Did you know that getting a manicure
and pedicure every two weeks tends to cost about $1,345 per year? It may not seem like much to drop
$30 twice a month, but in the end, it does add up.
That being said, who doesn't want
their nails to look good and well taken care of? There's nothing wrong with
preferring a polished look--no pun intended!
Fortunately, there are solutions for
anyone who wants to cut down on their spending but keep up their routine of
getting a manicure every few weeks.
Let's take a look at how to give
yourself a manicure at home. With our simple guide, you'll be doing your own
nails like a professional in no time!
Step
1: Gather Your Tools
Of course, a manicurist is only as
good as her tools. When you first get started giving yourself manicures, you
may have to make an initial investment. However, it will quickly balance out
when you're getting manicures every other week for free!
First, grab some nail polish remover
and cotton balls or swabs. You're also going to need a nail file, cuticle
pusher and cuticle nippers, cuticle remover, and moisturizer. Of course, you're
also going to need your nail polish!
If you're working with a cheaper
nail polish, you may need to get a base coat and clear topcoat. However, we
suggest this vegan nail polish for a strong, long-lasting finish
that is also kinder to the world around you!
Step
2: Remove Any Old Nail Polish
To get started, remove any old nail
polish using a cotton ball or swab and polish remover. People often wonder
which is better, acetone remover or acetone-free remover. The reality is that
acetone remover works faster and doesn't need to come into contact with your
skin for very long, although it is a bit harsher than acetone-free
remover--meaning that they kind of equal out in the end.
Step
3: Give Your Nails Some Shape
If necessary, cut some of the length
from your nails using regular nail clippers. Leave them slightly longer than
you want them so that you have more room for error when filing.
Once it's time to file your nails
into the desired shape (we recommend rounded or squared off with rounded
edges), go for an emery board or crystal nail file. Metal and other coarse
materials are far more likely to cause your nails to weaken and splinter.
Remember, avoid the back-and-forth
filing motion you tend to see on TV. Instead, file your nails gently from one
side to the other, moving in the same direction the entire time.
Step
4: Soak Your Fingers and Nails
Now for our favorite part! Grab a
small bowl or container and fill it with warm water. Then, add a few drops of
shampoo or a gentle, non-exfoliating facial cleanser.
Soak your nails and fingertips for
about three minutes. The objective, here, is to soften your cuticles, making
them easier to cut. Make sure that you don't soak your nails for longer than
three minutes, as over-soaking can actually cause problems for your skin and
nailbeds.
Step
5: Apply Your Cuticle Remover and Trim Your Cuticles
Cuticle remover isn't required for a
quality home manicure, but it can make your life a little bit easier. If you
have it, apply a small drop of cuticle remover to each nailbed before you start
tackling your cuticles.
Apply the remover to one nail at a
time, using your cuticle tools between each application. Keep a cloth on hand
to wipe away the cuticle remover once the cuticles are pushed and trimmed. You
don't want to leave cuticle remover on for more than a few seconds, since it's
pretty powerful stuff.
To trim your cuticles, start with
your cuticle pusher. Gently push your cuticles away from the nail. Use your
cuticle nipper to nip off the free edge, making sure that you do not pull,
tear, or cut the cuticle.
Step
6: Moisturize and Prep for Polish
Once you're satisfied with the shape
of your nails and the appearance of your cuticles, it's time to apply a thin
layer of moisturizer. Make sure that you massage some of your moisturizer into
your cuticles to rehydrate and replenish the cells.
For this step, you can use any
moisturizer that you like. However, you may find better luck with moisturizers
that are less on the oily side, since the oil can affect the consistency of the
polish. Regardless of the moisturizer you use, you're going to want to use a
clean cotton ball or swab to buff the nails and remove any excess moisturizer
that may be coating them.
Step
7: Paint in Layers and Allow to Dry
If you're using a base coat, begin
with a thin layer of it and allow it to dry. Base coats are useful for anyone
with ridged or brittle nails and can protect the nail from staining.
Once the base coat is dry, it's time
for your first layer of the polish of your choice. If you're not confident in
your nail painting skills, try a lighter color that's a little more forgiving!
Once that first layer looks settled and dry, add your second layer.
Wait for nails to dry entirely
before applying a topcoat. If the nails are still wet, the topcoat will disrupt
the smooth appearance--and you'll end up with some color in your topcoat
bottle.
Finally, allow your nails to dry
before going about your day!
Save
Some Money By Learning How to Give Yourself a Manicure at Home
If you're hoping to save some money
but can't stand the thought of bare or unshapely nails, don't sweat it! By
learning how to give yourself a manicure at home, you can get the look you love
without spending money every few weeks.
Looking for more tips on fashion and
finance? Take a look at more of our content for the information you need on how
to look great on a budget.
