If there is one thing I simply can’t live without it has to be getting a manicure. I’ve been fussing over my nails for as long as I can remember & now at 28 years old I can honestly say it’s that one luxury that has become a necessity. Everyone has fingernails and I’m pretty sure (or would hope) that everyone likes to see them trimmed, shaped and perhaps even painted.
Disclaimer – this site contains product affiliate links, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links at no extra cost to you.
Believe it or not our nails actually tell a lot about us, it isn’t just a form of self-care or grooming, it’s much more. It’s a form of self-expression and identity. Now I know not everyone has access to a nail salon or perhaps you’re someone who is curious about how to master the art of the DIY manicure – either way I’ve got you covered. I’ve put together a guide on how to perfectly prep and shape your nails at home.
The difference between doing your nails at home and going to the salon is usually the time spent on the nail prep. If you have a perfect canvas to start with you’re guaranteed to end up with a professional looking finish regardless of whether you choose to apply gel, lacquer or even leave them in their natural state. Take your time with nail prep. It shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Discount code for Look Fantastic – LFTFIRAM
Firstly I would suggest trimming the nail length. Apart from the obvious that trimming your nails can look neat and tidy, trimming them can also prevent the possibility of dirt and bacteria from building up underneath the free edge (the part of the nail that extends beyond the finger tip and can often appear as a white/ yellowish colour). I suggest using nail clippers to trim your nails straight across however, try not to trim them in one go as this can cause pressure to build up and sometimes split the nail. Instead clip across the nail a couple of times. It doesn’t necessarily need to be perfect as you’ll be able to soften the harsh edges and shape them afterwards.
Shop here
To shape your nails at home I would recommend you using a 240 grit file. The higher the number the softer the file grit. The lower the number, the coarser the file grit. For natural nails you don’t want to be using a coarse file as it can damage your nails. You should always start from one side and file in one direction. If you’re going back and fourth continuously with the file it can drag your nail and sometimes even cause it to split.
For the shorter nail look you can use the file to follow the shape of your natural nail and slightly round off the corners as you go along. Alternatively, you can opt for more of a soft square look and keep the nail flat at the free edge. I personally like my nails short but when I grow them out I like keeping them in an almond shape as I find it’s a lot stronger than having your nails square as there aren’t any corners for your nails to catch on.
The almond nail shape requires a longer nail to work with as do the stiletto and coffin shapes . To reduce your time filing your nails you can use a nail clipper to clip the sides of the nail. You want to hold the clippers to form a slight angle. Then use your file to to file the sides toward the centre of the nail. Do this slowly and alternate between both sides so that they’re as even as possible.
The key to achieving your desired shape is using a good nail file. I prefer disposable emery boards when working with clients however I also like to keep a crystal nail file in my purse for personal use. What’s the difference you might ask? Well, crystal files are great as you can wash them after each use without affecting the files surface texture and you’re always left with a perfectly smooth nail edge. They’re ideal for on the go and make a great accessory. Emery boards on the other hand are perfect for a one time use and come in many different grits.
Here are some files I recommend
Shop here
Now that you’ve mastered shaping your nails, I want to talk about cuticle care. This is the most crucial step especially when it comes to the longevity of a gel manicure and the overall appearance of your nails. Start off by gently pushing your cuticle back and removing any excess skin from the nail plate. You can use the dry method (my go to) or you can soak your hand and/or use a cuticle remover to help soften the skin. Any hang nails can then be nipped away and you can then buff your nails. Buffing your nails is great but I wouldn’t recommend buffing your nails regularly. It can be damaging if over done. Once this is done I would usually take a shiner side and buff over the nail. It’s so quick and easy to do. Just swipe across the nail until you see a glass like shine appearing.
Shop here
You can stop there or finish off with lacquer or a strengthening treatment to protect nails against breakage and promote a stronger look. The after care is also an important factor of nail care and you can read more about it here.
Shop here
I always like to add some skincare to my routine to help keep my skin looking fresh and rejuvenated. A scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells, moisturiser to replenish and hydrate and cuticle oil to nourish your skin and nails.
Shop here
This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the blog owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not
intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, or individual.
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
