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# DIY French Nail Manicure
- URL: https://www.cookiesandclogs.com/diy-french-nail-manicure/
- Published: 2011-08-03T15:00:06.000Z
- Updated: 2016-05-31T06:55:19.000Z
- Description: French Nail Manicure Tutorial to Do-It-Yourself at Home… Up until a year or two ago I had never gotten my nails done. Having pretty strong natural nails always cared for…
- Author: TerriAnn van Gosliga
- Tags: Personal, Beauty, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-09-10 09:18

### French Nail Manicure Tutorial to Do-It-Yourself at Home…

![DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/2c/eb2c2494-1e98-4067-8fbf-8a48d9dd30cf/content/images/cookiesandclogs-local/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/mani01.jpg "DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial")

Up until a year or two ago I had never gotten my nails done. Having pretty strong natural nails always cared for and painted them myself. After having three manicures, I haven’t been impressed by their paint job and have resorted to doing my own French Manicure again. Plus, it’s cheaper! It’s really easy but does take some time to dry in between coats. All you need are:

- White polish
- Clear polish
- Sheer polish (optional)
- Tip Guides (adhesive)

You can buy kits that have all this included if you are unsure. Otherwise, make sure the white and sheer polish are specifically designed for French Manicures for the best results. This method does not work as well if the polish is a bit old or starting to thicken, so make sure you either thin your polishes regularly or buy new ones periodically.

![DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/2c/eb2c2494-1e98-4067-8fbf-8a48d9dd30cf/content/images/cookiesandclogs-local/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/mani02.jpg "DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial")

| Apply tip guide to nail. | Use white polish above the guide. Apply second coat. | Carefully remove guide. | Use brush, dipped in polish remover, to clean edges. |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |

Make sure the tip dries completely or you will get white streaks with the next coat. Don’t worry if it does not perfect. It will look much better after next steps. I use a sheer pinkish polish next because I prefer a softer look, but that is totally optional.

![DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/2c/eb2c2494-1e98-4067-8fbf-8a48d9dd30cf/content/images/cookiesandclogs-local/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/mani03.jpg "DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial")

| Add sheer or tinted clear polish if desired. | Use only ONE coat. | Use any clear top coat you prefer. | Use only ONE coat. |
| -------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | ---------------------------------- | ------------------ |

Let it dry completely and you’re done! After two days, you can add another coat of clear and then two days after that. This can last up to 10 days and is a WHOLE lot cheaper than those shellac manicures. Even when I’m most critical of the paint job I’ve done, I still get compliments all the time. Have fun!

![DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/2c/eb2c2494-1e98-4067-8fbf-8a48d9dd30cf/content/images/cookiesandclogs-local/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/mani04.jpg "DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial")

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/2c/eb2c2494-1e98-4067-8fbf-8a48d9dd30cf/content/images/cookiesandclogs-local/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/mani05.jpg "DIY French Manicure Nail Polish Tutorial")