Seven Tips for a Achieving a Successful In-Home Manicure
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing like a fresh manicure to make you feel polished and put-together, but frequent trips to the salon can be time-consuming and pricey. Currently I do not do my own nails. I love my nail salon here in Paso Mingee Nails. They are a hard working smart Vietnamese couple who operate a very professional nail salon. I know many of you choose to do an at-home manicure ( I did during Covid) so I decided to do my research and find the best advice and products to attempt a healthy manicure at home. I’ve picked up a few simple tricks to keep my nails looking neat and elegant right at home if I have to. Whether you’re prepping for a special event or just want to feel a little more pulled together day-to-day, these easy tips will help you achieve a beautiful, salon-worthy manicure without ever leaving your bathroom if you choose not to. Let’s chat about Seven Tips For Achieving a Successful In-Home Manicure
Seven Tips for a Achieving a Successful In-Home Manicure
TIP #1-For Achieving a Successful In-Home Manicure
USE A CUTICLE OIL OR HAND CREAM
Cuticle oils and or creams keep the cuticles and the surrounding skin healthy and moisturized preventing excessive dryness, damage and infections. They can also help strengthen nails and promote healthy growth by improving circulation and delivering nutrients. The addition of Vitamin E is a plus. 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.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.
Why You Should be Using Cuticle Oil Regularly-Real Simple
Does Cuticle Oil Acutally Help your Nails Grow
Left to Right: Cuccio ,Deborah Lippman, Huele Verte
Left to Right: OPI Pro Spa, CND Solar Oil, Ella & Mia
TIP #2-For Achieving a Successful In-Home Manicure
DON’T CUT YOUR CUTICLES
Avoid cuticle removers. When the excess cuticle is removed, the nail is left unprotected from bacteria and fungus. Cuticle nippers should never be used. If you cut or trim the cuticles it can lead to infection and ultimately damage the nail. Soak your nails in a bowl of warm water then push back the cuticle area with a cuticle softener and or with a metal cuticle pusher.
The Danger of Cutting Your Cuticles-University of Utah
TIP #3-For Achieving a Successful In-Home Manicure
USE A CRYSTAL FILE
File nails with crystal files. They 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 OPI on How to Pick the Best Nail Shape for your Hands here.
TIP #4-For Achieving a Successful In-Home Manicure
USE A NON-ACETONE NAIL POLISH REMOVER IF POSSIBLE
When it comes to nail polish removers, opt for a non-acetone formula. While there are plenty of options out there, the key is finding one that’s effective without damaging your nails. Try not to soak nails or to leave your home smelling like a chemical lab. One important note: you can’t apply polish directly after using a non-acetone remover. These removers often leave behind oily residue that prevents the polish from adhering properly (who knew?). To ensure a long-lasting manicure, swipe your nails with a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or pad to remove old polish, or just a touch of acetone to clean nails before applying polish.
You might find these articles helpful:
Cosmopolitan 10 Best Polish Removers the won’t Ruin Your Hands
Martha Stewart How to Remove Nail Polsih Without Nail Polish Remover
The Knew New-Best Non-Toxic Nail Removers
Left to Right: Ella Mia, Karma Naturals, Londontown
Left to Right: Sundays Oil Polish Remover, Olive and June Acetone Free Remover, Zoya Remove
TIP #5-For Creating a Successful In-Home Manicure
USE A BASE COAT OR STRENGTHENER
Don’t skip the first coat—it’s the foundation of a great manicure. Think of it as primer for your nails. It smooths the surface, helps the polish adhere better, and most importantly, it protects your natural nails from staining—A good base coat can also strengthen your nails and extend the life of your manicure, keeping everything looking neat and polished just a little longer. Many like the Sally Hansen Double Duty version below can also work as a top coat eliminating the need for two separate products.
TIP #6-For Creating a Successful In-Home Manicure
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 with thin coats: “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 does as well.
TIP #7-For Creating a Successful In-Home Manicure
USE A TOP COAT
Nail professionals seal all manicures with a topcoat for durability. Top coats can also help block UV rays from damaging color, (particularly if it is white or a neutral color) protecting it from water and other things your hands regularly touch.
Cosmopolitan Nine Best Topcoats
Left to Right-Seche Vite, Essie Gel Top Coat, Sally Hansen Double Duty
Left to Right: Olive and June, Gitti High Gloss Top Coat, OPI Infinite Shine
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.
This article from Glamour 17 Manicure Tips that will Keep your Nails from Chipping is really helpful.
If you want to update your nail colors you might enjoy my post:
Top 2025 Trending Nail Colors Women Over 50 Will Love
You can find all of my beauty and self care posts here if you would like to catch up!
