Lifestyle

More and more people are having regular manicures, and it's the sort of thing you can learn to do at home, By following a few simple rules, you can improve the appearance of your hands and nails. The basic equipment you'll need to complete the task are :- A pack of cotton wool balls, some fingernail polish remover, 1 emery board, a nail trimmer, a cuticle remover, a bottle of fingernail polish, and some paper towels.

Firstly, remove the old polish, by moistening a cotton wool ball with nail polish remover. There are different types of polish remover available. Press the cotton wool on the nail for a few seconds to soften the old polish. Wipe gently with the cotton ball on the nail starting at the base.

Next shape the nail - which should be filed into oval tips. Begin on the little finger of the left hand and move towards the thumb. Slant the fingernail file or emery board so that the filing is done mostly to the underside of the nail. File each nail from the corner to the centre, going from right to left and then left to right. On each side of the nail, stroke in one direction only. Repeat the process in the right hand.

Soak the fingers in a small finger bowl to soften the cuticles. A few drops of mild dish soap added to the water works well. Carefully dry the hand with a small towel, then place the hand on the towel. Dry the hand while pushing back the cuticle and skin on each fingernail, very carefully.

Apply the cuticle remover by carefully following directions on the bottle. Gently loosen the cuticle with an orangewood stick. Keep the cuticle moist, then wash gently and dry.

Clean under the free edge of the nail by dipping a cotton tipped stick in soapy water, and cleaning from the centre out to each side.

Occasionally you have to remove the cuticle with small scissors. Apply cuticle oil or cream at the base of the nail. Brush nails gently in soapy water with a downward motion. Dry your hands and nails thoroughly. Now use a fine emery board to buff your nails, giving them a smooth edge.

Apply the base coat using long strokes. When it is dry to the touch, apply polish lightly, with strokes from the base to the tip. Excess polish on the cuticle or nail can be removed with a cotton tipped stick. Apply a top or seal coat. If you brush it around and under the tips of the nail this will give added protection.

Last of all, apply lotion, if time permits. Your nails need to be completely dry. Start at the wrists, and move down to the fingertips. Manicuring - now you've nailed it!