How to do a salon-worthy manicure and pedicure at home

Most women would be planning to book their next appointment at the salon for a manicure or pedicure right about now, but what to do when beauty treatments are not considered to be essential services?

Here’s how to get an at-home manicure and pedicure, courtesy of the expert team at Placecol.

STEP 1: Make sure your hands and feet are clean

Start by washing and sterilising your hands and feet. Also, make sure to sterilise all nail files and cuticle cutters (as well as any other equipment you will be using).

STEP 2: Clean your nails with polish remover

It is important to spend sufficient time on prepping your nails. Start by removing any nail polish or oil from your nails using a good nail polish remover that is non-drying for the natural nail.

STEP 3: Clip, file, and buff

Start by clipping your nails, if necessary, then file gently making sure to move only in one direction. This will help you get your nails in the desired shape. Finally, buff the tops and sides of your nails lightly with a nail buffer. Do not use a nail file as it can be too rough on the nail bed.

STEP 4: Buff

Just like with your fingernails it is important to exfoliate your feet as well. Buff the soles of your feet for a pedicure and follow with an exfoliator.

STEP 5: Push back your cuticles

For the best result, prep your cuticles with cuticle remover to help dissolve dead skin and soften the area. Next, using a cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles.

STEP 6: Soak your hands

Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water and use a hand exfoliator to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. You can also do this with your feet should you have time.

STEP 7: Apply hand cream

Opt for a nourishing hand cream and don’t forget to gently massage the cream into your nails and hands.

STEP 8: Remove all excess oil from your nails

Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to clean the nail. This will help in removing the oils from the cream, giving you a clean surface to apply the base coat onto.

STEP 9: Apply a base coat

Apply a base coat to hydrate and protect the nail.

STEP 10: Add some colour

Once the base coat has dried, apply the first coat of your colour of choice. Make sure to get the brush all the way down to the cuticle and into the corners of your nail.

STEP 11: Apply the second coat of colour

After waiting a least two minutes for the first coat to dry, apply the second coat of nail polish. Just remember to keep it nice and thin.

STEP 12: Finish with a top-coat

A topcoat protects your nail polish from chipping and adds some shine to your nails. Don’t skip this part.

STEP 13: Clean and smooth any rough edges and let your nails dry

Remove any excess polish from your fingers by wrapping a piece of cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover around the end of your cuticle stick and carefully trace around your nails.

STEP 14: Apply cuticle oil

When your nails are fully dry, you can apply cuticle oil around the cuticles to help nourish that area.

ALSO READ: How to look after your skin during lockdown

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East

Rekord North

Rekord Centurion

Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram