Manicure tutorial from A to Z. How to do a manicure at home - stylish, beautiful, fashionable

Hands that have not seen a manicure for a long time are one of the main signs of an unkempt woman. Knowing how to learn how to do your own manicure, you can look well-groomed without extra costs.

A manicure must be done every 7-10 days, you can do the procedure yourself - you just need to choose the right tools, they must be made of surgical steel. After purchasing, the cutting tool must be sharpened; this should be entrusted to a professional.

Find out how to learn how to do your own manicure as well as in a salon.

The following tools and tools are required.

  1. Nail file, preferably made of glass. Metal is very damaging to the nail plate; such files can cause delamination.
  2. Buff for polishing plates.
  3. Well sharpened scissors. To remove excess skin and hangnails, I use devices with rounded ends. To shape and adjust the length, straight scissors are needed.
  4. Metal tweezers for cutting cuticles during a classic manicure.
  5. A glass or wood stick will help to gently push back the cuticles using the untrimmed method. Additionally, you will need products in the form of oil or gel that will help remove excess skin.
  6. Liquid without acetone, cotton pads for removing old nail polish.
  7. Oil cuticle softener - it should be applied a quarter of an hour before the start of the procedure.
  8. Protective base, varnish, fixative.

Additionally, you will need hand cream, means for preparing a bath, and a small towel.

How to learn how to do a manicure yourself: stages of the procedure

The classic manicure technique consists of 4 stages; the main difference between the trimmed and untrimmed method is the cuticle removal methods. All stages of the procedure must be started with the left hand.

How to do a manicure?

  1. Correction of the shape of the nail plate - give the desired length and shape using scissors and a nail file. Only dry nails can be filed; the file should be held strictly perpendicular, all movements should be directed in one direction.
  2. Steaming. When doing a trim manicure, your nails must be steamed so that the cuticle becomes soft. You can make a healthy and nutritious bath from the following ingredients: add 35 ml of olive oil, 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil to 30 g of sea salt, pour hot water over everything, keep your hands in the solution for about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Cuticle removal. On each finger, carefully push excess skin to the base of the nail plate with the blunt side of the stick, and use the sharp end to remove any remaining skin under the nail and near its base. Remove nicks and hangnails with tweezers. The skin should be bitten off, not torn off, movements should be frequent and small. For an unedged manicure, it is enough to apply a special oil or gel to the cuticle and area under the nails, and then remove the remaining product with a wooden stick.
  4. Polishing the nail. This procedure will help make the plate smooth and the varnish will last longer.
  5. Varnish coating. First you need to apply a base or protective coating. After complete drying, cover the nails with decorative varnish, then apply a fixative.

A girl’s well-groomed hands and neat manicure are considered an essential component of an ideal female image. During communication, others pay attention to the condition of the nails and hands, and based on this, they determine how neat the lady is.

Although nowadays, most representatives of the stronger sex also take care of the condition of their nails, which is a good trend. After all, it’s much nicer to see people have a perfect manicure, rather than dirt under their nails.

You should do a manicure and take care of your own fingers first, because this is the only way to preserve the health of your nails. It is necessary to perform ordinary hygiene procedures: remove dirt from under the nails, take baths, trim hangnails and cuticles. And then the appearance of the marigolds will please the eye.

Beauty salons offer a variety of manicure types. In order to choose the most optimal way to tidy up your fingers, you need to familiarize yourself with the main points of each type:

What tools are needed for a quality procedure?

In order for your nails to always look well-groomed, you need a certain set of specialized tools. You can purchase them individually or as a complete manicure set. In the latter case, you should pay attention to the presence of all the necessary equipment:

How to properly do a classic manicure at home

It is quite possible to learn how to do a manicure at home yourself. After all, it is not always possible to visit beauty salons. Trimming a manicure at home is not difficult, you just need to know the basic steps of the procedure:


The main advantage of a classic trimmed manicure is the ability to quickly and easily get your nails in order.

Hardware manicure – modern technology

For those with very delicate hand skin or those who find trimmed manicures unacceptable, a hardware manicure is perfect. The procedure is performed with a device in the form of a small milling machine.

