The at-home manicure was once a myth, like the Yeti or bleaching your hair at home to make it pretty. But since we've been spending so much time indoors, we're starting to be able to do things we can't, like salon-grade flawless manicures, DIY homemade face masks (opens in new tab), and even dyeing our own eyebrows (opens in new tab).

And we're not just talking about the standard clean-and-polish (although we're definitely lusting after the spring nail polish (opens in new tab) we covet this season). Gel manicures (open in new tab), Kylie Jenner-esque lengths, nail art (open in new tab), and healthy cuticles are also within reach. It just takes inspiration, tools, guidance, and patience to create a manicure that you'll actually want to show off.

If you're like me, looking down at the battlefield of peeling gel manicures, it may be time to learn how to apply a salon-grade manicure yourself from the comfort of your couch. A nail expert (you'd be horrified to see my nail bed) shares her best tips and tricks for getting a "glam-worthy" manicure.

Just as neglecting your hair can keep you from having a perfect hair day, your nails and cuticles need to be cared for as well, and Brittney Boyce, nail specialist and nail art consultant at ORLY, recommends starting with clean hands. "Wash and moisturize your hands before you begin. Dipping your nails before a manicure will make the manicure last longer."

"If you soak your nails before the manicure, the manicure will not last as long as it should.

A truly great faux salon experience does not begin with polish. Madeline Poole, a nail world maven who recently launched a collaboration with ManiMe (open in new tab), has discovered that at-home manicures are much less difficult than you might think. Find your favorite cuticle oil and apply it before starting your nails, and by the time you shape and paint your nails, you'll have a healthy, moisturized base. Poole has found that even things found at home work: "To push back cuticles, I love to use a gel cuticle remover, but if you don't have cuticle oil on hand, you can use oil (coconut oil or olive oil).

The next essential step to achieving Instagram-worthy nails is to have tools that work as promised. For any great nails, you'll need clippers, a nail file, and a cuticle pusher. Poole also recommends finding a buffing block to even out the nail surface. Happily, these essentials are often available together in a kit, so don't worry about forgetting one.

Finally, if you opt for a standard manicure, find one you like that doesn't use harsh chemicals that can cause damage. Pool Hot Tip.

"The longer you wait between coats, the better. And don't apply a base coat; according to Boyce, base coats help "make nail polish adhere better and last longer." It also helps prevent nail color from sticking to darker shades of nail color."

Once the nails are healthy and shaped with top-notch tools, the real fun begins. Gel manicures and extension tips may seem like something only the experts can do, but with the right products and proper application, you can do it too.

Many of the items used by manicurists to do gel nails can be purchased by individuals. The items needed to enjoy gel nail art at home are a gel base and top coat, gel nail color, and an LED nail lamp. Although it may seem difficult, in fact, gel nail art is easy to do as long as you have the right tools. Follow these simple steps:

If you are not confident using electronic equipment or applying nails without staining them, stick-on nails may be perfect for you. In the last few years, press-ons have reached innovative and aesthetic heights, and ManiMe (opens in new tab) offers state-of-the-art gel stick-on nails customized to your nail size. Instead of remembering your middle school days of applying neon-colored nail polish in the bathroom and having it break off unceremoniously at lunchtime, think chic packaging, easy application, and achievable nail goals. (I even tried a few (opens in new tab): the Static Nails x Urban Outfitters set (opens in new tab) is the pinnacle of classiness.)

Not everyone likes painted designs, so consider trying fun nail stickers. If you're stuck inside with little ones, they'll enjoy putting stickers on you (and maybe you'll share them with them). Fun and creative designs can be changed and played with when they get bored.

With a simple manicure, this is easy. Press-on and common nail polish can be removed with warm water and common nail polish remover, but gel nail polish removal at home is a bit more complicated. While it may be tempting to opt for a satisfactory exfoliation, I have learned from much experience that this will only leave you with damaged and weakened nails.

OPI's North American Education Manager, Sigourney Nunez, has prepared a six-step guide to gel nail removal:

In these difficult times, there is sage advice: learning a new skill is exciting, but it is a predicament businesses, or businesses that may have to close for good, it is also important to help them. If you can, consider purchasing a gift card to a local nail spa. Until that happens, enjoy the experience at home and develop an expert.

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