Nail Care
5 Steps to the Perfect Manicure
Want to get that salon-perfect mani at home? We get it - sometimes you don't always have the time to pop into your salon to get your tips touched up.
![5 Steps to the Perfect Manicure 5 Steps to the Perfect Manicure](https://images.ctfassets.net/uyr7q3lwti8o/7xidYpNx2D44jASt2aLThC/41c4b5d72555a0bbe1074f11fdd35150/5.stepmani_1550x980.png?fm=webp&w=3840&q=75)
While we would never trade our #SalonSaturday for the world, we do understand that sometimes a girl's just gotta DIY! Follow these steps from OPI Pros to make sure your manicure is on point, every time:
![Perfection starts with prep. Perfection starts with prep.](https://images.ctfassets.net/uyr7q3lwti8o/5fkDVGEGy2aVVLIoarvVp9/001dc9c5246b9dc251dc2f12516d1cfd/expert-touch-lacquer-remover-al414-nail-polish-removers-22001138000-regimen_690x980.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=75)
1. Perfection starts with prep.
2. Clean up those cuticles. Use a cuticle softener like Avoplex Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment and push those cuticles back! If you wish (and you have a very steady hand), you can use a cuticle nipper to remove any overgrown cuticles.
3. Shape 'em up. To remove serious length, cut your nails down with a sharp pair of nail clippers. Most likely however, you will be keeping your length and just shaping your tips with a clean nail file.
Pro Tip: Filing your nails in one direction will help prevent breaks!
4. Give them a good buff. Buff the surface of each nail with a buffing block to give yourself a smooth surface.
![5. Prep and protect. 5. Prep and protect.](https://images.ctfassets.net/uyr7q3lwti8o/3WEMFblTMXkJ1hE1cNHzBw/f15e5fa8eee381b9fe373c351d4ff58c/nail-envy-original-ntt80-treatments-strengtheners-22001013000-hand-and-bottle_690x980.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=75)
5. Prep and protect.
Pro Tip: You can continue to apply Nail Envy over your Top Coat every other day for the lifespan of your manicure to continue to strengthen your nails