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Seven Tips for a Successful In-Home Manicure

Today Mary Ann, Annie, and I are joining seven other bloggers for some self-care love. The reality of this pandemic is going to the nail salon isn’t will not happen anytime soon. Part of my self-care routine is to have fresh nails. So, to help me keep some semblance of dignity, I decided to research and buy some at-home manicure products. I have a fabulous manicurist @lynneshort and I will be marching back in to see her as soon as this is over.  I used to do my own toes (pre-Lynne), but I never was able to have a decent manicure until I found Lynne.  I work with my hands all the time and she has developed a system that works for me.  I normally can make a lynne-mani last for two to three weeks unless I do something really drastic like strip furniture. That being said, I decided to do my research and find the best advice and products to attempt a manicure at home.  Here are my seven tips for a successful in-home manicure.

 

7 tips for the pefect at home manicure

 

This article from Glamour 17 Manicure Tips that will Keep your Nails from Chipping is really helpful.

Excessive hand-washing can weaken the nail structure and can cause our cuticles to dry out and crack. While we might be pretty diligent about hydrating our skin, one step that we tend to skip is cuticle oil. According to Deborah Lippmann. “Strong nails begin at the cuticle. Applying an oil daily will help them to grow and prevent cracking. Lippmann also advises her clients to use a softening cream and to gently push back the cuticles using a metal tool once a week.

Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist, agrees that poorly kept cuticles can have a domino effect. “When your cuticles get dry or injured it can injure the nail bed and affect the way your nails grow out,” Dr. Green says. She recommends moisturizing the cuticles with cream or cuticle oil to help protect and strengthen your nails.

TIP #1

USE A CUTICLE OIL OR CREAM 

You might want to check out these articles for more information

Vogues Best Cuticle Oils

Allure’s Best Cuticle Treatments

Good Housekeeping Best Cuticle Oils

cuticle treatments that made the grade

 

TIP #2

DON’T CUT YOUR CUTICLES

When this skin is removed, the nail is left unprotected from bacteria and fungus. Cuticles should never be cut or trimmed as it can lead to infection and ultimately damage the nail. Push back cuticles with a metal cuticle tool once a week.

TIP #3

USE A CRYSTAL FILE

Crystal files are very gentle on the natural nail and with regular use can help prevent splitting and peeling

If you are curious about what nail shape suits you check out this article from Harpers Bazaar on How to Pick the Best Nail Shape.

TIP #4

USE A NON-ACETONE POLISH REMOVER IF POSSIBLE

As far as removers go we should be using a non-acetone product. Nail polish removers are a dime a dozen, but finding one that works without stinking up your entire house or ruining your nails is the trick.  Be advised that you cannot apply nail polish directly over a non-acetone remover it won’t stick “Non-acetone removers leave significant traces of oils on the nail, which you may have to remove with a little alcohol or a little bit of acetone.

You might find these articles helpful:

She Knows Seven Natural Nail Polish Removers

New York Magazine Best Non-Acetone Nail Polish Removers

Byrdie Best Nail Polish Removers

Today’s Best Nail Polish Removers

polish removers

TIP #5

USE A BASECOAT OR STRENGTHENER

It helps the polish stick to your nail more easily and creates a barrier that helps protect your nails from the damaging effects of the nail polish. It prevents staining and peeling, and it will give your polished nails a more even texture.

Thirteen best basecoat for a perfect mani every time-Byrdie

Southern Living Best Base Coats

Stylecaster Best Base Coats

Polish Base coats that mad THE GRADE

TIP #6

APPLY A QUALITY POLISH

Nails Inc. founder Thea Green. says, “The key is to load just enough polish on the brush to cover your nail in one coat.” Her fail-proof technique? Stripe your nail three times: once down the middle, once on each side, and let it dry. Repeat until you get your desired opacity. I have noticed this is what my manicurist Lynne does as well.

Allures 16 best nail polishes and products

 

TIP #7

USE A TOPCOAT

Nail professionals seal all manicures with a topcoat because it helps the color last longer.  Top coats can also help block UV rays from damaging color, protecting it from water and other things your hands regularly touch.

Cosmopolitan Nine Best Topcoats

Rank and Styles 10 Best Topcoats

Allure 8 Best Topcoats

 

polish top coats that made the grade

Below are a few more links on general nail care and polishing that you might enjoy.

My friend Sandra Sallin has a great video on Instagram on doing your own nails that I think you will find fun and informative.

Allure Best of Beauty Nail Care and Polish

Olive and June Maintainance

Thank you for being here and reading Seven Tips for a Successful in Home Manicure.  My nails look better already!

Now pop over and visit my friends.  They have some great self-care tips for all of you.

 

Katrina – The Foxy Kat
 
 
Sheri –Sheri Silver  
 
 
Kelly –Bungalow Blue 
 
 
Janine – Happy Happy Nester 
 
 
 
 
Mary Ann –Classic Casual Home  
 
 
Annie – Most Lovely Things   
 
 
 
 
 

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kat Fox says

    I’m so glad you brought up whether or not to cut your cuticles. I always wondered why nail salon’s do that and it seems like after they do my cuticles tear more. Thank you for your tips. I’m going to try it this weekend!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Kat!

      I am having a hard time keeping my fingernails up, but I am managing with the toenails! Too much gardening!

  2. Lorna says

    I use the Sally Hansen nails and cuticle oil and it really is very good. Ditto the crystal nail file, top coat and base coat. Haven’t painted my nails in weeks though. I always do it myself and it usually lasts about 5 days. I usually use Essence nail polishes but I’ve never seen them in the US.

