Professional manicures are a treat, but can be very costly on a regular basis. Instead of a weekly salon trip, learn how to do your own nails at home.
Prepare yourself with a manicure kit including:
- Wooden cuticle sticks–Wood is gentler on your skin than metal. Before pushing back your cuticles, soak them for a minute or two in soapy, warm water to soften them.
- Clippers–Never use clippers on your cuticles. Reserve this tool for removing hangnails, which can snag on clothing and create further damage if left untreated.
- A quality nail file–When trimming and shaping nails, filing is preferable to clipping. Clipping nails can create breaks and cracks. Filing is more gentle and also allows you greater control over the finished length of your nails.
- Cuticle cream–Tough cuticles may be difficult to push back even after soaking. Cuticle cream can soften them, making them easier to manipulate.
- Nail brush–Always make sure your nails have been thoroughly cleaned before beginning to paint them. Use a nail brush and warm soapy water.
- Base coat, polish, and top coat–For the longest lasting color, apply a layer of base coat in order to prime the nails. The top coat both protects the color from chipping and fading and adds an extra layer of shine.
- Warm water, soap, and a soft towel–Do not use any cleansers but gentle soap and water on your nails, and dry them carefully but thoroughly with a non-abrasive towel.
- Nail polish remover–If your nails are already painted, you will need to remove old polish before applying more. Stay away from removers containing alcohol or acetone, as they strip your nails of their natural moisture, leaving them dry and brittle.
Finally, here are a few guidelines for performing your own nail care.
- Your nails will look their best if you file them into a natural shape. Your filed nail tips should have a curve similar to the shape of your nails themselves.
- Finish your filing and cuticle care completely before applying your base coat.
- The base coat will prep the nail for a smooth application of polish. It also protects your nail from possible discoloration from the pigments in darker polishes. Nail strengtheners work well as base coats if your nails tend to be fragile or weak.
- Allow at least two to three minutes for the base coat to dry completely. Apply color in very thin coats. Thicker applications are more likely to drip or bubble. Allow each coat to dry completely before re-applying.
- When painting nails, wrap them in polish by applying a small amount to the underside and edges of the nails. This will protect the edges from chipping and cracking.
A Few Final Tips
Store your nail polish in a dry, cool area with a consistent temperature in order to maximize its shelf life. Do not soak your painted nails in water, as this will encourage paint to peel. For a longer lasting manicure, apply a fresh layer of top coat each day. Another tip you might only learn at the best nail schools is never shake your nail polish bottles, as this creates tiny air bubbles that will lead to uneven paint jobs. Instead, roll the bottle gently between your palms to stir the polish before painting.
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