Quick & Easy Manicure at Home

Before the pandemic started, many women usually would go to the nail salon every couple of weeks to get a manicure. While nail salons were closed for so long, a lot of people had to do their own nails at home. Many women are still doing their nails at home despite nail salons being open again because it can be more convenient and save a lot of money. I am going to teach you how to do a salon quality, quick manicure at home that takes 30 minutes or less.

Nail clippers (optional)

Nail file

4 way buffer block

Cuticle oil (optional)

Nail strengthening polish/base coat (optional)

Instant drying nail polish

Quick drying top coat

Nail polish remover

The first step is to cut down your nails to the desired length. You can use clippers, but it is optional depending on personal preference. Nail clippers are optional because you can sometimes cut down the nail bed shorter than intended.

• Cut each nail one by one with the nail clippers until you are satisfied with the length.

I would highly recommend filing your nails down and using a nail file to shape your nails to the shape that you like, such as round or square. If you choose not to use nail clippers to trim down your nails, then using a nail file will be your first step.

• Take the nail file and trim down and shape each nail one by one until you have achieved your desired nail shape and length.
  • To get nails square, file the top edge of the nail in a straight line. To get nails round, file straight across then hold file at the nail’s corner and start to file using a smooth rounding motion to pull the file over the corner of the nail to make a rounded shape.

The second step is to buff your nails, preferably using a 4- way buffing block. Using a buffing block is beneficial because it serves four different functions to make your nails seamless before applying polish.

Use side 1: EVEN OUT

Switch to side 2: SMOOTH NAIL

Move on to side 3: BUFF NAIL

Finish with side 4: SHINE NAIL

The third step is optional but very beneficial, applying cuticle oil. There are so many benefits of cuticle oil which include stimulating nail growth, protecting nails and cuticles against trauma, improving the health and appearance of your nails, and can also protect your polish for a long lasting shine.

• Brush cuticle oil onto each nail and massage in for about 10-15 seconds.
• Wash off cuticle oil before applying polish.

The fourth step is optional as well but is also very beneficial, applying a nail strengthening polish or a base coat. Applying a nail strengthening polish is beneficial because it can restore nail damage from acrylics or no-chip polish when nails are weak. The strengthener as a protective, flexible film that reinforces the structure of the nail while also imparting vitamins and nutrients to the nail plate to promote growth. Using a base coat in general prevents polish from actually touching your nails, which keeps them looking healthy for an extended period of time.

• Apply one coat of nail strengthening polish or base coat over clean nails, wait until polish is completely dry before applying color polish.

The fifth step and certainly the most important is applying the polish of your color choice! To do an express manicure, I would recommend using an instant drying nail polish because it obviously dries quickly and you don’t have to sit around waiting for your nails to dry for a long time.

• Apply the first coat of nail polish to each nail and let dry for about five minutes before applying the second coat.
  • If desired, apply a second coat of instant drying polish to each nail and wait another five minutes or so before applying a top coat.

The sixth step in this manicure process is to apply a quick drying top coat after applying your color polish. A top coat is beneficial because it gives a high gloss shine to your nails and makes them feel smooth. It also helps the manicure stay fresh and last longer.

• Apply a single coat of the quick drying top coat polish to each nail and wait 5 to 10 minutes to dry.

STEP 7: Cleaning up nails

The seventh and final step is to clean up any imperfections around your nails, if there are any of course! You can use any generic regular nail polish remover that includes acetone.

• Take a q-tip, nail brush, or any other utensil and dip into nail polish remover to clean an excess nail polish around each nail.

Now your quick and beautiful at home manicure is all complete! Enjoy your nails for up to a week, or maybe even longer ;)!