Getting a professional manicure. Whether you consider nail care to be a necessary part of your monthly maintenance or if it is one of your guilty pleasures, getting a manicure at a salon can be one of the most relaxing things on Earth! But, while I admit that I LOVE getting my nails done at a salon or nail bar, I DO NOT adore the price. Every time I walk into one of these beautifully lit pampering establishments, I cannot help but think about the tremendous portion of my paycheck that is about to exit my bank account with one simple swipe of my debit card.
Ladies, I know we would all love to have the financial freedom of the Kardashian/Jenner clan to get our nails done every week but, as women in the real world, we unfortunately have to tread a tad more on the frugal side of life most of the time, right? I mean, I’ve read that a set of Kim’s signature acrylic nails can set you back as much as $100! I don’t know about you but, my electric bill will have to take priority over glamour 9 times out of 10. Sorry, Kim.
So when a professional manicure is just not in the budget for the month, what can you do when your fingernails are starting to chip and your cuticles are beginning to look like something out of a sci-fi film? You can easily and affordably opt for fabulous DIY version that you can do yourself at home! All you need are a few tools and a few insider nail care tips and you are on your way to gorgeous and affordable nails! In fact, this DIY process can be so rewarding that you may want to never step foot inside of a salon or spa again! Just kidding—Every woman needs to treat herself to a professional pampering session every now and then!
What You will Need for your DIY at Home Manicure:
The Tools:
Cotton balls/q-tips
Nail polish remover
Nail Nippers
Cuticle Scissors
Emory Board
Nail Buffer Block
Cuticle “pusher” tool
Clear nail polish
Regular Nail Polish (optional)
Lotion
Body scrub
Small makeup brush
Step 1: Prep your nails and hands by washing them in soap and water, cleaning underneath your nails to get rid of any dirt and use cotton balls/pads and some nail polish remover to clean your nails and wipe away any of the previous polish.
Step 2: Use the cuticle pushing tool to push back your cuticles (Tip: you may want to try a bottle of cuticle softener. This will make the process easier and less likely to scratch your nail or nail bed). Next, Trim away any unwanted hangnails and clip your nails with nail clippers to your desired length. For a more natural looking manicure, try to keep them on the shorter side. Any polish color that you choose will look amazing with shorter, more defined nails, guaranteed!
Step 3: File your nails with an emory board to even out the jagged corners of your nails and use a buffing block to smooth and polish the surface. This will prepare your nails for the polish and give them a glossy look! Tip: You can get a cheap 4 sided buffer block at your nearest pharmacy or online. This tool is so amazing because it can do so many things at once! With one easy to handle buffing tool, you can prep, file, buff, smooth and add shine to your nails almost instantly. If you are going to do DYI manicures, then this tool is essential.
Step 4: Use a body scrub to buff out and remove any excess or dead skin from your hands. And why not use this step to add a bit more of a luxurious feel to your nail pampering session by using a deliciously scented scrub! I LOVE scented body scrubs with such amazing scents as: apricot, brown sugar, honey, lemon verbena and so many more.
Step 5: Add moisture back to your freshly polished skin and nails by using a handful of lotion.
Step 6: Apply an even coat of clear polish to your nails and allow them to dry.
Step 7: Apply a coat of your polish and allow to dry. (Add a second coat of polish if you choose). Follow this by adding a thin layer of clear polish to set the polish and allow to dry evenly and thoroughly.
Step 8: Take that small makeup brush, dip it in nail polish remover and remove trouble spots or excess polish.
Step 9: You’re Done!
