By Shammi Mondal
In a perfect world, we'd all be lounging and getting weekly manicures and pedicures. But life happens, and sometimes our wallets scream, "Not today, pampering gods!" But fret not, you can indulge in the luxury of a manicure and a pedicure in the comfort of your home (and also get a little ‘me’ time). We’re here to help you out with an easy step-by-step routine that will give you healthy, polished and glossy nails.
Spoiler alert: The routine is as easy as stealing the last slice of pizza. Let the budget-friendly, self-care adventure begin!
What is a manicure?
Our hands and feet are the most hardworking and also the most overlooked. A manicure and pedicure are beauty and hygiene-focused treatments that enhance the appearance and health of the hands, feet, and nails. Think of it as a pampering session that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising your hands and feet. Add a massage to make this a relaxing treatment.
What are the different types of manicures?
Just like your skincare routine, you can choose a nail treatment as per your skin type and concerns.
Tools you need
Before you plan your at-home manicure and pedicure session, stock up on essential tools and supplies you’ll need:
Build your routine
STEP 1: Cleanse
Like most routines, a perfect manicure or pedicure begins with clean nails. Start by using an alcohol-free nail polish remover or nail wipes to gently take off nail polish from your hands and feet. An alcohol-free nail polish remover is the best option as it does not dry the cuticles of your nails.
STEP 2: Shape
Trim your nails to the desired length and shape them as per your choice. For square-shaped nails rub your filer perpendicular to your finger, while for an oval shape, buff the two corners of your nail to get a more rounded look.
Make sure to rinse your hands and feet with warm water at the end of this step.
STEP 3: Soak
Soak your fingers and toes in a bowl filled with warm water and a teaspoon of Epsom salt for five to 10 minutes. This soak not only removes dead skin and dirt from the nails, but also helps you relax and eases tension.
STEP 4: Cuticle Care
After the soak, apply a generous layer of cuticle cream on your nails, especially around the nail bed and leave it on for another 5-10 mins. You can also dip your hands back in the warm soak. The cuticle cream often has petroleum jelly and other nourishing ingredients that soften skin around your nails. After 10 minutes, pick a cuticle stick to gently push back the cuticles and give your nails a neat and smooth appearance.
STEP 5: Exfoliate
Now that your nails are ready, you need to give some TLC to your hands and feet as well. Apply a body scrub and use a pumice stone on your heels to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin. On your hands, pay extra attention to your knuckles and edges of your fingers. Exfoliating not only helps remove dead skin cells and dry patches, but also improves blood circulation and reveals brighter skin.
STEP 6: Moisturise and massage
Rinse your hands and feet and apply a generous amount of moisturiser to your damp nails, arms and feet. This will help the moisturiser hold on to hydration better and nourish your skin for longer. If you have dry skin opt for a body butter with fortifying ingredients like shea butter, olive oil or almond oil. Spend about 10 minutes massaging the area to stimulate healthy blood flow.
Read more: Know how to care for your nails the right way
STEP 7: Time to paint
This is the fun part! Begin by applying a protective base coat to maintain the natural shine of your nails and allow it to dry for 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps prevent nail discolouration.
After the base coat, it's time for the real artist in you to take over. You can get as creative as you want and choose from a wide range of colours and shapes or go classic with a French manicure.
Make sure you apply two coats of nail polish, allowing each coat to dry for 5 to 7 minutes. To stretch the lifespan of your nail polish and to prevent chipping, finish with a transparent glossy top coat.
By following these steps, you can achieve a perfect manicure and pedicure at home, leaving your nails looking fabulous and well-groomed without the need for a salon appointment.
Read more: Check these 8 best French manicure styles
FAQ’s
Q. Is a manicure good for nails?
A. Yes, manicures and pedicures are essential to maintain healthy nail. The various steps like filing and buffing also ensures your nails always look well-groomed.
Q. How long does a manicure and pedicure last?
A. A basic manicure and pedicure will easily keep up the health of your nails for 2-3 weeks, but this also depends on how you maintain your nails post the treatment.
Q. Can a manicure and pedicure treatment lighten my tan?
A. While these are cosmetic treatments for your nails, the process also includes steps like exfoliation and moisturising that treat the skin around the nails.