At-Home Manicure Checklist

The routine at a glance

1. 1Remove and soak two minutes
2. 2Shape in one direction
3. 3Push cuticles back, gently
4. 4Moisturize hands and cuticles
5. 5Base coat, then thin color

The 5 steps

1. Remove and soak. Remove any polish, then soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them.
2. Shape, one direction. Always file the nail in the same direction, as filing back and forth can weaken your nails. Match your natural nail curve.
3. Leave the cuticles alone. Leave your cuticles alone — cuticles protect the nail root, so it is important to avoid cutting your cuticles or pushing them back. Use a damp washcloth to soften the skin around the nail.
4. Moisturize everything. Hand cream plus a drop of oil around each nail. Moisturize after trimming to help keep your nails flexible.
5. Base coat, then color. One base coat, then two thin color coats. Skip polish some weeks if you want a break from it.

Two mistakes that undo the routine

• Cutting cuticles — cuticles protect the nail root, so it is important to avoid cutting your cuticles or pushing them back. Use hand cream instead.
• Peeling off gel or polish instead of soaking it off. Soak off patiently, even when you are in a hurry.

Watch the at-home manicure

See soak, one-direction filing, and gentle cuticle care done by hand — same 5 steps as above.

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Video by Julia Dantas.