Do you want to have your nails always in order but you don't want to make an appointment with the beautician or are you trying to save on everything? Whatever the reason you want to have a manicure or pedicure at home, using the products you already have, this guide will show you how to get a professional result.
Steps
Step 1. Remove the polish from all nails
Make sure you wipe off any debris from the sides and edges with a cotton swab.
Step 2. Trim your nails, then shape them by moving the file from corner to center
If they are short or you want to let them stretch further, just file them slightly. Do this gently, applying just the right pressure - you shouldn't break them or end up with jagged nails. Don't file them straight, or you can damage them. Follow the edge of the tip with the file.
Step 3. Soak them in a bowl filled with warm water or milk for 5 minutes
You shouldn't let your whole hand soak, just your nails.
Step 4. Take your nails out of the water or milk and let them dry
Mix an equal amount of olive oil and sugar and rub the scrub all over your hands, including between your fingers and around your nails, for about 30 seconds. Afterwards, wash and dry them. Apply a full-bodied moisturizer - you'll find several in the supermarket or perfumery. Gently push back the cuticles with an orange stick, or use a metal or rubber-tipped cuticle pusher. Avoid cutting them: in fact, the cuticles connect the nail bed to the surface of the nail and protect it from infections. If you really can't do without them, remove them gently with a cuticle cutter, but don't overdo it, as this could lead to an infection (do it a maximum of once a month). Cut the cuticles with a pair of scissors, do not pull them off. Clean under the tip with a special brush.
Step 5. Gently polish them with a smoothing file
You can also apply vitamin E or A oil, sweet almond or olive oil.
Step 6. If you like, apply a base for the nail polish and then lacquer it with the color of your choice (before applying the nail polish, make sure that the absorption of the cream or oil is complete, otherwise the lacquer will not stick well to the surface)
Afterwards, apply a top coat to further polish them, protect them and prevent the nail polish from chipping.
Step 7. Finished
Advice
- Before starting, if you like, you can massage some olive or other oil on the cuticles: it will soften them and it will be easier to push them back. Baby oil is also helpful in this regard, and often smells better than natural oils.
- Do not remove the cuticles with the clipper: it is better to push them back.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles before applying nail polish to make it much easier to fix smudges. In addition, it will protect them and not make them dry out. Massage it on this area even before going to bed.
- When you finish lacquering your nails, wait for them to dry for at least 10 minutes.
Warnings
- If you decide to go to a beautician instead of getting a manicure or pedicure at home, here are some things to look out for when entering the beauty salon:
- The salon should be clean and tidy, and the beautician should change towels and equipment between clients.
- The bottles of the products that the beautician uses should clearly indicate the contents.
- Some beauticians put aside the equipment they use for regular clients on purpose. You should ask the nail technician to do this for you, provided you go there regularly.
- Metal tools that could penetrate the skin should be sterilized in an autoclave.
- Don't be shy and ask questions about the manicure, the substances used and how the equipment was cleaned.
- If you want the nail technician to put acrylic nails on you, ask her to explain the procedure, the products she will use and how to take care of her hands at home.
- Nail equipment should be clean and dry. Do not let them use a tool taken from a bowl full of water, even though it also contains disinfectant.
- Do not go to a pedicure spa if you have shaved your legs the night before or the same day. Don't do this even if you have cuts in this area - this makes you more vulnerable to infection.
- Contact only expert nail technicians and beauticians; is looking for competent and qualified professionals. Certificates should be placed in plain sight in the beauty salon.
- Non-disposable equipment should be rinsed, washed using warm water and a detergent and dried between customers; for quick cleaning, you can use a paper towel and 70% alcohol.
- When poking out your cuticles, be careful not to cut the skin at the base of your nails.
