Mother Daughter Manicures At Home

The kids are at home, you’re running out of fun activities to keep them busy, and you’re exhausted!

Why not schedule some well-deserved ‘me time’ and get your daughter involved too? Arrange an at-home mother daughter salon quality ! Here’s how:

Step 1: Grab Your Nail Kit

To make your mother daughter manicure effortless from the beginning, gather your nail kit and the necessary tools including:

• Nail polish remover 
• A Nail Diva (this is great for protecting your mani)
• Two bowls 
• Cotton balls/pads
• A gentle exfoliant (I recommend the same scrub you use on your face)
• Moisturizer
• Cuticle oil
• Nail clippers and a nail file
• Nail polish: base coat, topcoat and the colour of your choice
• Your favourite drink (tea, juice, coffee…wine)

 

Step 2: Remove Nail Polish

First thing’s first, you MUST (and I mean must) remove the old nail polish. Use your favourite nail polish remover, a cotton ball or pad, and clean your daughter’s nails as best as you can. Once you’re done, have her do the same to you.

The more polish the both of you can remove the better your fresh manicures will look. 

If you find nail polish removal can get a bit messy, grab a Nail Diva (available for only $9) to hold your cotton ball/pad and to keep your fingers from soaking up the remover and excess polish. 

 

 

Step 3: Soak

Fill two bowls with warm water, one for each of you, and soak your fingers for about 5 minutes to soften your skin. If you want the full spa feel, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil into the water.

 

Step 4: Scrub

Now that your skin has softened, it’s time to exfoliate. Gently exfoliate your daughter’s hands with a scrub for about thirty seconds and have your daughter do the same for you. 

If your skin is cracked skip this step completely and be careful with your daughter’s skin since it’s more delicate. Try not to overdo it, we’re only scrubbing until our hands feel soft.

 

Step 5: Clip And File

Next, grab your nail clippers and clip your daughter’s fingernails to her desired length. 

For a uniform manicure try to clip all nails to the same length. Use your nail file to smooth out the corners and edges and shape as desired. 

Depending on the age of your daughter, you can do this step yourself or have her do it for you.

 

 

Step 6: Show Love To Your Cuticles

This step is often missed but so important for the health of your nails and overall clean look of your manicure. 

Apply cuticle oil to your daughter’s cuticles, push them back if necessary but try not to clip them. Our cuticles protect our surrounding skin and prevent infection. If you find that the cuticles are dry and hard, use cuticle oil every day or at least once a week to soften them up and keep your nails healthy. 

Have your daughter apply the cuticle oil to your fingernails once you’ve done hers.

If you don’t have cuticle oil, coconut oil is a great alternative.

 

Step 7: Moisturize And Prep

Grab your favourite moisturizer and apply a good amount on each hand and forearm. Take this time to give your daughter a quick hand massage and have her do the same to you.

While it’s soaking in, prep your fingernails by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol to remove the nail bed of any excess oils. If you miss this step the nail polish may chip or peel off faster than you’d like.

 

Step 8: Apply Nail Polish

How you move forward with this step is really up to you. Your daughter may or may not be old enough to apply nail polish on your nails, so use your judgement.

Either way, apply a base coat to protect the fingernails from staining, apply two coats of your favourite nail polish colour, and a quick-dry topcoat (my favourite is Essie – Good To Go). 

Use this time to have fun with your daughter and get creative. You can try nail art, glitters and have your daughter pick your nail polish colour(s)!

If either of you are not the greatest at painting finger or toenails listed are a couple of tools that can help.

• For smudged and chipped polish, you can use a Nail Diva to clean a specific nail, protecting your other fingernails from getting ruined.
• If you’re a messy painter, you can purchase cuticle protector. Apply it to the skin around your nails before applying your nail polish and peel it off once you’re done.

 

Step 9: Maintenance

Moisturize often and apply cuticle oil at least once a week.

 

About The Author

Daniella Quagliara is an entrepreneur, stylist, and nail enthusiast. Visit naildiva to check out her latest invention and follow her on Instagram.