How to Do Manicures and Pedicures at Home? (Step-by-Step)

The secret is out! Those who always wondered whether it is possible to do a manicure and a pedicure at home, know now that it definitely is! Attainment of salon-like mani and pedi has become easy to do by yourself. A unique guide coming from professionals simplified and detailed on how to properly use the tools for manicures and pedicures, which tools and products you need, and a step-by-step explanation to achieve the best nail care technique. In this guide, you'll find \1 on selecting the right tools and \1 for effective nail care. This time we bring you all the information, tips, and tricks on how to do your manicure and pedicure for you or your loved ones. The guide includes elaborated ways for a full Spa Russian manicure and pedicure, and skin care of hands and feet. Manicure What manicure is the best to do at home? Ladies love to treat themselves daily with small things that rise their dopamine levels. Such a thing is doing your manicure at home. If you are interested in reaching the best nail and skin care at home, we recommend doing simple Russian treatments that will take no time to learn. Gel manicures are not recommended to do by yourself, but there is so much that you rather can do at home. Instead of gel products for nails, you can use a regular nail polish that does not require a UV/LED lamp to get dried. What do I need for a manicure at home? Here is a list of all things you need to get for the full spa manicure treatment: Gathering these items will help you create a \1 right at home. SPA SET: Medium-sized glass basin A medium-sized glass basin is essential for soaking your hands or feet, allowing for \1 of the nails. Hot water Hot water is important as it helps \1, making them easier to work with during your manicure. Sea salt Sea salt is often added to baths for its potential benefits in relaxing muscles. Sea salt can be used in foot soaks to help exfoliate and soften the skin. Spa soap Spa soap helps to remove impurities and leaves the skin feeling refreshed. Spa soap is formulated to cleanse while providing a luxurious feel during a manicure or pedicure. Towels Towels can also be used for comfort during the manicure or pedicure process. Towels are essential for drying hands and feet after washing or soaking. Body scrub Body scrub can enhance the overall spa experience by providing a rejuvenating treatment. Body scrub aids in exfoliating dead skin cells, promoting smoother skin. Massage oil Massage oil can provide a relaxing experience and may help to soothe muscles while enhancing the overall manicure or pedicure. MANI SET: Cuticle pusher A cuticle pusher is essential for gently pushing back cuticles, promoting a neat appearance for nails. Cuticle remover Using a cuticle remover can assist in softening and removing excess cuticle, contributing to healthier-looking nails. File A file is important for shaping and smoothing nails, ensuring a polished look after your manicure or pedicure. Buffer file Nail polish remover Nail polish remover helps ensure your nails are clean and free of residue, which is important for optimal polish adherence. Nail polish remover is crucial for removing old polish and preparing your nails for a fresh application. Nail polish color and top coat Nail polish color and top coat are essential for achieving a vibrant and long-lasting manicure. Cotton pads How to do SPA MANICURE treatment? Step one Set a table for the treatment – Spread one big towel on the table and put the glass basin on the towel. Step two Add hot water to the glass basin. Add the spa soap and sea salt to the hot water. Let the products melt in water, in the meantime the water will cool down just enough to be ready for use. Adding spa soap and sea salt not only enhances the experience but may also help in softening the skin during the soak. Step three Place an armchair next to the table where the basin for the spa mani is set. Make yourself comfortable in the armchair, and soak your hands in the spa basin for ten minutes at least. In case you have strong and thick nails, you can soak your hands for longer than ten minutes. This will ensure that the nails are softened and thus made easier to shape and file. Related reading OxeFit vs. Tonal: Which Smart Home Gym Should You Choose? Mother’s Day Gift Guide (2025): Beauty, Skincare, and Hair Gift The 10 Best Eyelash Brush for Wife/Girlfriends Step four After the soak, use a body scrub to treat the dead cells of the skin. Gently scrub and massage your hands for about two minutes. The scrub will hydrate your skin additionally, and remove the excess skin. Afterward, wash out your hands in the spa water, and use a hot towel to dry your hands. Step five Use a cuticle pusher and carefully push the cuticles of the nails toward the root of the nail. Be very cautious, the root of the nail is sensitive and hurt easily. Start with small, light pushes and move forward to stronger pushes before the point of any pain. Then, use the cuticle remover to treat the rest of the cuticles by cutting them off. Make sure you do not cut deep because you do not want any blood to come out and ruin a perfect manicure. Step six Shorten and shape your nails with a nail file. Nail files are better and safer to use to shorten and shape nails than nail cutters. With a nail file, you have more detailed access to all the sides of the nails and you can reach all the angles you need. Next, use the buffer file to polish the nail plate. Buffering the nail plate will leave it smooth and remove the bumps of the nail that ruin the final look after applying the nail polish. Step seven Apply the nail polish. You can apply the color right away, or you can use the base nail polish first, let it dry, and then apply the color. Ensure you apply the polish evenly and follow the shape of the nail. Do not reach the edges of the skin. Apply two thin layers, and let the first layer dry out completely before applying the second layer. In the end, apply a thin layer of a top coat nail polish for the finishing glance and additional shine. Step eight After the nail polish and the top coat