Salon Quality Manicures At Home

Taking care of yourself doesn’t always mean booking a salon appointment.
Sometimes, the most empowering and refreshing thing you can do is care for your natural nails right at home. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about tuning in, building rituals of hygiene, and honoring your body in its purest form. If you’ve ever peeled off acrylics and felt shocked at what’s underneath, or ignored your toes because “no one sees them,” this is your wake-up call. This time, it’s about love—not perfection. We’re learning how to give ourselves clean, salon-quality manicures and pedicures the natural way—because this body takes care of you, so let’s do the same.

Romanticize this moment.

If you’re of age, pour a glass of wine from Wine Express. Take a warm shower. Slip into your softest pajamas. And instead of scrolling social media, read something that grows you. As women, we’ve often been taught to pick ourselves apart, but now is the time to use this moment to put yourself back together.

Gather Your Tools. Before you begin, ensure your tools are clean and sanitized—it’s essential for hygiene and preventing infections. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Nail clippers

• Nail file or buffer

• Cuticle pusher (wooden or metal)

• Nail brush

• Foot file or pumice stone

• A clean towel

• Bowl with warm water and mild soap

• Nail oil (jojoba, vitamin E, or olive oil works great)

• Moisturizer

• Optional: Base coat/nail strengthener

Cleaning Tip: After every use, soak metal tools in rubbing alcohol and wash other items with hot water and soap. Let them dry completely before storing.

Step 1 of 6: Gather Your Tools

Step 2 of 6: Soak And Relax

Soak and Relax. Soaking your hands and feet helps soften the skin and nails for easier grooming.

• Fill a bowl with warm water and a gentle soap or a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender).

• Soak your hands or feet for 5–10 minutes.

• Use a nail brush to scrub around the nails and under the tips.

Clip, File, and Shape

• Gently clip your nails to your desired length.

• Use a nail file to shape the edges. Gently, as if you were sawing something, shape your nails.

• Buff the surface lightly to smooth out ridges and give it a natural shine.

Step 3 of 6: Clip, File, And Shape

Step 4 of 6: Cuticle Care

Cuticle Care (Be Gentle!)

• Use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles.

• Do NOT cut your cuticles—they protect you from infection.

  • Leave this step to the professionals.

Step 5 of 6: Foot Care

Focus on Foot Care

• Feet or hands can be done in whichever order you prefer.

• Use a pumice stone or foot file on your heels and any rough areas.

• If you want extra smooth feet, use a calus remover (salon tip) and then scrub your feet

• Rinse and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Nourish with Oils and Moisturizer. Your nails are like tiny mirrors reflecting your internal care. One tip I swear by? When I oil my hair consistently, my nails grow strong and long. Your nails thrive on nourishment.

Apply nail oil or a mix of olive and vitamin E oil to your cuticles and nail beds. Massage in circular motions to stimulate circulation and growth. Then moisturize your hands and feet generously. You can use your hair oils to strengthen your nails!

Bonus: Use a Base Coat or Nail Hardener. If you want to go the extra mile, apply a clear nail strengthener or base coat to protect your natural nails.

If You Have Nail Issues…

• Yellow, brittle, or unusually thick nails? You may have a fungal infection. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, but it does need treatment. Over-the-counter antifungal creams can help, but don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.

Step 6 of 6: Nourish And Moisturize