Do-it-yourself manicure dos and don’ts

May 10, 2011 7:00 AM by Molly Cerreta Smith

Posted in Beauty & Style / Manis, Pedis & More

DIY Mani Tips

While a perfectly-maintained manicure is a must-have, sometimes you just don't have the time to sit in the salon for an hour. Save yourself the trip (and the cash!), and give yourself a perfect DIY manicure. Here are some do-it-yourself manicure dos and don'ts that will result in a salon-worthy service.

Home manicure

Start your at-home manicure by removing your old nail polish with an acetone remover and soaking/washing your hands with soap and water. Scrub gently underneath your nails with a soft nail brush soaked in warm soapy water. Dry your hands/nails completely with a soft towel that won't leave behind any fuzzies that could get trapped in your polish.

Leave behind any residual soap or it could affect a perfect polish job.

Use a clean, sharp pair of nail clippers to trim your nails slightly longer than you desire your finished manicure to be. (Remember, once you file and buff them, the nails will be slightly shorter than the length you trim them.)

Don't clip your nails beyond the white tips. If the nail bed is exposed, it could cause irritation… and pain. Need we say more?

File the nails on an angle, in long strokes with the file in one direction, creating the shape you crave. Square, oval and the popular squoval (a combo of the square and oval shapes) are ideal for practical, long-lasting manicures.

Use a metal file, which is simply too harsh and could damage your nails.

Buff your nails to create a smooth surface on the nail.

Forget to soften the cuticles with oil or lotion before gently pushing them back with an orange stick or you could damage the cuticle, not to mention hurt yourself. Ouch.