This type of manicure can be performed in a beauty salon or at home. Specialists in the salon use professional tools. To work at home, you can choose a semi-professional or home device.

Recommendations for performing hardware manicure:

  1. When using the tool yourself, you should choose a high-quality device and be sure to study the technology of nail treatment using this method;
  2. The procedure is performed on dry skin. If the cuticle was very hard and was pushed back using the classical method, then your hands should be thoroughly dried;
  3. During the procedure, you should choose a low speed and hold the tool at an angle of 45 degrees to the nail. The cutter is moved from the center to the edges;
  4. In order for the milling machine to last for a long time, it is necessary to take breaks during operation.
  5. It is recommended to perform hardware manicure 2 times a month.

Before performing a hardware manicure, you need to make sure that there is no damage to the nails and surrounding skin. Otherwise, this procedure is contraindicated.

Subtleties of decorative manicure with gel polish

Of course, the main achievement of the nail industry over the past time is the creation of gel polishes. This coating is considered the most popular and fashionable in beauty salons.

Gel polish can stay on nails for up to 30 days if you strictly follow the correct application technology. At the same time, the varnish does not crack, does not lose its shine, and the nail plate is protected.

The main stages of applying gel polish:

  1. Do a manicure in any convenient way. However, it is preferable to choose a European or hardware manicure, since gel polish should not be applied to wet nails;
  2. Smooth with a file and clean the edge of the nail from dust;
  3. Remove the glossy layer from the nail plate using a buff (a fine-grain file). This is done for better adhesion of the gel polish to the nail;
  4. Primer treatment (a means for degreasing the nail plate);
  5. Apply a thin layer of base varnish and place the nail in a special lamp to dry the coating;
  6. Applying colored gel polish in 2 or 3 layers, drying each layer in a lamp;
  7. Coating the nails with a thicker layer of finishing varnish;
  8. Removing the sticky layer with a special degreaser. After this, your nails will acquire a beautiful glossy shine.

The main advantages of a gel polish manicure: durable coating, ease of application of the coating on nails, glossy shine of the varnish until the coating is removed.

French chic - a classic of the genre

French manicure is the most famous type of nail design. Looks elegant on any nail shape. A traditional manicure involves covering the nails with pink or beige varnish, and highlighting the edge of the nail plate with white varnish in the shape of a crescent.

How to do a French manicure correctly? Let's consider the stages of its application:


French manicure is always relevant and fits any style.

The excellent condition and appearance of hands and nails is an indicator of the well-groomed and neat nature of any girl. Therefore, you should pay special attention to manicure and always take care of your nails.

The following video clearly and in detail shows how to properly do a manicure at home.

Every girl should know that women's hands certainly attract the attention of others. That is why they should always be beautiful and well-groomed. It is not always possible to visit a nail service specialist, so any girl should be able to perform a regular manicure at home. In this article we will talk in detail about how to learn how to do a home manicure from scratch, and also give some simple examples of doing a home manicure.

Necessary tools for performing a home manicure

IMPORTANT! So, before you start doing a manicure at home, you need to make sure that all the tools are available and properly prepared.

In order to perform a manicure at home, you need the following tools:

  1. Nail file. Currently, there are a huge number of different types of nail files. However, you should remember that to perform a home manicure, just one will be enough. But it should be perfectly matched to your nails. In order to choose the right nail file, you need to follow one simple rule: The thinner the nail plate, the finer the abrasive coating of the file should be.
  2. Polishing buff. A polishing buff is a special rectangle made of soft material intended for polishing the nail plate. This process may seem unnecessary to some, but competent nail technicians never neglect it. They know that only on a high-quality polished nail the coating lays as evenly as possible and lasts longer.
  3. Nail clippers. Instead of scissors, it is better to give preference to wire cutters. They are needed to carefully trim the overgrown cuticle. However, modern versions of wire cutters are multifunctional. They have the ability to both adjust the length and trim the cuticle.
  4. Cuticle sticks. It is preferable to choose sticks made from orange wood, but nowadays it is increasingly difficult to find a quality product. However, if you wish, you can search and find a really high-quality item.
  5. Nail polish remover. You should not fall for the tricks of marketers and buy expensive liquid with any additives to strengthen your nails. It's all a hoax! No nail polish remover strengthens the nail or saturates it with microelements and vitamins. Therefore, you can buy the most common, inexpensive one.
  6. Cuticle remover. Another thing you really can’t do without when doing a manicure. This product softens overgrown cuticles and helps to better clean the nail plate.

