A weekly nail manicure can do wonders for your nails and
cuticles, promoting faster nail growth and strengthening your nails each
time. it is easy to manicure nails yourself following these simple steps.
Manicure Nails - Preparation
Thoroughly wash your hands prior to manicuring your nails and remove
any old nail polish.
With a double-sided emery board, file and shape the nails using a
gentle stroke. File each nail tip from corner to center; do not file
in a see-saw motion with the emery board because doing so can cause ridges
in the nail and nail splitting. Avoid corners of your nails as this can
weaken them.
Soak the hands in warm, soapy water
for a few minutes to remove dirt. This will also soften cuticles and
make it easier to push cuticles back. Clean under free edge of nail with
orangewood stick.
Manicure Nails - Cuticles
The cuticle is the skin that grows
from the finger onto the base of the nail (nail root).
Apply a softener to your cuticles.
Transfer hands
to a bowl of warm water and soak for an additional few minutes.
Push the cuticle
gently back. Leaving the cuticle intact helps to prevent infection
of the nail growing tissue. Don't cut your cuticles as
this can cause the nail to die if not done right.
Manicure Nails- Base Coat and Varnish
Apply a base coat such as calcium
gel which helps nails grow faster and hardens
as well. Allow to dry for a minute or two.
Apply 2 coats of your favorite
nail polish. Pick up a small amount
of polish on your brush and paint one stroke down the center of your nail.
Stroke the sides of the nail and you are done. The nail should be completely
colored in three strokes. Allow to set for a minute or so before applying
the second coat. The second coat adds life to
your manicure, and will protect your nails as well.
Finish with
a shine sealer. Allow nails to fully dry for at least an hour.
Finally, apply a moisturizing cream
or lotion to the hands and cuticles. This will help prevent splitting of
the nails.