If you’re anything like me, your saved folders are probably overflowing with nail trend inspiration and creative manicure ideas. Yet I’ve always been curious about how those flawless hands manage to look so pristine, with perfectly groomed cuticles, precisely shaped nails, and not a trace of dryness anywhere.
Whenever I do my nails at home, they never quite reach that salon-level finish. Nail technicians spend years refining their skills, so while a DIY manicure will never fully match a professional one, there are ways to elevate the result. The secret lies in proper nail preparation, from filing correctly to finishing with nourishing cuticle oils.
As a beauty editor who has had the privilege of visiting celebrity manicurists, I’ve noticed one universal rule they all follow: nail prep is essential. For some professionals, prep alone can take hours before any polish, gel, or BIAB is applied. Regardless of the manicure type, preparation is what truly determines the final look.
Why Nail Preparation Matters
“Nail prep is the foundation of every great manicure,” explains celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae. “You can use the best products available, but without proper preparation, they simply won’t last. Good prep improves adhesion, creates a smoother finish, and helps prevent lifting, chipping, or peeling.”
Below, Rae shares her expert advice on preparing nails for a manicure that looks polished and lasts longer.
How to Prepare Your Nails
1. Focus on Cuticle Care
“I always begin by gently pushing back and slightly lifting the cuticle—the skin at the base of the nail—from the nail bed,” says Rae. “I then carefully buff or nip away only the non-living tissue.”
Professionals are trained to remove cuticles safely, but at home it’s best to gently push them back using a cuticle pusher or orange stick rather than cutting. “Cuticles should be pushed back gently, never aggressively cut. Removing too much can cause irritation,” Rae advises.
For home prep, Rae recommends using a cuticle remover and massaging it into the nails and surrounding skin. When rinsing, she suggests using a nail brush to exfoliate, then drying thoroughly with a towel.
Using an orange wood stick, gently push back the cuticle. Rae also likes to lift stubborn dead skin from the nail plate with a loop-ended tool, trimming away only visible dead skin that turns white once dry.
2. Shape the Nails Carefully
“Next, I move on to shaping,” says Rae. “Always use a 240-grit file on natural nails. Blunt the edges slightly to prevent snags, and check from every angle to ensure the shape is even.”
Whether you prefer almond, oval, square, or squoval nails, take your time to ensure each nail is the same length and shape on both hands. When creating almond or oval shapes, avoid filing the side walls too much, as this can weaken the nail structure and increase the risk of breakage.
3. Prepare the Nail Plate
“I then cleanse the nail to remove dust and oils, making sure everything is completely dry before application,” Rae explains. Her essential tools include an orange wood stick, a loop tool, a fine 240-grit file, lint-free wipes, and a nail cleanser.
One common mistake to avoid is over-buffing, which can thin and weaken the nail. Rae also stresses the importance of keeping nails free from oils or residue before applying base coat or polish. Even touching your nails can transfer natural oils that affect longevity.
4. Apply the Right Base Coat
“Always use a base coat suited to your nail type,” says Rae. Nail strengtheners can double as base coats for weak or flexible nails. She also recommends avoiding soaking nails in water before painting, as water absorption can cause polish to lift once dry.
Once the base coat has fully dried, you can apply your chosen nail colour and finish with a top coat for added shine and durability.
5. Maintain Ongoing Hand and Nail Care
The care you give your hands and nails between manicures plays a major role in how easy prep will be next time, especially for cuticles. “Consistent nail care between manicures is key to long-lasting results,” says Rae.
If there’s significant dead skin buildup, avoid trying to remove it all at once. Instead, establish a regular hand and nail routine and allow improvement to happen gradually.
Keep hand cream nearby—on your nightstand, in your bag, or at your desk—to maintain hydration. Applying cuticle oil daily helps keep nails and surrounding skin soft and healthy. Be cautious with harsh cleaning products, and wear gloves during housework to protect both hands and nails.