Of course, this is not the entire list of manicure accessories. In specialized salons they can offer you a lot of different accessories. However, if you have just decided to start mastering all the intricacies of manicure art, then the set listed above will be more than enough for you.

Typical mistakes when performing a home manicure

Before you go directly to the step-by-step instructions for performing a manicure at home, you need to familiarize yourself with the typical mistakes that beginners make and try to eliminate them in the future.

Excessive polishing of the nail plate. Beginners tend to over-polish their nails, thereby seriously damaging the nail plate. There must be moderation in everything!

Trimming nails with scissors. Professional nail technicians know that cutting the length with scissors too often can lead to splitting of the nail plate. To avoid this, it is recommended to use a file to shorten the length of your nails.

Cutting the skin along the nail fold. A typical mistake of all beginners is cutting off the skin near the roller. This, of course, cannot be allowed, since after cutting the skin begins to dry out and crack. The rough skin must be treated with a nail file and then spread with a softening cream or oil.

Step-by-step instructions for performing a home manicure


A woman's calling card is beautiful, well-groomed hands. To get a manicure, you don’t have to go to a salon; you can do the procedure at home. The main thing is to purchase the necessary tools and follow the recommendations.

Home manicure technique

Mastering the intricacies of manicure is not difficult. First, select your tools:

  1. Knipser with sharpened blades. He easily bites off his nails.
  2. Cuticle nippers to create a trim manicure. Choose small-sized models that fit comfortably in your hand and do not cause discomfort when working.
  3. (another name is trimmer). Most often double-sided, made of a metal alloy. On one side there is a spatula for pushing back the cuticle. The other edge is pointed; it is used to remove dirt from under the nails or a thin layer of cuticle attached to the nail plate.
  4. Nail scissors. Straight ones are designed to shape the length and shape of nails, and rounded ones are designed to remove cuticles.
  5. Orange sticks made of soft, but at the same time dense material. With their help, you can easily remove the cuticle without damaging the surface of the nail.
  6. 180 grit file, ideal for shaping natural nails. And - a polishing file with different grain sizes. You need to start polishing the nail with the largest one, ending with the smallest one. Don't get carried away with polishing. For those with healthy nails, 1-2 times a month is enough.

Photo gallery: necessary tools for the procedure

Using a nail clipper, you cut the nail at an angle of 90°, preventing it from splitting
The tool must be of high quality, durable and lightweight. Buy pushers made of hypoallergenic steel. They are comfortable and will last a long time
Give preference to nail scissors made of medical steel
The material from which orange sticks are made has antiseptic properties.
The surface of the file should display the grit

You will also need a deep bowl, a towel, nail polish remover, cotton wool, and moisturizing oil. If you want to do an unedged manicure, then buy a cuticle softener.

Now you need to select a form. By choosing it correctly, you can make your nails visually longer and your fingers more graceful. Remember that all nails must be the same length, otherwise it will be obvious.

Features of edged manicure

Wash your hands with soap and remove old nail polish. Spread a towel on the table and place a bowl of warm water. If desired, add a little liquid soap to the water. Now start the procedure:

  1. If you are right-handed, start your manicure with your left hand. Place your hand in the bowl and hold for a few minutes.
  2. Remove your little finger from the water, dry it with a towel, and use a trimmer to move the cuticle to the base of the nail.
  3. Clean the nail plate from rough skin. Use cuticle clippers or special nail scissors to carefully trim the cuticle.
  4. Repeat the same procedure with the remaining fingers (start with the little finger and end with the big).

After treating your left hand, change the water. Place your right hand into it. Carry out the manipulations that you did with the left one. After this, polish your nails and apply oil to the cuticles, thoroughly rubbing into each finger.

