At-Home Manicure and Pedicure Routine

A well-groomed manicure and pedicure can make a big difference in how you feel and present yourself. While it’s nice to treat yourself to a spa visit occasionally, it’s also possible to achieve a salon-worthy look in the comfort of your home. You can have beautiful, healthy-looking nails with just a few simple steps.

Here is a step-by-step guide to an at-home manicure and pedicure routine:

Remove old nail polish

The first step is to remove any old nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover. Acetone can be very drying to the nails and cuticles, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.

Soak hands and feet

Fill a basin with warm water and add Epsom salts and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Soak your hands and feet for 5-10 minutes to soften the skin and relax the muscles. This step is not only soothing, but it also helps to prepare your nails for trimming and filing.

Trim and shape nails

Once your hands and feet have soaked for a few minutes, use nail clippers to trim your nails to your desired length. Make sure to cut straight across and avoid cutting corners, as this can lead to ingrown nails. Use a nail file to shape the nails and smooth any rough edges. If you’re unsure what shape you prefer, a classic oval or square shape is always a safe choice.

Exfoliate

Use a sugar or salt scrub to exfoliate your hands and feet, paying special attention to the cuticles and any rough areas. This step helps to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Moisturize

Apply a rich moisturizing cream or oil to your hands and feet, massaging gently to promote circulation and relaxation. Be sure to apply extra lotion or oil to your cuticles, as this area is prone to dryness and cracking.

Push-back cuticles

Use a cuticle pusher to push back the cuticles on your nails gently. It’s important to be gentle and not push too hard, as this can cause damage to the nail bed. If your cuticles are especially dry, you can also use cuticle oil or cream to help soften and moisturize them.

Apply nail polish

Now comes the fun part! Choose your favorite nail polish color and apply a base coat, two coats of color, and a top coat to seal in the polish and prevent chipping. If you’re new to painting your own nails, take your time and use small strokes to avoid smudging.

Clean up mistakes

If you make any mistakes or smudge the polish, don’t worry! Simply use a small brush dipped in nail polish remover to remove any mistakes or smudges around your nails. This step helps to make your manicure look neat and polished.

Let dry

Allow your nails to dry completely before doing any activities that may smudge the polish. It can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the polish and the humidity in the air. You can speed up the drying process by using a quick-drying top coat or a nail polish dryer.

Enjoy your fresh manicure and pedicure!

Once your nails are dry, take a moment to admire your handiwork. Your hands and feet will look refreshed and ready to take on the day.