Most of the year I’m outdoors, working in the garden and yard. Some may think wearing nail polish, when your hands are always in the dirt, is pointless.
Well, I love when my nails are painted. I love the colors, how they make your nails look good, and it even helps hide the dirt under my nails.
Getting your nails done professionally does have it’s benefits, like supporting someone’s livelihood. But, for many, like myself. It’s just not in the budget, you don’t have the time or ability to go in to have it done, afraid of getting a fungal infection or another reason.
For myself, it’s just not something I’d want in my budget considering how often I’d need to go in because I work so much with my hands. They are ALWAYS in the dirt!
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It is possible to do your own manicures at home. Of course they may not look professional, but after some practice and good products they’ll look pretty darn good. The best part, it’s a fraction of the price of a salon.
Before I go on with how to do manicures at home, make sure you are taking care of your nails every day. Stay hydrated, take vitamins/supplements that help improve nails, limit chemicals that touch your hands/nails, exfoliate your hands weekly and lotion your hands nightly before bed.
Two excellent supplements for the health of your nails are; Collagen Peptides, and Olly Beauty.
DIY Manicures at Home
Here’s my routine for giving myself a basic manicure, and polish at home. When I say basic, I mean basic, I try to stay clear of using too much chemicals on my nails. Be sure to check out my favorite products below.
Keep it Organized
Keep all your nail equipment organized in a bag or container. I’m not going to try and sell you on anything here, because honestly you can use whatever you have the ability to get. Whether that’s a Tupperware container, an old makeup bag, or whatever. Just something to keep it all together.
Removal
Start with removing old nail polish, I normally go for nude colors, so it’s pretty easy to remove the old stuff. I typically just use this remover, as it does the job. If you’re needing something a little stronger, this stuff removes all nail polish, it’s 100% acetone. Use cotton balls, pads, qtips or even tissue will work.
Soak
You can do this next step either by soaking your hands in a bowl with warm soapy water(any soap works), or just simply washing your hands with warm soapy water for 3 minutes. Rinse and dry.
Clean up
Get yourself a nail care kit, this is one of the things that makes a huge difference doing your own manicure at home.
After you’ve soaked your fingers and nails. Use the tools to clean under the nail, push back & trim cuticles, and file your nails to the shape you want. The cuticle nipper will be your favorite tool, so don’t lose it.
Polish
It’s nail polish time, I strongly suggest splurging a little on nail polish, it’ll make all the difference. Each polish will last many wears, get a couple each season and they’ll last for years. My favorite brand to buy is Opi, and I also really like the Sally Hensen Gel polish.
Start with a base coat, then add your nail polish and if you want to add a top coat go ahead. I normally don’t though, but that’s my liking. You do you! Just take your time while painting, and wipe away as you go if any goes off the nail. You could also carefully put petroleum jelly on the cuticles with a qtip before you start painting.
Drying
There’s really no need for one of those nail drying machines, and actually they’re not good for you. Just let it air dry. Try this little trick I learned, place your nails under running cold water(low stream) to help them dry quicker.
Other nail products I love:
•Even if you don’t give yourself a manicure at home, a good Cuticle Nail Oil is an essential for anyone. It’s so good for your cuticles, nails, and hands. For under $5 and it last forever it seems!
•If you like designs on your nails, why not try polish pens 12 colors for under $15.
•A nail brush set makes a great addition for your nail collection, this set is 50% off right now!
•Here’s a good dip powder kit, it will definitely save you some money from the salon. Just keep in mind you’ll need 100% acetone to remove it, not regular nail polish.
Do you do your own manicures, or opt to go to the salon? Let me know in the comments.
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