are dried out, take a couple of drops of massage oil and rub it on your hands and cuticles. This is the last step of a SPA manicure treatment at home. Applying massage oil not only hydrates your hands and cuticles but can also enhance the overall feel of your manicure, giving it a professional finish. Pedicure Pedicures are almost as easy as manicures. If you did your manicure properly, you will have no problems also doing a pedicure. Pedicure is important for a couple of reasons. It is the best treatment for the skin of feet and toenails. If not treated properly and regularly, the skin will get thick and hard to remove, and nails will become deformed. In the worst case, the skin will crack or corn eyes will form. To avoid any inconveniences, treat yourself with a spa pedicure every four to five weeks, following this guide that we provide you with. Related reading The 12 Best Face Makeup Brushes in 2025 10 Nail Care Tools and Equipment for Women at Home What do I need for a pedicure at home? All that you need for a pedicure at home is the same as for a manicure, adding a thing or two: To achieve a successful pedicure, you will need several essential tools and products, which are largely similar to those used for a manicure. SPA SET A SPA SET is crucial for creating a relaxing atmosphere during your pedicure. Bathtub for a pedicure ( or any large-sized plastic/ceramic basin ) Using a bathtub or basin allows for proper soaking, which is important for softening the skin and nails. A bathtub or a large plastic/ceramic basin is necessary for soaking your feet, which can enhance the pedicure experience. Liquid spa soap Liquid spa soap is essential for cleansing and refreshing your skin during a manicure or pedicure. Liquid spa soap is recommended for a gentle cleanse, helping to prepare your feet for the pedicure process. Sea salt Sea salt can help exfoliate and soften your skin, making it a great addition to your spa set. Body scrub Body scrub is ideal for removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother skin, enhancing your overall spa experience. Body lotion or oil Body lotion or oil is important for moisturizing your skin after a scrub, keeping it soft and hydrated. Hot towels Hot towels can enhance your spa experience by providing relaxation and improving circulation. Hot towels are perfect for relaxing your muscles and enhancing the overall comfort of your spa treatment. Foot file Foot files help to maintain foot health by removing dead skin and preventing buildup. Foot files are essential for smoothing rough areas and calluses, ensuring your feet look their best. NAIL SET Cuticle pusher Cuticle pushers can also help in preventing hangnails and maintaining nail health. Cuticle pushers are important tools for pushing back cuticles, promoting a neat nail appearance. Nail cutter Nail cutters should be used carefully to avoid nail damage and ensure a clean cut. Nail cutters are crucial for achieving the desired nail length and shape. Nail file A nail file is a tool that aids in shaping and refining nail edges for an even finish. Using a nail file helps shape your nails and smooth any rough edges, which is essential for a polished look. Buffer file Toenail separator Nail polish and a top coat How to do a pedicure treatment? Step one Place the setting for a pedicure in a comfortable place, in front of the sofa or an armchair. Spread a big towel and place the bathtub or basin on the towel. Fill with hot water, add soap and sea salt, and let it dissolve. Step two While the hot water is getting cooler and the soap and sea salt is dissolving, dip your feet into the water and place them on the towel next to the bathtub. Take a couple of grams of body scrub, and treat your feet’ skin from the toes to above the ankles. When the water reaches a pleasing temperature, soak your feet for about fifteen minutes or longer. Step three Dry your feet with the towel. Make sure you reach all of the skin between the toes. Next, use the foot file to remove excess skin. Dead and excess skin will show white to pale in relation to healthy skin, this way you will know which parts to remove. Start with a rough side of the file, and end with a smooth side to accomplish sleek feet. Step four Apply the body oil or body lotion to your feet. Gently massage it for a couple of minutes to ensure that the product has penetrated deeply into the pores of the skin. After this, wait for ten minutes before starting to treat the toenails, for additional soaking of the oil/lotion. Step five When the toenails are dried after applying the oil/lotion, you can now start treating them. Put the toenail separator on your feet. Use a cuticle pusher, clean the nail plates, and use a cuticle remover if needed. Cuticles of toenails are not as demanding as the cuticles of hand nails. It varies from one to another, and you can estimate by yourself whether you need the cuticle cutter or not. Next, use the nail file to shape the nails, and nail cutter to shorten the nails. Toenails are almost always a lot thicker than nails on hands, so you will need the cutter. Step six The final step is polishing the nails. You can start with a thin layer of base coat. Let it dry, and ad two thin layers of nail polish. Again, make sure the layers are dried. In the end, add a nail polish top coat for the final touch of shine. Conclusion Manicures and pedicures have reached all corners of the world, and so many ladies do it regularly. The dream of doing these treatments at home has become a reality. Give your skin and nails the look and care they deserve! Nails and skin are in need to be taken care of regularly, and for the best results, do your manicures and pedicures on time. With a little effort, some patience, and much love, you will easily attain the perfect nail care routine. Let laziness not be an obstacle on your way to well-groomed skin and nails. The first time it may seem demanding, but we assure you that you will quickly get used to it, learn the technique, and love the moment when it’s time for your favorite spa treatment at home. Ulike Welcome to Ulike! We hope our expertise can bring value to you.