How to do your own nails at home | Equipment List and Instructions

We all deserve some self-care especially in high-stress times like now with COVID. Getting your nails done is a fantastic option. However, you might not be able to visit the nail salon or you might just not feel comfortable visiting. Personally I’m not ready to contemplate heading out yet, so instead, I’m staying home and doing my own nails at home. So I decided to share how to do your own nails at home!

Doing your own nails is really easy and can be lots of fun. It will give you the chance to be creative and practice self-care. Follow my easy guide below so that you can do your own nails at home.

If you get stuck or have any questions feel free to DM on my Instagram @theNailChronicle

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Preparation | How to do your own nails at home

There are a few basic items that you will need to do your own nails at home. It doesn’t matter on the brand, whether its a fancy product, drug store or indie polish. At these times it can be hard to get supplies so don’t worry about being too picky.

You will need:

• Clear nail polish – ideally both a base and topcoat or a 2 in one clear polish. However, any clear polish will work
• Colour nail polish or two of your choice – this can be any brand/colour/style that you like. Make sure to grab nail polish and not gel. Gel requires a special lamp to cure and set the polish.
• Nail file/emery board and Clippers – This will help prepare your nails. I’ve been loving glass nail files. They last for a really long time.
• Nail polish remover – to remove your polish and for clean up.
• Cotton make-up removal pads – to assist with removing the polish.
• A really cheap eye make up brush, small paintbrush or earbud (optional) – This will be useful for clean up if needed.

Some other optional equipment includes a cuticle pusher, nail stickers/water decals or nail buffer. Only use the nail buffer if you really need to as it can thin out your nail.

Time to start painting

Now that you have everything ready its time for the fun part. Find a clear area and if you can, place a mat or something to protect the work area just in case you spill the polish or remover.

It’s important to let each polish layer fully dry before applying the next layer. If not it will be very hard for the polish to dry and you may have to start again from scratch.

1. Before you start painting, your nails need to be prepared. Don’t worry this can just as simple as shaping your nails.
   1. Using your nail file or emery board to shape and file your nail to the desired shape.
   2. If you need to push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. This step is optional.
   3. If the top of your nail is a bit rough use a buffer block to smooth of the top of the nail. Try to limit your use of the buffer blocks as this can thin and weaken your nails when used frequently.
2. Apply a layer of clear base coat or clear polish. Try not to make the layer too thick. The purpose of the base coat is to prevent your nail from staining.
3. Add a thin coat of coloured polish. By applying thin coats the polish will dry quicker. Don’t worry if you get if all over your fingers (I still do), I will share my clean up tips down below.
   1. Tip: For some easy nail art use a glitter polish or different colour on your ring finger to create an accent nail.
4. Continue to add colour polish until its opaque. Generally, this will require 2-3 coats, however, some polishes will require 4 coats.
5. Once you are happy, add a layer or two of topcoat or clear polish.

When applying polish many people find this technique useful. Put your brush in the centre of the nail and as you drag down, spread the brush out to cover as much of the nail as possible. Apply polish on the edges as needed.

You can also add a layer of topcoat after a few days so that your design lasts longer.

Tips and Tricks

If you’re worried about making a mess and getting the polish everywhere, don’t stress I have some tips that will help.

• Go slowly and focus on where you are painting.
• Don’t worry if you can’t get to the very edge of your nail. It’s unlikely anyone will notice.
• Try to have not too much polish on your brush. If it’s dripping off then you know you have too much. This will take a little practice but can make a big difference.

If you do get polish on your fingers don’t stress, its really easy to clean up:

• For small amounts of mess dip a cheap small eye make-up brush (or cotton earbud) into nail polish remover and run it around the edge of your nail. I clean mine off on a make-up remover pad.
• For larger areas fold a make-up remover pad in half, so you end up with a straight line. This will give you more control. Put some nail polish remove on the pad and then wipe off the polish. Try to wipe away from your nail. Then use the small brush to clean up the area close to your nail.

For a longer-lasting manicure, I recommend waiting at least a few hours before doing anything too active if you can. Adding an additional clear topcoat after a few days can really help.

I hope you have fun doing your nails at home. It’s a great form of self-care or can be a fun mother/daughter activity. Maybe you could host a nail art party with some friends!

For more inspiration check out these ideas:

• Cute Bunny Nail Art
• OPI Gelato on My Mind | Nail Polish Swatch
• Simple St Patricks Day Nails | Easy to Follow Tutorial

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