If you don't want to use colored polish, apply a base or clear coat to protect your nail surface from the harmful effects of detergents and powders.

Video: DIY trim manicure

Features of the unedged version

In beauty salons they do hardware unedged manicures. If you don't have a special device, it doesn't matter. Making it unedged is quite simple.

The essence of the method is that the cuticle is not cut, but softened and pushed back. To soften the cuticle, a remover is used - a product based on alkali or acid. An acid-based remover should not be left on the cuticles for more than two minutes. Alkaline removers are more gentle, but their effect is noticeable only after 15–25 minutes.

Advantages of unedged manicure:

  1. The action of the remover occurs in 1.5 – 20 minutes, depending on the composition. In any case, there is no need to wait for the skin and nails to dry, as is the case with the use of softening baths.
  2. The simplicity of this manicure also makes it popular. Even a beginner can handle applying the remover and then removing the cuticle, even on his own hands.

However, there are also disadvantages:

  1. There is a risk of damaging the nail plate. A remover is a certain chemical composition that, in addition to keratinized areas of the skin, can also corrode the nail plate at the base, and this is dangerous.
  2. Tissue burns and plate splitting are possible. Therefore, it is not recommended to use potent drugs containing aggressive acids at home.

Before the procedure, wash your hands and wipe dry. There is no need to soak the brushes in water. Actions during the procedure:

  • apply remover to the cuticle;
  • starting with the little finger, use a special ceramic hoof or an orange stick to push back the skin and clean the nail plate;
  • remove the softened skin and give the nails the desired shape;
  • wash your hands and wipe your nails with a piece of cotton wool and an alcohol solution to degrease the nail plate;
  • Apply regular or clear varnish.

The main advantage of an unedged manicure is that there is no pain associated with cutting the cuticle, and the risk of infection is minimized.

Video: unedged manicure at home

Secrets of sustainable coating

When doing a manicure, every woman dreams that it will last as long as possible. It has long been noted that with an unedged manicure, cosmetics stay on the nails longer than with a trimmed one.

On polished and degreased nail plates, the polish adheres better and lasts longer. The main thing is not to be overzealous when polishing your nails so as not to damage them.. Degrease with alcohol solutions. Soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and wipe each nail thoroughly.

The quality of the varnish is also important. It is better to buy products from well-known companies. If you bought a polish that lasts a long time, store it in a dark and preferably cool place, such as the refrigerator.

Do not shake the bottle before applying the polish to your nail. The coating will lie on the surface unevenly and cause bubbles to appear. It's better to roll the bottle between your palms before opening it.

One layer of varnish is not enough, but three or more is already too much. The best option is two layers. Before applying polish, cover your nails with a protective coat or base coat. When it's dry, apply varnish. Apply the second layer no earlier than after 5–10 minutes; Allow the first layer to dry, otherwise there is a risk of wrinkling. If something goes wrong and defects appear, then the varnish must be erased and everything must be started again.

At the finish, apply a fixer to the nails. Allow the polish to dry for 15 minutes before starting your daily routine. Don't rush - and then everything will work out.

Do your homework with gloves. This will extend the life of the manicure and also protect the skin of your hands from the harmful effects of detergents.

To make your manicure look fresh, apply a coat of topcoat every few days.

Video: how to make nail polish stay on your nails for a long time

Design ideas

The easiest way to apply polish is to apply a single color coat on all nails. If you want variety, paint each nail with a different color of polish or highlight only some of your fingers.

Appeared in the middle of the last century, it quickly gained popularity among women of all ages. You don’t have to limit yourself to white varnish; bright colors are also suitable for a French coat.

You can easily make a chess manicure at home that looks original. You will need black and gold varnish, paper tape and a fixative. First, coat your nails with black polish and let them dry. Using tape, cover the nail so that only a quarter remains free, onto which gold varnish is applied. When it dries, do the same manipulations with the second quarter.

Lunar manicure looks luxurious. You will also need paper tape for this, as well as a thin manicure brush.

Using a thin manicure brush, you can apply a stunning polka dot manicure.

