If you want to paint your nails like a pro, all you need is some nail polish, moisturizer and some patience. The more you practice at-home manicures, the better you'll be at them. This can save you quite a bit of time and money. With practice, you'll be able to do your nails in mere minutes while watching your favorite television show or while talking on the phone. Once you have these skills in place, you can forget paying someone to do what you can do at home.

You will need a clean slate when it comes time to do your nails. Make sure that all nail polish has been removed from your nails, that they are cut to the desired length and that they are clean. Similarly, take the time to moisturize your hands so that you can protect your skin from nail polish.

Any professional manicurist can tell you that you should always apply a base coat to your nails. This strengthens your nails and protects against any color bleeding or dilution. Choose a clear or light-colored coat for this and apply only a thin layer.

You are now ready to apply your first coat of nail polish to your nails. To do this, position the brush at the center of the nail and brush downward so that the bristles fan out. Sweep upwards and then repeat on either side of the nail. The polish should end before it touches your nail bed.

Follow with a second coat of polish. Any more than this and bubbles may appear and you may mess up your nails because they haven't had the time to properly dry. Professionals agree that a clear top coat is the best way to finish the nails. This ensures your color will last longer and will protect against chipping.