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These days, each trip to the nail salon feels like highway robbery — how is a mani this expensive now?! Plus, the appointments are a hassle. If you’re on the same page as us, it just might be time to give an at-home manicure a go. Consider this your complete guide to how to do your nails at home, so you can give yourself an exquisite manicure for a fraction of the price.

Gather Your Supplies

Our Favorite At-Home Manicure Products

To start you off on the right foot — or should we say hand? — we have some excellent product recommendations. Get one — or all — to make your DIY manicure a breeze. 

Our favorite gentle nail polish remover: Cutex Care Strength Shield Liquid Nail Polish Remover

Durable and powerful nail clipper set: Japonesque Fingernail and Toenail Clippers

A luxe glass cuticle pusher: Butter London Signature Glass Cuticle Pusher

The most reliable base and top coat duo: OPI Nail Lacquer Combo Top and Base Coat

The gorgeous cuticle oil we can’t get enough of: Blossom Honeysuckle Cuticle Oil

Make your life easier with this gel manicure kit: Le Mini Macaron Maxi Rouge and Moi Gel Manicure Kit

And here are some of the most cute and tres chic nail polish colors to use:

• A timeless and elegant pink: OPI Bubble Bath Nail Lacquer
• A futuristic special effects polish: Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Nail Polish
• A sparkly cool color: China Glaze Good Luxe Charm Nail Lacquer
• A rich brown hue: Olive & Jane CN Espresso Brown Long Lasting Polish

Follow These Steps For Your At-Home Manicure

Here we are! An at-home manicure isn’t tough if you take your time, so be patient. 

1. Clean Nails ‘Til They Sparkle

Use Cutex Nail Polish Remover with a cotton pad to wipe off old polish. After, give your nails a gentle scrub with soap and warm water, and dry thoroughly. Your nails should feel clean and fresh before you start the manicure. 

2. Shape Nails to Perfection

Using nail clippers and a file, cut, trim, and shape your nails however you please. The ideal length depends on your nails and your preference. Some options include square, round, ballerina, coffin, and stiletto. File gently to avoid breaking a nail, and run your fingers across a piece of fabric to check for snags. 

3. Soak Your Hands for Softness

Soak hands in a bowl of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the cuticles and skin. This step isn’t necessary, but it makes it much easier to trim your cuticles and manipulate the skin around your nails. You can add a bit of soap or essential oils for a spa-like touch because we know you are fancy, girl.

4. Exfoliation and Moisturization Station

Now for a quick stop at the Exfoliation and Moisturization Station! Use a hand scrub or brush to gently exfoliate your skin and clear away any dust from filing. This is a great moment to really scrub beneath the nails to remove any hidden dirt. Use an exfoliator or a DIY sugar scrub to soften hands. Next, use your fave hand cream or lotion to lock in moisture.

5. Take Care of Those Cute Cuticles

People always overlook the cuticles, but this is an essential step for a professional-level manicure. Use a cuticle pusher to gently glide back your softened cuticles until they’re flush against your skin. If a cuticle’s being stubborn, soak your hands for longer in warm water. And if it’s still resistant, it’s best to just leave it. Tearing it will make your manicure look worse and could cause an infection.

6. Let the Base Drop

Please-please-please don’t skip the base coat! We know you’re excited to get to the main event — the color! — but the base coat is super-duper necessary. Apply a thin layer of your clear base coat, being sure to get edge to edge. This coat protects your nails and prevents staining. Now, practice some patience and let the coat dry — it should only take 5 minutes. 

7. Paint the Rainbow

Okay, now the part you’ve all been waiting for. It’s actually not that exciting, sorry. Using the color of your choice, apply a thin coat on top of the base coat. Make sure it’s a thin coat, or it won’t dry properly and will smudge. Give the polish a few minutes to dry, then do another coat. Two might be fine, but depending on the polish and your desired look, you may want to do more. Just take your time, letting each coat dry before doing the next. 

8. Top It All Off

Now, seal in that lovely color and add shine with a top coat. The top coat helps prevent chipping and adds that beautiful sheen. If you want, you can opt for a matte top coat that delivers a flatter, more modern appearance. We like both! You only need one layer of top coat, but you can do two if you want a stronger manicure. 

9. Do Some Light Editing

Once you’ve applied your final top coat layer, wait 5 minutes. Then, take a Q-tip or cotton swab and dip it in nail polish remover. Use it to delicately clean up the edges around your nails. Be careful not to smudge your fresh polish. It’s better to leave a teeny mess than undo your manicure. Any polish on your skin will wash off within a day or so. 

10. Wait… Then Finish With A Flourish

We recommend waiting at least 15 minutes for your top coat to fully dry. Even if it seems dry, it can wrinkle or smudge under heat or pressure. You can never wait too long! Once you’re 10,000% sure it’s dry, wash your hands gently, dry them, and apply cuticle oil and moisturizer.

And voilà! A spectacular DIY manicure — hands down the easiest way to get salon results at home.