Your nails will be admired if you cover them with medium-sized colorful polka dots.

Apply a simple design to your nails. First, practice on paper, and then start drawing on your nails. Try to apply the picture not to all the nails, but to select only a few.

Don't forget to cover the polish with a sealer at the end to preserve your manicure for a long time.

Modern manicure has turned into a work of art. But even simple, neatly painted nails with a single color varnish evoke admiration. By following simple recommendations, you will get a high-quality manicure that will delight you for a long time.

Not to ignore the basics of any good manicure, we decided to show you how easy it is to do a manicure at home, step by step.

Have you already splurged on beauty treatments at a high-end salon? Give yourself a beautiful manicure. Knowing how to take care of your nails yourself can not only save you from spending money, but also make you a beauty expert. Doing your own manicure is easy and doesn’t take much time, you just need to learn how. You can do your manicure at home every week. Our beginner's tutorial will show you all the procedures in detail step by step. You can also watch a video at the end, which will be even more informative. If you want, you can watch it and find out all the information directly from there.

No matter how expensive the nail polish you buy, unless and until you take care of your nails, they will not be luxurious and attractive.

Follow these steps to learn how to do a beautiful manicure at home.

Step 1: Tools

To do your own manicure at home, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You may have to do some shopping to complete the entire set. Once you have a complete set of tools, you won't have to worry about this in the future the next time you do your nails at home.

Here's what you'll need:

  • Nail polish buff
  • Nail trimmer
  • Cuticle trimmer
  • Cotton pads
  • Nail polish remover
  • Nail clippers
  • Nail file
  • Nail polish
  • Hand cream
  • Primer
  • Upper layer

Step 2: Preparation

You need to choose a place. Both nail polish remover and nail polish itself can damage fabric, wood trim or carpet. You may also accidentally stain your clothes, so wear an old T-shirt and remove your rings. Lay down paper or an old cloth to protect the table surface.

Before you start doing your manicure, make sure you have everything ready.

Step 3: Cleaning your nails

Remove old nail polish. Soak a cotton pad and gently apply it to your nails. Sometimes nail polish becomes too hard to remove quickly. In this case, place a cotton pad on your nails for a while to easily remove the old polish completely.

Do not use acetone to remove old polish as it damages your nails.

Step 4: Sharpening your nails

After removing the old nail polish, it's time to treat your nails. Use nail clippers to trim your nails. Don't file your nails too short. Shape your nails into the desired shape, rectangular or cone-shaped, as per your choice. For a better understanding, we have added a video tutorial so you can see how a specialist treats his nails. Try to create smooth lines without corners, otherwise you will end up with uneven nail growth.

The nail shapes for the manicure will be determined at this stage. But this is not enough to know what a manicure is and the different types of manicure, you also need to know how to properly adjust your nails.

Step 5: Polish your nails

Now use a nail buffer. Polish the surface gently until it is smooth. However, do not polish too much as this will weaken your nails.

Polishing your nails is an important step in a manicure, so make sure you invest in a good nail buffer.

Step 6: Soaking Nails

Take a bowl, fill it with warm water with a few drops of soap and soak your hands in it for a few minutes. The soap solution helps remove dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of the nail while softening the cuticle.

Keep in mind that if your nails are fragile, instead of soaking them, simply rinse them.

Step 7: Forming the Cuticle

First, apply cream or oil to the cuticles. Then carefully move it away using a special spatula or an orange stick. Never cut your cuticles and always be careful when preparing them for a manicure. Due to the removal of cuticles, the skin around the nails can become easily vulnerable.

Step 8: Applying Cream

Now use body lotion and massage on both hands. If your hand skin is dry, use a moisturizer. Avoid contact with water or detergent for at least half an hour to allow your nails to absorb the lotion well.

Moisturizing your nails guarantees you healthy nails and a beautiful manicure.

After going through all these manicure steps, watch this video for a better understanding of the entire manicure process!

Manicure at home - video tutorial

We hope you found this article on how to do a manicure at home useful. You will no longer spend money on salons, as you can get a beautiful manicure without leaving your home.

Related publications