![1. Filing Your Nails](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/manicure1.jpg)
1. Filing Your Nails
Shape nails while they’re dry. Using the fine side of an emery board, file each nail gently to follow the contour of your fingertips.
![2. Buff Until Smooth](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/manicure2.jpg)
2. Buff Until Smooth
If you nails have ridges, stroke them lightly with a chamois-covered buffer. Rub back and forth across them for a few seconds and slide your other fingertips against them periodically so you can feel as soon as they have become smooth.
![3. Keep Your Fingernails Clean](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/istock_000015302385xsmall.jpg)
3. Keep Your Fingernails Clean
Before starting a manicure, soak your nails in warm soapy water for a few minutes to loosen grit below the tips and to soften cuticles. Then clean your nails with a soft brush.
![4. Remove Excess Cuticle Skin](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/istock_000016791173xsmall.jpg)
4. Remove Excess Cuticle Skin
Gently push back the cuticle on each finger with the edge of a hand towel or an orange stick wrapped in cotton. With cuticle scissors, cut off any hangnail or jagged cuticle.
![5. Make Your Nails Shine](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/istock_000017238555xsmall.jpg)
5. Make Your Nails Shine
Rub buffing powder, paste, or cream into your nails. Buff crosswise until they shine. Then massage some hand lotion or cream around the cuticles.
![6. Repair Broken Nails](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/istock_000017845971xsmall.jpg)
6. Repair Broken Nails
To repair a split nail, use paper adhesive from a nail repair kit. Change the repaid often to ward off infection.