We like being pampered as much as the next person, but we also aren’t made of money or time. Mastering a manicure at home can help with the money part. Time, on the other hand, is still elusive. Those pesky metaverses!
If you’re looking to achieve the same results as going to the salon, then you’ll need to grab a few supplies and follow a few steps. Stop pretending like slapping on a coat of paint is the only thing standing between you and a budding nail artist career.
While there are a number of ways to do your nails at home – like doing dip powder nails or gel nails – let’s not get ahead of ourselves quite yet. Here are all the tools you need for an at-home manicure.
11 Tools You Need to Complete a Manicure At Home
1. Nail Clippers
If you want to take your nails from “poke you in the eye” to “I can finally pick up things,” you’ll need a pair of clippers. Because your teeth really need a break.
Now, there’s no real science behind clipping your nails. But it’s best to not trim them too close to the nail bed to avoid bleeding or infection. You chose not to be a doctor for a reason.
Available on Amazon.
2. Nail File
This is the step where you shape your nails. You can choose something classic, like a nice rounded shape. Or, go a little edgy with stiletto or coffin nails.
Shape the nails with a nail file. Ideally, a glass file, which you can wash, sanitize, and reuse over and over. It’s also easier on the nails than emery or metal nail files. And again, still better than your teeth.
3. Polish Remover
Even if you don’t have polish on, you’ll still want to run a cotton ball with nail polish remover over each nail. This gets rid of any oils or dirt buildup on your nails.
Then, wash your hands with soap and water. Before you ask, no, that alone wouldn’t remove all the oils and dirt. Science is always up to some nonsense.
Available on Amazon.
4. Cuticle Care
Cuticle care is likely one of the most overlooked steps of an at-home mani or pedi. But it can really help you get that coveted salon-quality look.
It may be a good idea to start with a liquid cuticle softener and a wooden or plastic cuticle pusher. Especially if your cuticles feel like putting up a fight that day.
In fact, most experts advise against trimming your cuticles, as they do protect your nails from bacteria and keep your nails soft. But if you must, make sure to trim them with smaller cuticle nippers to avoid over-clipping.
Your dog can explain why that’s a bad thing.
Available on Amazon.
5. Exfoliators
It’s time to smooth things out! To soften your skin, either buy or make a hand scrub.
For a DIY scrub, find a recipe that includes an exfoliant (like finely ground coffee or sugar), a moisturizing carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, grapeseed, almond, or jojoba oil), and essential oils of your choice (optional).
Just don’t say essential oils too loudly or a girl from high school will show up in your Facebook messages.
If you are giving yourself a pedi and have stubborn calluses, you can also use a foot file to get the job done.
Available at Ulta.
6. Nail Buffer
Some people choose to buff their nails at the beginning of an at home manicure, or right before applying the polish. Either way, it’s an important step to create a smooth, shiny surface. Your face will be jealous.
Available on Amazon.
7. Moisturizers
Make sure to moisturize your hands and/or feet after a mani or pedi. Do this before applying polish to avoid smudging it.
You can use any highly moisturizing oil or cream. We know giving a hand massage to yourself isn’t quite the same…but let’s just pretend, shall we?
Available at Ulta.
8. Base Coat
Finally, it’s time to get to the nail painting portion of the party!
Give yourself a base coat to protect your natural nails. This will keep your nails hydrated and also prevents chipping.
Available on Amazon.
9. Nail Polish
Next, comes the really fun part – choosing the perfect color. Apply your first coat of the color, wait two minutes, and then apply a second coat of nail polish. Some shades, such as pastels, may require a third coat.
And remember: if decision fatigue sets in, don’t make one at all! You have 10 nails, and they can each get a different color if you want. Follow us for more life advice.
Available on Amazon.
10. Top Coat
Top coats may seem unnecessary, but they help the polish dry faster, make the nail look smoother, and help each nail look more uniform. You’re almost at the end, so don’t give up now!
Available on Amazon.
11. Quick Dry
The next step depends on your patience level. If you’re in a rush, you can use these drying drops. They make nails “wet to set in 60 seconds.”
But you’ve already been working on this manicure for what seems like five days, so what’s a few more minutes? You know you’re not in any rush to get back to those work emails.
Available on Amazon.
Ashley is a Nashville unicorn (born, raised, and based), queer, vegan, and dedicated to leaving a positive impact through her life, work, and her website, Wild Hearted.
When she's not writing, she's traveling, reading a book, trying not to kill her houseplants, worshiping her dog, or having an existential crisis. Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter, and LinkedIn
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