Doing nails at home: in 7 steps to a salon-worthy manicure
Doing nails at home is the way to always have well-groomed hands, without fixed salon appointments or high costs. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve just as beautiful a result at home as in the nail salon. Whether you choose one step gel polish for speed and convenience, or polygel nails at home for extra strength and length — with a good step-by-step plan, it’s possible even for beginners.
In this article, we guide you through 7 essential steps for a professional manicure at home, including practical tips that perfectly complement the products from Glamnails. Soon you'll enjoy strong, shiny nails, right from your own living room.
Step 1: Essentials for doing nails at home
Essential tools for a professional manicure
For a durable and beautiful manicure, it is important to work with quality products. These are the basic items that should not be missing when you do nails at home:
-
Nail file and buffer – for shaping the nails and lightly roughening the nail plate
-
Cuticle pusher and cuticle nipper – for well-groomed cuticles
-
Cleaner or alcohol – to make the nails grease and dust-free
-
LED lamp – essential for curing one step gel polish and polygel
-
One step gel polish – for a quick manicure without base and topcoat
-
Polygel – for strengthening or extending the nails
-
Slip solution (poly liquid) – to smoothly model polygel
-
Topcoat – for extra shine and protection (optional with one step gel polish)
-
Cuticle oil – for care after completion
With a complete starter set you have everything at once and can start immediately.
Step 2: Preparing your nails (crucial for adhesion)
How to properly prepare your nails
Good preparation largely determines how long your manicure will stay beautiful. Follow these steps carefully:
-
Remove old nail polish or product residue
-
File your nails into the desired shape (round, square, or almond)
-
Gently push back the cuticles
-
Lightly roughen the nail plate with a buffer
-
Thoroughly degrease the nails with cleaner or alcohol
💡 Tip: never skip this step — poor preparation is the biggest cause of lifting.
Step 3: Choose your manicure style at home
Applying one step gel polish
One step gel polish is perfect if you want to do your nails quickly and easily. This formula combines color, adhesion, and shine in one product.
-
Apply one thin layer of one step gel polish
-
Cure under a LED lamp (30–60 seconds)
-
Optionally apply a second thin layer for extra coverage
Result: a sleek, shiny manicure without hassle, ideal for beginners.
Applying polygel nails at home
Do you want stronger nails or extra length? Then polygel nails at home are the best choice.
-
Apply a thin base (if necessary)
-
Place a small amount of polygel on the nail
-
Shape with slip solution
-
Cure under the LED lamp
-
File and perfect the shape
Polygel is controlled to process and therefore easier than acrylic or traditional gel.
Step 4: Finishing and perfecting the shape
After curing, lightly file the nails to create the perfect shape. Smooth out any irregularities and ensure a natural transition at the cuticles. If desired, apply a topcoat for extra shine and protection.
Step 5: Cuticle care (often underestimated)
Healthy cuticles provide a well-groomed appearance and stronger nails.
-
Apply cuticle oil after each manicure
-
Gently massage it in
-
Repeat this between manicures
This prevents drying out and keeps your nails flexible and healthy.
Step 6: Durability & maintenance of your manicure
Do you want your manicure to stay beautiful longer?
-
Always apply products in thin layers
-
Cure each layer completely
-
Wear gloves when cleaning
-
Use hand cream and nail oil daily
This way your one step gel polish or polygel manicure will stay neat for weeks.
Step 7: Varying and creative experimenting
Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment at home with:
-
French manicure
-
Subtle nail art
-
Different shapes and lengths
-
Combinations of polygel and one step gel polish
With the right products and some practice, doing nails at home becomes not only easier but also more fun.
Conclusion
With the right approach, quality products, and a clear step-by-step plan, doing nails at home is absolutely salon-worthy. Whether you choose the convenience of one step gel polish or the strength of polygel nails at home, you have full control over your look — whenever you want.
