Before you start
- Nail polish remover and cotton pads
- Nail clippers, a nail file and a buffer
- An orange stick or cuticle pusher
- Base coat, nail polish and top coat
- Hand cream or cuticle oil
Method 1 Prepare and shape
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Step 1: Remove old polish
Press a cotton pad soaked in remover on each nail for a few seconds, then wipe from base to tip. Acetone-free remover is gentler but slower.
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Step 2: Trim
If nails are long, trim them straight across with clippers.
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Step 3: File in one direction
File from the side towards the centre in one direction, not back and forth, to avoid splitting. Popular shapes are round, oval, square and squoval (square with soft corners).
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Step 4: Buff lightly
Gently buff ridges with the smoothest side of a buffer. Don’t over-buff, as it thins nails.
Method 2 Care for cuticles
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Step 1: Soak
Soak your fingertips in warm water with a little gentle soap for 3–5 minutes to soften the skin.
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Step 2: Push back gently
Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles. Only trim loose, hanging skin (hangnails) with clean nippers.
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Step 3: Don’t cut the cuticle
The cuticle protects the nail from infection. Cutting it can cause redness, swelling and infection.
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Step 4: Moisturise
Massage cuticle oil or hand cream into the cuticles and hands.
Method 3 Paint your nails
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Step 1: Clean the nail plate
Wipe each nail with remover or rubbing alcohol to remove oil and lotion, so polish sticks.
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Step 2: Apply a base coat
A base coat helps polish last and prevents staining. Let it dry for a minute or two.
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Step 3: Apply colour in three strokes
Wipe excess polish off the brush. Place a dot near the base of the nail, push it slightly towards the cuticle, then draw one stroke down the centre and one down each side. Keep a tiny gap at the cuticle.
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Step 4: Cap the edge
Run the brush lightly along the free edge (tip) of the nail to seal it and reduce chipping.
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Step 5: Second thin coat
Wait 2–3 minutes, then apply a second thin coat. Thin coats dry faster and smoother than thick ones.
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Step 6: Top coat
Apply top coat over the whole nail and cap the edge again for shine and protection.
Method 4 Finish and maintain
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Step 1: Clean up mistakes
Dip a small, flat brush or cotton bud in remover and trace around the nail to remove polish from the skin.
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Step 2: Let it dry
Polish can feel dry in minutes but stays soft underneath for longer. Avoid using your hands much for 20–30 minutes and be careful for a few hours.
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Step 3: Make it last
Reapply top coat every 2–3 days, wear gloves for washing up and cleaning, and use cuticle oil daily.
Troubleshooting
My polish bubbles
Roll the bottle between your hands instead of shaking it, apply thinner coats, and avoid painting in a hot or humid room.
My polish chips within a day
Make sure nails are oil-free before painting, use a base coat, cap the free edge, and reapply top coat every few days.
My nails peel and split
Moisturise daily, wear gloves when cleaning, file in one direction and avoid using nails as tools.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make polish dry faster?
Use thin coats, a quick-dry top coat or drying drops. Very cold water can help firm the surface, but full drying still takes time.
Is acetone bad for nails?
It can dry nails and skin with frequent use. Moisturise afterwards, or use acetone-free remover for regular polish.
How often should I do a manicure?
About once a week, with cuticle oil and hand cream every day.
Summary
Remove old polish, shape with a file in one direction, soak and gently push back cuticles without cutting them, and moisturise. Wipe nails clean, then apply a base coat, two thin coats of colour and a top coat, capping the tips. Clean up the edges, let polish dry, and refresh the top coat every few days.
