Manicure Checklist
4.8/5 with 124 votes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever tried to give yourself a manicure only to realize you’ve missed a step? Do you want that elegant and polished look without spending all the money? Look no further. This Manicure Checklist will tell you everything you need to know to paint the perfect nail.
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Toggle Supplies. status
Supplies.
You’ll want to have everything you need at your fingertips:
Toggle Nail polish status
Nail polish
Toggle Topcoat status
Topcoat
Toggle Base coat status
Base coat
Toggle Nail buffer status
Nail buffer
Toggle Emery board status
Emery board
Toggle Callous and cuticle remover status
Callous and cuticle remover
Toggle Cuticle pusher status
Cuticle pusher
Toggle Moisturizer status
Moisturizer
Toggle Clippers status
Clippers
Toggle Bowl of warm water status
Bowl of warm water
Toggle Face cleanser status
Face cleanser
Toggle Cotton balls status
Cotton balls
Toggle Cotton swab status
Cotton swab
Toggle Clean. status
Clean.
Use nail polish remover to thoroughly clean off any polish left on your nails from the last manicure. Try and keep the remover away from your cuticles, and avoid soaking your nails in the solution as it will dry your skin out. If you have sensitive skin, use a remover that doesn’t have the harsh acetone chemical in it.
Toggle Shape. status
Shape.
Use your clippers and gentle emery board to clip and shape your nails. Choose a round or square edge for your nail. Stay away from metal file as they will splinter your nail. Take your buffer and smooth out the sides and tops of your nails. Don’t over buff your nails, or your polish won’t adhere.
Toggle Soak. status
Soak.
Prepare a bowl of warm water and a few drops of face cleanser for your fingers to soak in. Face cleanser is recommended because it is gentle and won’t over dry your cuticles. Limit the soaking time to three minutes.
Toggle Remove cuticles and hangnails. status
Remove cuticles and hangnails.
Applying cuticle remover for only a few seconds will help you cut away the thickened skin around the nail. Using gentle motions, push back the cuticle away from the nail with your cuticle pusher. Be careful during this process. You don’t want to cut into the sensitive areas around the free skin you’ll be clipping. It will hurt, and damage your skin.
Toggle Moisturize. status
Moisturize.
Use lotion, cream or oil to massage into your cuticles and all over your hands to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. Afterwards, take a cotton ball with a little polish remover on it and remove the moisturizer from the nail.
Toggle Polish. status
Polish.
Apply a base coat to your nail first. It will help strengthen your nail. Next, apply a layer of color. Let it dry before putting another layer on top. So, that’s two coats of color polish you’re applying before your final top coat layer. The final layer adds shine.
Toggle Clean up. status
Clean up.
It’s impossible not to make a mistake or two during this process. Dip a cotton swab into some polish remover. Remove errant polish from your fingers.
Toggle Dry. status
Dry.
Kick back, relax and watch your favorite show on TV while your nails dry. Give it a good thirty to forty five minutes before you return to your everyday activities.
Toggle Touch Up. status
Touch Up.
Every few days, apply a layer of top coat to your nails to keep them looking pretty.
Download or Print this Manicure Checklist
Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.
Presented by:
Zoe
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Views: 103
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Tasks: 23
Details
Manicure Checklist Tips
After following our manicure checklist, make sure to also use the following tips:- Use a nice light shade of pink if you’re new to doing your own manicures. You won’t notice the mistakes you make as easily.
- A base coat is important because it keeps nails from staining and chipping.
- Moisturize your hands and nails often to keep them soft and healthy.
- When drying your nails, do not place your hands too close to the fan or your paint will bubble. If you use heat, your paint will peel. Air drying them takes longer, but makes for a better manicure.
Who it's for
This Manicure Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Manicure essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Manicure structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Manicure Checklist
- Save Manicure Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Manicure (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.
Rate this Checklist
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Scores 4.80 with 124 votes