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Home Manicure I 5 Easy Steps

How to do a home manicure in 5 easy steps

Learning how to look after your own nails at home has never been so important, and we want to show you just how easy it can be when you follow the correct steps.
First things first, we know that it’s difficult to beat the experience of going for a professional manicure, with our own Margaret Dabbs® London clinics being the perfect destination to relax, unwind, and enjoy some well-deserved pampering. A recent consumer survey showed that visiting a beauty salon was third on consumers’ list of things to do when lockdown restrictions were lifted, and it’s clear that our love of professional treatment isn’t going away anytime soon. However, with recent changes in our behaviours and habits due to the pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that we also need to equip ourselves with the tools and know-how to perform essential self-care routines at home.

Enter The Perfect Home Manicure Set. We’ve created the ultimate 5 piece manicure set, so that you can treat, shape and care for your nails without leaving your home, using the tools and products we use in our own Margaret Dabbs London clinic manicures. The thought of performing your own manicure at home can be daunting, but practice really does make perfect, and the set also includes an easy step-by-step guide to help you achieve home manicure success, showing you how to shape your nails, reduce cuticles and remove discolouration and ridges. Read on to follow the simple 5 step routine and get the healthy, strong and beautiful nails you’ve always dreamed of…

1: Shape it off

Let’s start with shaping the nails. Use the Crystal Nail File running back in forth in both directions to achieve your desired nail shape. Not sure which shape suits you best? Try to follow the shape of your nail bed and cuticles for a neat and flattering finish. Make sure the nails are not too long, as reducing the free edge makes it far easier to keep your nails clean. This glass nail file is much more hygienic to use than an emery board as it doesn’t tear the nail, but seals the tip and promotes healthy growth. What’s more, there is no way to clean or sanitise an emery board and they are so subject to bacteria that you should dispose of it after each use. At least one entire football stadium can be filled each year with discarded emery boards and it takes years for one to fully decompose in the ground. With the Crystal Nail file, simply wash the file with soapy water and watch it spring back into life each and every time!

Tip: You can also spray the crystal file with your hand sanitiser to give it an extra clean.

2: Buff & Shine

Once you’re happy with the length and shape, it’s time to get great healthy looking nails by lightly using the Super Shiner Buffer. Start with the coloured side which is great for removing any light ridging and discolouration of the nail, and run this across the nail back and forth, then turn the buffer over and use the white side in the same way. This will leave shiny, ridge-free, groomed and healthy looking nails.

Tip: However much you love the shine, make sure you don’t over-do this as you don’t want to thin your nail; a couple of strokes is all that is required. The quicker the rotation of these strokes, the better the shine.

3: Nourish Your Nails

Perfect for nourishing the cuticles and strengthening the nails, the Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum Pen helps to combat damage caused to the nail area by over washing. It’s a great treatment to build healthy, strong hydrated nails. Be sure to add this into your daily routine, used regularly through the day it will completely transform your nails – within 2-3 days the difference will be immense. Apply a thin layer of the nail serum to cover the fingernail and cuticle area on each finger and massage in. The pin point dispenser ensures exact precision; giving an even application every time with no wastage. Keep it handy!

4: Hydrate

Use a hand lotion which has anti-ageing properties – it’s not only so much more enjoyable but it will also make a huge difference to the skin on your hands, and there is none better than the Margaret Dabbs® London Intensive Hydrating Hand Lotion. The combination of Hempseed, Seaweed and Kelp extracts make it a saviour for chapped, uncomfortable skin prone to redness and irritation, whilst the Geranium and Mandarin scent leaves your hands smelling heavenly long after application. Apply a small amount of lotion on to the back of one of your hands and use the back of both of your hands to smooth and blend the lotion. Massage in to the rest of your hands in circular motions, not forgetting the skin in-between your fingers and your knuckles.

Tip: Apply it to damp skin as it absorbs even better!

5: Add The Finishing Touches

If you follow these steps you may want to skip the nail polish altogether as your hands and nails will look naturally glowing and healthy, but for some extra protection, apply a layer of the Conditioning Base Coat to nourish, promote nail growth and add shine. If you’re keen to add some colour, try our treatment enriched nail polishes which contain Vitamin E and Wild Rose Extract and come in over 70 beautiful shades.

By following these simple steps regularly, you’ll be rewarded with healthy, strong nails that you are proud to show off. Well-groomed nails work wonders for self-confidence, make you feel more put together, and generally boost morale. All of this can be achieved from the comfort of your sofa with the Perfect Home Manicure Set – just add your favourite playlist and a hot drink, and enjoy taking some time out of your busy schedule to indulge in some ‘me time’.