How to Do a DIY Manicure at Home for Beginners

I put my hands through a lot.

I’m an anxious nail picker (bad habit, I know), and I’ve bruised and battered by fingers through years and years of netball (that also includes dislocating an index finger, but that’s a story for another time).

I scratch and blister them up at pilates with weights and I’m also incredibly accident prone, which means I have a few scars from the times I’ve attempted to become the next big at-home chef… or iron my clothes.

So, when given the opportunity to go and get my nails done, I jump. Like, three feet in the air.

For me, getting my nails done is way up there on my dopamine menu of things that will instantly improve my mood.

However towards the end of 2024 this habit had started to eat up my bank account, in a silent but deadly way.

It went from ‘oh it’s not too bad’ to ‘I’m spending how much on nails?’ very quickly.

So, I sat myself down early this year and decided my resolution was to do my own nails this year - no more trips to the salon.

Now I wasn’t going full cold turkey on the nails either - I’d had a stash of some of the best nail products on the market in my bathroom, I’d just never used them.

So here’s the full nail care routine that is going to help me keep my resolution this year.

Romanticising your beauty routine is so 2026, right?

I recently went to Adelaide to visit family, and when I was there, I was stunned at how gorgeous my Grandma’s natural nails were. They were long, strong, with perfectly cared-for cuticles.

But why am I telling you this? Because she doesn’t go to the nail salon, ever.

She maintains her nails at home with a simple routine of care and attention (and her trusty nail file).

And if she can get her nails to look as beautiful as they do at home, surely I can too. I’ve even got genetics on my side with this one.

So when it comes to nail care, I’m taking her lead and keeping it simple. Kinda. So without further ado, here is my at-home manicure tips for beginners.

Firstly It’s important to get all of the tools you need to take care of both the nail and the cuticle - think a nail file, cuticle pusher and nail scissors.

Manicare has you fully covered with their trusted range of nail care tools - I currently use the Manicare maniPRO 2-in-1 Cleaner & Pusher and Manicare Cuticle Clippers - With Side Spring to make sure my cuticles are as neat and tidy as possible.

And we’re not just focusing on the hands here too - this complete overhaul also includes my feet, which we won’t be talking about for long, I promise.

It’s important to keep an eye on your toenails, heels and soles of the feet for your overall health, so if you’ve got any wrinkly questions always check with your doctor, but one thing I’ve been doing to keep my feet looking acceptable for the Hot Mat Pilates room is use the Manicare pediPRO Callus File on my heels and any rough spots on my feet while in the shower.

Now I also can’t talk about nail care without OPI Repair Mode 9mL

This is a “bond-building nail treatment that repairs, protects, strengthens and smooths.” And I can attest to the fact that I’ve truly seen a difference in the look and feel of my nails after using this. As it’s not a polish and more of a treatment, I use this when I’m giving my nails a break from any colour or press-on.

It’s the perfect thing to habit stack alongside refilling your water bottle, or if you’re like me, whenever you get yourself a new coffee.

Next up on the care front is cuticle oil - my current fave for on-the-go touch ups is the OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil To Go . It comes in a super handy applicator and contains “a combination of rich yet lightweight oils, including Grape Seed, Sesame, Kukui, Sunflower and Cupuaçu.” With this hydration comes improved skin condition, less flaky dryness (I’ve been a victim of a hang nail or ten) and a lovely smell too.

And my final note for care is a bit left of field. I’m going to do my best to increase my collagen intake to build stronger nails from the inside out. I’ve used and loved the Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen - Original sachets before, especially as they’re heat soluble so I can throw them in my morning coffee. So I’m adding them back into my routine.

Actually let’s talk about one step before colour - the base coat. Absolutely essential in my opinion.

I’m currently loving the Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener - Pink Tint as it’s got a bunch of strengthening benefits aside from helping me not stain my nails if I choose a dark colour.

Now for colour, I love OPI Nail Envy 15mL in the shade 'Big Apple Red' as it’s a classic opaque red with additional treatment benefits.

I mentioned habit stacking before, right?

For everything else, like my current blue nail polish obsession, I love essie Nail Polish.

Sure, they’ve got icons like Ballet Slippers too, and that’s my go-to for my toenails. They also have the essie Nail Care Apricot Cuticle Oil that is housed in the same cute bottle as their polishes.

And last but by no means least, we have my fave press-ons - the OPI xPRESS/on Iconic Shades in the short length.

I have loved these ever since they released at Adore Beauty and they’re the perfect solution for when I’m either in a rush and need my nails looking perfect ASAP, or just want that extra little bit of length. Easy peasy.

There you have it! My bespoke at-home routine for looking after my nails.

Something, after doing it a few times so far this year, I now actively look forward to doing.