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But with the right tools and a little patience, achieving even, chip-resistant polish is definitely within reach.

See her step-by-step instructions for a perfect at-home manicure below.

A woman’s hand with a bright red manicure

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Meet the Experts

Amy Lin is the founder of ofSunday’s Nail Studioin New York City.

How to Prepare Your Nails

double-check you wash your hands thoroughly before starting your manicure.

Cut Your Nails

Decide on thenail shapeyou wish to file beforehand.

Woman cutting her fingernails

Dee Mills / Byrdie

If your nails are too long to file, trim them with nail clippers first.

Using unidirectional strokes on your nail, buff any edges and even out any ridges on the nail surface.

You may buff your nail plate after using gel polish remover to smooth out your plates as well.

Woman files her nails

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Then, use a wooden stick to gently push them back into the nail bed.

Add Your Base Coat

Lightly stroke one layer of base coat onto the nail in even strokes.

ensure youre not putting too much on each nail, and let it dry for one to two minutes.

Woman buffs her nails

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Apply Your Color

Now it’s time for the main event.

The key is steady, even strokes from the base to the tip.

Note: If you wanted to add some nail art, do so before applying your top coat.

Woman applies a base coat to her nails

Dee Mills / Byrdie

You’re all set.

There is no right or wrong way!

So whatever at-home manicure routine makes you feel most fulfilled is the right way to go."

Woman paints her nails bright red

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Woman adds a top coat to her painted nails

Dee Mills / Byrdie

Woman with a completed red manicure

Dee Mills / Byrdie