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Step-by step Easy Manicure
One of the most pleasant, relaxing experiences is to have someone give you a manicure. However, taking care of your nails can
also be done at home.
Plan Ahead
First of all, when planning what you want to do you need to know what condition your nails are in. Ask yourself the following
questions before you begin: Are they dry, soft or brittle? Do your nails have lines or ridges? Are they peeling in layers? What
shape are your cuticles? Do you have hangnails? Are you a nail biter?
Here’s what you will need to get started: Your favorite polish, file, polish remover, base coat, top coat, cotton balls,
orange stick, bowl for the warm water, and towels.
Ready, Set, Go
Now that you have all your supplies, follow these steps and off you go:
1. Remove old polish on your nails and toes. No time for a pedicure? That’s okay, no polish on your toes is better than
chipped polish. When removing your old polish don’t use a polish remover system that requires you to stick your entire finger
into a jar of solution.
Even if they say they have conditioners, avoid polish removers that contain acetone or a chemical relative of acetone. Not
only does the acetone and alcohol in polish removers damage the surface of the nail, it affects the nails natural luster and
weakens the base of the nail.
2. After you use the polish remover, rinse your nails immediately in warm water, and then scrub them with a soft-bristle nail
brush. The night before a manicure, apply a hot oil treatment using ¼ cup olive oil and oil from one vitamin E capsule (rub your
cuticles and nails with this mixture). Put on your gloves and your hands and nails will be just wonderful the next day.
3. If necessary, file your nails to the desired shape and buff away anything that doesn’t look good. Before filing, make sure
your nails are dry and free of any creams. To prevent your nails from splitting, file in only one direction at a time. Find the
shape of nails that best suits you. Some fingers look good with square nails while others look better with oval.
4. Soak nails for a few minutes in warm water. If your nails are stained, try the following twice a week until the stain is
gone: Mix 1 Tablespoon hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup warm water. Soak nails for five minutes a week. Pat dry.
5. The next step is to push back your cuticles. Don’t ever cut them or push them back too hard, however, as they are what
protects the root of the nail. Cuticle removers are not recommended as they contain alkali and are one of the harshest products
on the market. To gently push back the cuticle, use a soft moist towel or orange stick.
6. When cleaning your nails be careful not to be too vigorous or you may create a space under your nails for fungi or bacteria
to grow.
7. Now, comes the final touch. Time to paint your nails. First of all, you’ll want to apply a base coat to fill in any ridges
your nails may have. This will make your polish look better.
After you’ve applied a base coat, wait about 3 minutes between putting on the polish so that layer has a better chance of
being dry. This will also keep your nails from staining.
Remember, the best way to apply polish is to start at the center, then up both sides from the base to the tip. Always move in
an upward motion. You really only need to use three strokes.
Avoid quick-dry polishes as most of them contain acetone which is not conducive to healthy nails. Instead, try a thicker,
slower drying polish that will hold moisture and give your nails more flexibility.
Go over your nails with two coats of polish letting each coat dry about 3 minutes.
Finally, brush on your top coat to seal the polish and help protect it from chipping.
Wasn’t That Easy?
Now, wasn’t that easy. Giving yourself a home manicure definitely saves you money, but it also can be a pleasant
experience.
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