I always like neat and clean nails. When your hands are clean, you have good nail shape and the cuticles do not look dry, then overall your hands look neater.
Earlier I used to think that manicure means only applying nail polish but later I understood that cleaning the nails, setting up their shape and taking basic care of hands is also included.
After knowing about manicure, I understood that it is not necessary to go to a salon every time for this. Simple manicure can be done at home with the help of some basic things. In this article, I am sharing my experience of manicure and the steps which I find useful to keep in my nail care routine.
What is manicure?
Manicure is a method of grooming the hands and fingernails. It may include cleaning the nails, setting their length and shape, taking gentle care of the cuticles and applying nail polish as needed.
The purpose of manicure is not only to make the nails beautiful but also to keep them clean daily. You can keep natural nails as per your choice or apply nail polish on them. Both options can become a part of a simple manicure.
What is needed to do a manicure?
To do a basic manicure at home, you do not need a lot of products. I think the basic things are enough in the beginning.
- Nail polish remover and cotton pads
- Nail cutter
- Nail file
- Warm water
- Clean towel
- Cuticle pusher
- Hand cream and moisturizer
- Cuticle oil if available
- Base coat, nail polish and top coat if you want to apply color
It is not necessary to buy every product. If you just want to clean your nails, then you can start with basic nail care — a nail cutter, file, clean towel and hand cream.
How to do manicure at home?
Remove old nail polish:
First of all, remove the old nail polish from your nails. Apply a little nail polish remover on a cotton pad and clean the color thoroughly. There is no need to rub the nails hard.
Even if you do not wear nail polish, cleaning the nails can be the first step. After using the remover, washing your hands and applying moisturizer is also useful.
Give nails a shape:
Use a nail cutter to reduce the length of the nails as required, after that use a nail file to shape them as per your choice.
In the round or oval nail shape, the tips are curved, whereas the square shape has straight tips. Squoval is a mix of square and oval shapes.
In my opinion, you should choose the shape that suits the natural shape of your nails and your daily routine. Be gentle while filing the nails.
Take gentle care of the cuticle:
Cuticle is the skin present near the base of the nail. It is a part of the protective barrier of the nail area, so handle it gently.
If necessary, after softening the cuticles, they can be pushed back very gently with a pusher. But it is not necessary to cut the cuticles. Pushing them aggressively or using a sharp tool can cause irritation and injury.
Moisturize hands:
After cleaning the nails and hands, the simple step is to apply moisturizer. I find hand cream useful because frequent hand washing can make the skin dry.
Massage the cream gently over your hands, fingers and nails. If you have cuticle oil, then you can apply it as per the instructions of the product.
For me, moisturizing is an important step of nail care because along with clean nails, taking care of the hand skin matters too.
If you want to apply nail polish:
If you like colored nails, then dry your nails before applying nail polish.
Start with the base coat, then apply thin layers of nail polish and finally do the top coat.
Shades like nude pink, milky white and soft brown are good options for daily wear. But the selection of color can depend on personal preference or outfit. Give each layer time to dry. Applying the next coat too quickly can smudge the polish.
How long does it take to do a manicure?
It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to do a basic manicure at home. The exact time depends on your steps, nail polish and experience. If you are just cleaning and filing the nails, it may take less time.
Time at a salon depends on the type of service and nail art. There is a difference between simple manicure and detailed gel manicure, so it is better to confirm the details of the service while booking the appointment.
How many days does a manicure last?
The answer to this depends on what type of manicure you have done. There is no fixed duration for cleaning and shaping of nails.
Nails keep on growing and they may have to be trimmed or filed again as per the need.
Regular polish can chip after a few days whereas gel polish can last longer than normal polish, but the result of polish application may vary as per nail growth and daily activities.
Common mistakes during manicure
It is useful to avoid major mistakes while doing manicure:
- Cutting the cuticles aggressively
- Using a nail file too hard
- Applying a very thick layer of nail polish
- Using dirty or shared tools without cleaning them
- Not moisturizing the skin around the nails
If you get your manicures done at a salon, then pay attention to the cleanliness of the tools. It is also a good habit to avoid sharing your personal nail file and tools. If there is irritation in the surrounding skin, then do not put extra pressure on the area.
Popular Trends of Manicure and Simple Nail Ideas
Everyone’s choice in manicure can be different. Some people like natural nails while some like nail art and gel polish. Sheer pink nails, french tips, chrome finishes and minimal nail designs are also among the popular styles of manicure.
If you are doing manicure at home then you can start with a simple nude polish. If you get a gel manicure at a salon, then first ask about the application process, removal method and charges.
Want to learn more about Jelly Pedicure. Read our guide on Jelly Pedicure: Why Is It Trending?
FAQs
Can manicure be done at home?
Yes, you can clean, trim and file your nails at home, and you can also apply nail polish as per your choice.
Does manicure make nails grow longer?
Manicure keeps the nails clean and shaped but it does not guarantee that the natural growth of the nails will be faster.
What is the difference between manicure and pedicure?
Manicure is the grooming of hands and fingernails while pedicure is the care of feet and toenails.
Can manicure be done without nail polish?
Cleaning nails, sanding and moisturizing hands can be a part of manicure even without nail polish.
Is it necessary to cut cuticles?
No, it is not necessary to cut the cuticles. Take gentle care of them and do not cut them aggressively.
How often should a manicure be done?
There is no fixed rule for this. You can clean and shape your nails according to their growth and personal routine.