Why do at-home manicures rarely look as good as salon ones? Because most of us rush them, skipping a few crucial steps along the way. It's worth investing time and effort in your nails to keep them strong and healthy, as well as looking good. Equip yourself with the right tools, take the time to follow the essential steps and you'll soon have nails to be proud of.
Take off old colour with an acetone-free nail polish remover, which is less drying.
File and shape nails, filing in one direction only, from the sides to the centre. A square nail with rounded sides is the most break-resistant.
Apply cuticle remover, add a few drops of almond oil to warm water and soak hands for two minutes to soften cuticles.
Push back cuticles gently and snip off any loose skin (but not cuticles - cutting them may cause infections).
Scrub nails with a nailbrush and warm water.
Buff nails with the soft side of an emery board to polish them gently.
Massage in hand cream, wiping nails with a corner of kitchen towel soaked in soapy water to remove any residue.
Start with a base coat (to prevent staining the nail enamel). Let it dry for three minutes, then apply two coats of colour. Work from the base of the nail to the top. Finish with a protective topcoat.
Why do at-home manicures rarely look as good as salon ones? Because most of us rush them, skipping a few crucial steps along the way. It's worth investing time and effort in your nails to keep them strong and healthy, as well as looking good. Equip yourself with the right tools, take the time to follow the essential steps and you'll soon have nails to be proud of.