9 Step guide to the perfect DIY manicure.

Who said you need to splash out lots of money on a saoon manicure when you can do it yourself. Once in a while you can treat your nails to some tender loving and grooming with a manicure in your own house with your own hands. Here is a nine step guide to the perfect in house manicure.

1. Have a good look at your fingernails and remove old polich with nail polish remover and cotton wool

2. Shape your nails with an emery board, working in one direction only. Go for a shape that goes straight across the top of the finger with slightly rounded edges. This makes your nails less likely to snag and tear.

3. Soak them in a bowl of warm soapy water and dry with a fluffy towel.

4. Gently push back the cuticles, then apply hand cream, or cuticle cream, to the base of every nail and massage in. Leave for five minutes.

5. Wash off excess cream for a clean, dry surface to paint nails

6. Apply a clear base coat to prevent string coloured polish from staining your nails.

7. Allow to dry, then apply two coats of your favourite polish.

8. Sit back and allow ten minutes for nails to dry properly.

9 Give yourself a pedicure by repeating the same process