Manicure literally means hand and care- derived from “manus” and “cura” and it includes, clipping, shaping of the nails, treating cuticles, moisturizing hands and finishing by polishing the nails. There are numerous benefits of a regular manicure – it helps in improving the nails and fix the damaged nails or cuticles, hang-nails and brittle/fragile nails.
When it comes to types of manicures, the basic steps are quite similar- but the application methods of nail paints and the treatment methods are different. Getting a manicure at the salon is difficult every month, and is pricey too, so why not try out these steps and give yourself a manicure at home in no time at all?
Things you need for a Manicure:
Nail polish remover
Cotton balls or cotton swabs
Warm water
Moisturising soap
Soft baby tooth-brush
A soft towel and a damp cloth
Cuticle cream
Cuticle trimmer
Nail trimmers
Nail file
Nail buffer
Nail polish
Base coat
Top coat
Moisturising hand lotion
How to Proceed:
1. Remove any hand accessories you have- rings, acrylic nails, watches, etc.,
2. Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover, and gently remove previously applied nail paint from nails. Make sure you remove the nail paint completely- from the sides. This will also help in cleaning the nails of dirt and oil. You might have to clean twice, if you have earlier used dark coloured nail paint.
3. Trim the nails if needed, but be careful so as not to clip them too short; and then file them into desired shape- which should be clean and smooth by gently dragging the file across the nail- do NOT push it aggressively as excessive force as it weakens the nails and cause them to break.
4. Wipe your nails by a cotton ball soaked in rose water/ warm water to remove the debris.
5. Using a nail buffer, buff your nails to flatten out the ridges.
6. Soak your fingers in warm water with added moisturising hand soap solution/ baby shampoo and conditioner for about 10-15 minutes with gently scrubbing the hands using a baby tooth brush.
7. After soaking, remove your fingers and pat them dry with a soft cotton towel and apply a cuticle cream on your nail bed, let it rest for couple of minutes, then using a cuticle pusher/ orange stick, gently push back the cuticle; be careful not to force them back and/ or cut your cuticles. Wipe off the excess cream with the cotton ball or towel.
8. Try buffing your nails once again- gently and wipe it with a cotton ball dipped in rose water.
9. Take a generous amount of moisturising lotion or hand cream and massage onto your hands for few minutes.
10. Using a Q-tip dipped in the nail polish remover, wipe the nail bed and nails to remove the lotion.
11. Cover the nail with a clear base coat to even out the nail base and smoothen the nail, serving as a nail primer.
12. Let the base coat dry completely before you proceed with applying the nail paint further.
13. Choose the nail paint you wish to apply, roll the bottle between your palms for 15 seconds, then take a small amount on the brush, and with gentle movements spread onto your nails. Do not take a huge blob and then spread it. Instead, always take little amounts and then spread it.
14. Let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat. Applying a second coat of nail paint before letting the first one to dry completely will only smudge the earlier coat. Also, applying a second coat will give an even and richer color to the nails.
15. After the second coat is completely dry, only then proceed with sealing off the color using a top coat.
Weekly or even bi-Weekly manicures help in nourishing the hands and nails and provide a natural and healthy glow to the nails and helps against wrinkles.
By: Archa Dave
