Easy Do It Yourself Manicure!
Tool time!
A trip to your local department or drug store is expedient before undertaking a manicure. Make sure you’re well prepared with the following tools:
*nail polish remover
*cotton pads
*emery board
*Vitamin E oil
*orangewood stick
*white block buffer
*base coat nail polish
*colored polish
*top coat
Preparing your nails…
Take a look at your nails. If it’s been awhile since you cared for them, you’ll need to make sure they are in tip-top shape. First and foremost is to remove any nail polish thoroughly. Moisten a cotton pad with nail polish remover and gently wipe nails until all traces of polish are gone. Be sure to use cotton pads, not cotton balls, as they tend to leave lint on your nails. Once polish is removed, wash your hands thoroughly in warm soapy water to remove any residue of the nail polish remover. Dry your hands completely on a clean towel. If you find that your nails are discolored from the polish, you can soak them in lemon juice for ten minutes to remove the stain.
Filing…
Now it’s time to file your nails and shape them. You may choose a conservative oval shape or opt for the classical square cut nail. However you shape them, it’s best not to leave them too long as the longer they are, the weaker they will be. When filing nails, use your emery board to file in only one direction not back and forth, which can damage your nails. It’s best to start at the outer edge and work toward the center of the nail, being careful to shape it evenly on each side.
Soaking…
Once you’ve filed your nails, you’ll notice lots of nail dust on your hands. Fill your sink with warm sudsy water and soak your nails for a few minutes. This not only removes the nail dust, but also softens up your cuticles for your next step. (Be sure to soak AFTER you’ve filed, not before, as soaking weakens the nail).
Taking care of cuticles…
After soaking and thoroughly drying your hands and nails, massage Vitamin E oil into your cuticles. (You may also use olive oil). It only takes a little per nail. Massage until oil is soaked in. Now take your orangewood stick and gently (let me emphasize ‘gently’) push back your cuticles. Cuticles help prevent bacteria from entering your body so keeping your cuticles healthy is a must. It helps to keep your hands moisturized in between manicures. Be sure to wash oil completely off your nails before applying polish. Oil will keep the polish from adhering to your nails.
In the Buff!
You’re almost ready for polish, but if you want that ‘professional’ look, buffing your nails is paramount. Take your white block buffer and buff each nail back and forth to smooth any ridges. This will give your nail a smoother look and make the polish adhere to the surface or your nails better.
A Splash of Color!
Now comes the most exciting part of all…COLOR! However, before you paint on that perfect shade of polish, prepare your nails by applying a base coat. A base coat is important in keeping you nails from being stained by your color. It also helps your polish last longer. Apply a thin coat and allow it to dry before applying colored polish. Applying polish from your cuticle toward your nail tip will help in keeping nail polish on the nail and off your skin. Once polish is dry, apply a thin coat of color. It may look thin but that’s okay. A thick coat of polish may bubble up or peel. Besides, you’ll apply another coat after this one dries. And if it still looks too thin, don’t hesitate about applying a third coat. With lighter polishes, I’ve found three coats are adequate, while darker polishes sometimes require only two coats. The key is to let each coat dry COMPLETELY before applying the next. If you can’t wait, pull out your hairdryer and use it to dry your nails. If you find your nail polish has gotten thick, either toss it or add a few drops of nail polish remover to thin it down. You definitely want a nice smooth look. If there is any nail polish on your fingers, carefully remove with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. After your colored polish has dried, it’s time for your topcoat. A topcoat is simply a clear coat of polish to protect your color. It will ensure that your nails look better for a greater period of time. However, reapplying your topcoat every few days will help them look nicer longer.
Keeping Your Nails Beautiful….
Try to use your fingers rather than your nails in those small jobs you do around the house to ensure no chipping of polish or breakage of the nails. If you have to pry something, be sure to use a tool, not your nails. When doing housework, don rubber gloves to protect your nails. Try not to soak your nails, as in a long bath or even a long shower as the water will shorten the life of your polish. Also, remember to keep your hands, including cuticles moisturized. If you tend to have dry hands, you may want to slather on extra moisturizer, put sandwich bags on your hands, then soft cotton gloves and leave on overnight. Your hands will be super soft by morning! (Or maybe by the time that movie you’re watching is over)! And don’t forget to apply your top coat frequently. It’s best to maintain your manicure for a week if possible as frequent use of nail polish remover is drying to your nails.
If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll have beautiful nails and have the satisfaction of knowing you not only saved money, but also that you did it yourself!
