the nail to the centre.
Finish filing with the block file or the 240-grit nail file. Edges must be completely smooth.
The Cuticles and Moisturizing
Take the cuticle oil, put it onto the cuticle area and firmly massage it into the skin. Doing this will moisturise your nails and cuticles. Then soak your nails in the bowl. The water should be nicely warm by now.
After 4 to 5 minutes, take your hands out and wipe them with a smaller clean towel. Now take the orange wood stick, wrap the small cotton ball around it, and start pushing the cuticles back, away from the nail. This way, you will not damage the cuticles. Never cut or tear the cuticles or hangnails. Really, never ever do that! The cuticle is there to protect you and your nail plate against bacteria.
Eponychium – In human anatomy, the eponychium, or cuticle, is the thickened layer of skin surrounding fingernails and toenails. It can also be called the medial or proximal nail fold. Its function is to protect the area between the nail and epidermis from exposure to bacteria.
Image source: Wikipedia, Blausen.com staff (2014)
Tip for the best application of Nail Polish
After you push back your cuticles, you can take the buffer block and very, very gently (as gently as you touch your lips with your fingers) buff ONLY on the place of the nail plate where the old skin from the cuticle has remained. Do not buff the cuticles. And I know you will be tempted, but only buff part of the nail since there is no reason for doing that. All you will do with buffing the surface of your nails is you will thin your nail plate a bit. And that will result in splitting and breaking your lovely nails.
So, once again, buff only where the old skin remains so your polish will run smoothly and not end up in the cuticle area.
Apply the Base Coat
With a small towel, clean your nails and hands of all the dust from filing and buffing. Apply first the base coat and let it dry.
Apply the Nail Polish
Start applying the nail polish in the upper middle of the nail. Then gently push the brush up against the nail skin and stop just before touching it, then pull it down to the end. Then, move the brush to the top of one side, apply the lacquer from top to bottom on one side, and then the same on the other.
A post shared by Nail and Makeup Artist CR (@sophiesotonails) on Jun 17, 2014, at 7:40am PDT
After a few minutes of drying the first coat, apply the second coat and finish with one pull from one to the other edge. This way, your polish will stay longer and look way more professional.
Apply the Top Coat
Wait approximately 10 minutes for the nail polish to dry completely. Then apply a top coat for protection and super shiny nails. Wait another few minutes (check product drying time), and then use the cuticle oil again. Do not massage it because of the risk of damaging your nail polish; just let it run on the cuticles. Later you can massage the remains into the nails.
Relax Your Hands
Use good hand cream and massage it into your hands.
That is it
A home manicure can be done in 20 minutes, and every woman should take time for herself.
A home manicure is also a great opportunity to hang out with your mom, daughter, sister or friend… To talk, relax and have fun.
I hope you learned something new. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments, and I will be more than happy to help you.
Take care! <3