A Simple At-Home Manicure Routine Using Nail Tools

A simple at-home manicure can be a lovely way to give your nails a little extra care. Start by removing any old polish, then clean and check your nails before gently shortening and shaping them. From there, you can tidy the cuticle area, buff if appropriate and finish with your favourite nail products.

There’s no need to rush through the process. Work gently, use the right tools for each step and skip anything that isn’t suitable for your nails.

What you need

• Nail polish remover and cotton pads, if needed
• Nail clippers are suitable manicure scissors 
• A nail file suited to your nails
• A nail buffer, where appropriate
• A gentle cuticle pusher or manicure stick 
• Nail brush or clean-up tools
• Base coat, colour and top coat if you're applying polish
• A washable tray
• A clean towel and suitable storage for your tools

The Brushworks Manicure Set, Nail Clipper and Nail Buffing Blocks are examples of manicure tools you may find useful. Always check the exact product contents and care instructions before use.

Prepare your workspace

Start by choosing a clean, stable and well-lit surface where you have plenty of room to work. Protect the area from any remover or polish, and keep your clean tools separate from anything you’ve already used.

Have everything within easy reach before you begin, particularly any sharp tools. Wash your hands and give your manicure tray a clean so you have a fresh space to work in.

Step 1: remove existing product

If you’re wearing polish, start by removing it with a remover suitable for your particular product. Work gently rather than scraping the surface of the nail, and follow the product’s instructions for use and ventilation.

Once the old polish is removed, clean away any remaining residue before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: check your nails and skin

Take a moment to look over your nails and the surrounding skin. If you notice pain, bleeding, swelling, inflammation or significant damage, it’s best to leave the area alone rather than continuing with your manicure.

It’s also worth checking your tools before you start. Make sure files, clippers, pushers and buffers are clean and in good condition, with no damage that could make them uncomfortable to use.

Step 3: shorten gradually

If you’d like to reduce the length of your nails, use a suitable nail clipper and work slowly across the free edge. Make small, controlled cuts rather than trying to shorten the nail in one go, leaving enough length to shape with a file afterwards.

The Brushworks Nail Clipper is one option to consider. Always check the product’s size and intended use before getting started.

Step 4: choose and refine the shape

Once your nails are the length you want, it’s time to refine the shape. Choose something that works with your natural nail and is easy for you to maintain.

Popular nail shapes include rounded, oval, square and soft square. Use a suitable nail file to gently shape the free edge, checking the symmetry as you go rather than filing too much at once. This helps you achieve an even shape while keeping the natural structure of the nail in mind.

Read Glass, Emery and Multi-Sided Nail Files Explained for more tips.

Step 5: gentle cuticle-area care

If you’re using a cuticle preparation product, follow the instructions for your chosen product. A gentle cuticle pusher can be used to tidy softened tissue where appropriate, but there’s no need to force it or push underneath the nail.

For a simple at-home manicure, avoid cutting living skin. If the area looks sore, inflamed or damaged, it’s best to leave it alone.

Step 6: buff only when appropriate

Buffing is completely optional and isn’t necessary for every manicure. If you do choose to buff, use the appropriate surface with light pressure and only make as many passes as needed.

Stop if your nails start to feel uncomfortable or sensitive.

The Brushworks Pastel Nail Buffing Blocks are one option to consider. Check the product instructions to see which sides to use and in what order.

Step 7: remove dust and prepare for polish

Once you’ve finished filing and shaping, gently remove any nail dust with a clean brush or suitable method. Then follow the preparation instructions for your chosen nail polish system.

Try not to repeatedly touch the nail surface once it’s been prepared, and keep any dust away from your open polish bottles and clean tools.

Step 8: apply base, colour and top coat

Once your nails are prepared, it’s time for the fun part. Follow the instructions for your chosen nail products, as application and drying or curing times can vary.

A simple routine is:

1. Apply the base coat in the stated amount.
2. Allow it to dry or cure according to the product instructions.
3. Apply your colour in thin, even coats.
4. Allow the recommended time between each layer.
5. Finish with a top coat if your chosen system includes one..
6. Use only the recommended lamp or curing method.

Thin coats can make application easier to control, but the number of coats and drying or curing time will depend on your particular product

Step 9: clean up edges

If any polish has found its way onto the surrounding skin, use a suitable clean-up tool and compatible remover to gently tidy the edges. Work carefully and avoid scraping the skin with anything too hard.

Step 10: clean the tools

Once your manicure is finished, clean your tools according to their individual care instructions. Remove any nail dust or product, allow everything to dry completely and check your tools before putting them away.

Dispose of any single-use items appropriately, clean your manicure tray and store sharp tools safely. Glass files should also be protected from damage when stored.

Keep the routine simple

You don’t need a long list of steps to enjoy a great at-home manicure. Filing, buffing and cuticle care all have different purposes, and not every step needs to be included every time.

A simple routine could be to remove your old polish, check your nails, clip if needed, file and shape, apply your polish, then clean and put away your tools.

You can always add cuticle care or buffing when it suits your nails and your routine. The most important thing is finding a simple routine that works well for you.

Give yourself enough time

Try to allow plenty of time for shaping your nails and letting your polish dry or cure properly. Rushing can make it harder to work carefully and evenly.

If you’re short on time, you can always shape and prepare your nails first, then apply your colour when you have a little more time to enjoy the finished look.

Between manicures

Keep your manicure tools clean and dry between uses, replacing files or buffers when they become worn. Store remover and polish as directed and avoid using damaged tools, even for quick touch-ups.

A no-polish version

You don’t need to apply polish to enjoy an at-home manicure. A simple routine can include checking your nails, gently shortening and shaping them, optional cuticle care and cleaning your tools afterwards.

Buffing is completely optional, so there’s no need to add extra steps if you’re happy with the natural finish of your nails.

A polish-change version

If your nails are already the length and shape you want, you can keep your next manicure simple. Remove the old polish, check your nails, lightly tidy the edges if needed, prepare the surface and apply your new colour.

There’s no need to clip or heavily file nails that are already in good shape. Use fresh remover pads, allow each layer to dry or cure as directed and, if you’re short on time, split the preparation and polish application across two occasions.

Keeping a simple record

If you regularly do your own manicures, it can be useful to make a note of the file and buffer you prefer, as well as which polish layers work best for you. You can also make a note of any tools that felt uncomfortable or were difficult to clean. This makes it easier to stick with what works and replace anything that needs updating.

Common mistakes

Some of the most common manicure mistakes are easy to avoid. These include starting without a clean, protected workspace, making one large clip instead of shortening the nail gradually and using a file or buffer without checking that it’s suitable.

It’s also best to avoid buffing every manicure, forcing a cuticle tool or cutting living skin. When applying polish, follow the product instructions rather than applying overly thick layers.

Finally, keep clean and used tools separate and make sure everything is clean and completely dry before storing it away.