Thank you for being here and reading Seven Tips for Achieving a Successful in Home Manicure. With just a little time and the right tools, a salon-worthy manicure at home is absolutely achievable. These seven tips are all about making the process simple, enjoyable, and effective—so you can feel polished and put together without ever leaving your house. My nails look better already! Do you have any polishes or products that you favor? Please share them in the comments,
Loved the article on manicures and nail care. I began having what they call paronychia which is a nail/finger inflammation so often that I really am learning that the cuticle protects us from this and needs to be kept hydrated and intact. I bought a nail oil you’ve suggested and am trying to keep my hands from too much washing but I hate the gloves I’ve found in the past to use. My hands are constantly in water…and I love gardening in my flower bed and landscaping in general where I wear gloves. Are there any more comfortable gloves to wear while cleaning my house? My dogs? I wash 4 times after my skincare applications..even foundation! My 60 year old self needs can’t stay out of the water! Ha!
I use tons of aquaphor, cheap white cotton gloves and then rose garden gloves (very long) and my hands look better after pulling weeds than before I started. With wet chores, I use the same routine with Casabella “rubber” gloves, they’re my favorite. I’m clumsy but get I used to it. I am a retired nurse and also find using hand sanitizer is much easier on my hands than soap and water, for most handwashing. I use lots of it and do it for the 20 seconds.
Nancy
Thanks for the great tips!!
Thank you for the great article and information. I only use Deborah Lippmann and it works for me. Also, the tips on crystal files and cuticles. I had not heard cutting the cuticles was so damaging.
After a very long time, Cindy, I got out my nail box of curiosities today… and found all sorts of items to do my own manicure this afternoon , when I knew I would be still and not ruin the whole event. Firstly , I enjoyed Sandra Sallin’s video, and then lined up my supplies. I have brittle short nails, and I use OPI nail & cuticle oil daily, so just a touch up filing was required. The results are not as straight across as Sandra’s , but acceptable. I used a base & bottom coat combo by OPI…”Start to Finish” …and to match my professional monthly pedicure…used ZOYA Sipsey…a peachy tone that suits me. Feeling very posh with this outcome looking so good, and my hand wrinkles and age blobs are not so apparent…another tip from Sandra. I have been having pedicures with the same excellent esthetician, now friend, since moving here in 2016 , due mostly to in grown bits that cause pain if not dealt with safely. It became apparent years ago , that not only could I not deal with the problem successfully, but I wasn’t even able to comfortably reach my toes!
Money goes to my feet , so if I am successful with a decent manicure, I definitely win this battle. Glad you gave us so much good information, Cindy.
I can’t trust the way manicurists shape my nails. They either want to make them too square or too pointed and I prefer squoval so I do them myself. One product that I use and is easy to find is the Sally Hansen cuticle massage cream. Rather than an oil, I use this on my cuticles most nights at the same time I use my Laneige lip sleeping mask. I find I am better about wearing gloves when washing dishes, gardening, etc. when I have polish on so it’s a good motivator. Thanks for the review!
I really like Mineral Fusion nail products. Very non-toxic and wonderful colors with a good remover, base and top coats.
Great information, thank you!
Great post. My nail salon is also owned by a lovely, hardworking Vietnamese couple. An interest and sweet story is how Tippi Hedren was instrumental in starting so many Vietnamese immigrants in the nail business here. Here’s the link. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32544343
CND cuticle oil really works, applied regularly grows healthier and longer nails. I use this all the time. I enjoyed your article, well written and researched.
I always got a gel manicure every 2 weeks because my nails grow so fast. Recently I’ve been getting modified Russian manicures with Luminary base coat, it’s a builder gel. They do remove excess cuticles and really clean up the area around your nails. I was terrified the first couple times, my hairstylist assured me I would love it and I do trust her. It looks so great and lasts so well, even with yard work and lots of cleaning. We were just on a month long trip and my manicure held up absolutely perfectly. Otherwise, I go every 3 weeks mainly because because I like shorter nails. It’s a little more expensive and takes longer. But my hands have never looked better and my nails are so strong. I have a light and everything to do it myself but it just doesn’t hold up well, maybe 5 days.
Cindy, another great article. However, in my experience, Sally Hanson nail hardening polishes (which work!) require acetone polish removers.
Great post, Cindy! Love the research and suggestions for cuticle oils. I started using Kur nail polish and love it. I have a similar salon in Oro Valley, AZ. Amazing pedicures and spring for a mani a couple of times a year! As always, thank you for the inspiration! Anna in AZ ❤️🌵
Awesome post. My tip is to wear gloves when gardening and scrubbing etc. I agree about not cutting cuticles! I only get my nails done 1 or 2x a year but I have to stop the person doing y nails from cutting my cuticles! Not sure why they think that is good.
Hi Rory
Excellent tip about gardening and scrubbing! I like to have a neutral polish in the summer and it can yellow with dirt, so I always wear gloves! My nail salon is really careful about not soaking ones nails too long and they do not cut my cuticles! That is why I love them! They are the most professional salon I have ever been to.
GREAT ARTICLE!
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!
Hi Kat!
I am having a hard time keeping my fingernails up, but I am managing with the toenails! Too much gardening!
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.
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
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!
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!
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
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😘
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!
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
So happy to hear that Kelly! Thanks for joining us. We love having you!
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!
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!
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”!!!
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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