  3. Dinner party guru says

    Cindy this was great!!! Now I am armed with all I need to improve my hand situation.
    I SOOO miss going to the salon though for a pedicure ~ putting my feet into the beautifully scented water, adjusting the massage chair just right and relaxing for an hour with a good Pinot Grigio… ahhh those were the days.
    Take care friend,
    Amanda

  4. Katie Clooney says

    Great tips (no pun intended), Cindy. I soaked my acrylics off and what a disaster. I heard from a lot of readers that are big fans of Nailtec, so I ordered it and it works wonders. Have a very healthy Mother’s Day, Cindy!

  5. home before dark says

    Love the research and the zeal you bring to topics that you post. However, on the subject of manicures I know that I am in the minority of thinking these chemicals and processes are not for me. I keep my nails trimmed—now shorter than ever because the the virus hand washing thing—and cuticles oiled, often with olive oil or coconut oil. I’ve never liked nail color as I learned more about what they are made of, that did it for me. Add to that the hygiene issues and the diseases that can be “shared” both bacterial and fungal, on top of the fume-created illnesses related to the industry was always scary to me. And then came the latest news: California’s (and perhaps other states, California has just been a leader the virus tracking) super spreaders has been nail salons. So for me, it’s good hand washing, oil and hand lotion and I’m done!

  6. Karen B. says

    Cindy,
    This is great research and information. I miss my pedicure but maybe I’ll at least try to give myself a mani. I appreciate your work on finding valuable information for the ‘best of’ products for us.
    Enjoy your Mother’s Day—possibly a facetime get together, but maybe this isolation will be finished soon.
    xo,
    Karen

  7. Jane says

    Timely post, Cindy! For as much as we are washing our hands, our nails need some TLC. I love a good salon manicure; I agree they last at minimum 2 weeks. I also think right now we need that extra coverage to keep our nails from thinning and breaking. I love Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I’ve used it for years and I keep it right on my end table next to where I relax in the evenings so I mindlessly massage it in. 😀

    I’m off to visit the other ladies!

    Jane😘

  8. Renee says

    During the past 8 weeks?? I have done a lot of work in my yard, garage, house and washing my car (just trying to stay sane and getting stuff done). Gosh, my poor hands have taken a beating. Thank you so much for this post! I needed it!

  9. Kelly says

    Cindy, this is just what I needed!! I stopped trying to give myself manicures because every time I would trim my cuticles, I would get the worst hang nails a couple days later! Excited to try some of the cuticle oils you recommended! xx

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      So happy to hear that Kelly! Thanks for joining us. We love having you!

  10. Annie Diamond says

    Cindy! So many things to think about when going to get a manicure (eventually) or giving yourself one. I need to order many of these products with the exception of cuticle oil. I love mine with essential oils, but I do need a crystal file, a polish remover, base, and topcoat. I had no idea about what to buy and now I do. As someone that uses their hands for all sort of painting and gardening projects like you…I know you are just the person to advise us on what to use!

  11. Cathy says

    I’m so thankful I was forced to do my own CND shellac manicures at home years ago (manicurists are hard to find in the rural areas. Lots of great videos on how todo it!

  12. Holly Boyle says

    Perfect post for these times – we are all getting a little needy when it comes to our nails. I too get gels but now am on my own. I watched the Sandra Sallin video and ran out to buy the Seche Vite top coat. Definitely an improvement over the brand I was using. Love all the other recommendations too and will tag this for reference as I think California will be without manicures for a bit longer. Thanks for the “nail tips”!!!

  13. Barbara at Mantel and Table says

    Great tips Cindy! My nails are so weeny that I have to do dip or at the very least shellac. I do plan to do a post on my at home routine – it’s certainly past time to think about our nails! 😉 Thanks a ton for the inspiration! Hope you have a great Mother’s Day weekend!

  14. Judith says

    Cindy, thanks for all of your research and for sharing. I am confused about something; you say we shouldn’t use an acetone nail polish remover. Okay. But then you say that you can’t paint the nail after using a non-acetone remover because the polish won’t stick. So we are to then use ACETONE to remove the residue? Doesn’t this defeat the purpose? Anyway, I would love to see you do an article on “enhanced” nails, such as acrylic, “dip”, and shellac/gel. I have heard all sorts of things about these, both good and bad, and know that if someone can get to the truth, it is you! So, would you please consider that?

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I know it is confusing, Judith. Apparently a quick swipe of alcohol or acetone will do the trick, no soaking. I think it is also okay as long as you don’t try to apply polish immediately. That is what I did. I will see if I can get my manicurist to help with the nail dilemna. I could never keep polish on or keep my nails from breaking until Lynne started using gels on my nails. I know it isn’t the best thing for you but it is the only thing that works for me. She also adds a strengthened. I rarely have trouble anymore. I am letting my nails take a vacation for another couple weeks but I can’t stand letting my toe nails go!! I don’t need gel on my toenails.

  15. Rosemarie says

    Hi there

    Taking care of hands/nails is so important. Thanks for all the tips. I always like checking OPI new colours – the fun names they have for them.
    I did read in the past articles that said do not push back the cuticle as it is protecting the nail and metal is too hard.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      I do too Rosemarie! I am fascinated with the names they come up with. I wanted to feature some of my favorite new colors but my post was getting too long. I will save that for another post! I know you aren’t supposed to cut the cuticle but many of the articles suggested gently pushing the cuticle back.

  16. Sheri Silver says

    What a great post Cindy! As a food blogger my hands are a MESS – I really hadn’t even thought about doing this for myself but now I have all the info I need! Thanks for including me!

  17. classic casual home says

    Oh, man, Cindy, I am so motivated to take some time to take care of my nails. There are products here that I new to me that I would love to try. GREAT post!
    Mary Ann

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