DIY, 8-step Manicure

Grab a set of chill out music, a handful of basic tools, and enjoy the stay-in weeknight with a DIY manicure session
Photos courtesy of Media Flair Communications.

WORKING late again with no time for your bi-monthly fix of a manicure services? Pamper your nails right at home with the following steps.

1. Start by trimming your nails to a desired length with a nail cutter or scissor.

2. In order to shape and smooth the edges of your nails, use a nail file. (Tip: Do file nails in one direction from each side of the nail toward the center as this helps in preventing fingernails from splitting.)

3. Proceed to soak fingers in warm water to soften cuticles for about 10 minutes. Pat nails dry, but do leave the cuticles moist.

4. To remove cuticles, apply a cuticle remover before gently pushing back cuticles with a cotton-wrapped cuticle stick or a cuticle pusher. Carefully nip away excess nail cuticle and hangnails. To finish grooming of nails, thoroughly wash off excess cuticle remover and pat dry.

5. Remove any traces from nails before applying nail treatments or color by applying cuticle treatment and massage gently.

6. Before colouring your nails, remember to apply a nail treatment or base coat. It protects your nails, smooth nail surfaces for even application of colour, and help manicures last longer. Then proceed to apply two coats of nail colour.

7. Finish your masterpiece off with a top coat to seal nails and add brilliant shine. When applied between manicures, these top coats add strength and protection, while keeping your nail colours looking shiny and just-applied fresh.

8. Keep hands soft and supple by using hand or foot creme after your brilliantly executed DIY nail manicure!

Read more on how to perform a basic manicure.