Whether you’re trying to save money or going to the salon is simply not an option, there’s never a bad time to master doing your own manicure at home. Not only is there a real satisfaction to painting your own nails, it can also have therapeutic benefits. But even if you’re devoted to DIY nails, it can be hard to get the same results at home that you’re used to at the salon. Between chipping, warping, and smudging, a lot can go wrong. That isn’t to say it’s impossible to get an Insta-worthy mani by yourself; it just takes a little practice and a good method. That’s where we come in. We had celebrity manicurists spill their secrets on how to do a manicure like a pro, and turns out, it’s easier than we thought. All it takes is 10 simple steps. Follow along for a mani so good you’ll have people asking for your salon’s address.

 

To get a great manicure at home, do as the pros do by spending as much time prepping your nails as you do polishing them. That means starting with a good nail polish remover like Sally Hansen’s. It quickly takes off all polish (even glitter) and has essential nutrients to help strengthen your nails and moisturize your cuticles. Even if you don’t have polish on, you’ll still want to run a cotton ball of remover over each nail to get rid of any oils or dirt that could warp your polish. Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water after.