A manicure or pedicure is a great way to feel pampered. However, salon level care can get costly. With a little hard work and patience, you can get salon style nails at home. File your nails and push back cuticles before applying a layer of base, nail polish, and top coat. You’ll end up with high quality nails that will wow your friends and family.
1.Prepare your tools.
In order to do a great manicure, you’ll need certain supplies. Most supplies can be purchased at a local makeup store or drug store. To do a salon style manicure, you will need the following:
- Nail polish, a base coat, and a top coat
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- A bowl filled with warm water and moisturizing shower gel
- A set of manicure tools that includes a cuticle pusher and cuticle blade
- Cuticle moisturizer
2.Select an acetone-free nail polish remover.
Acetone nail polish removers tend to remove polish quicker. However, they also contain harsh chemicals that can wear down nails. You should opt for an acetone free polish remover, especially if you do your nails frequently. Check the ingredient list of any polish remover you use to make sure that it does not contain acetone.
3.Remove any previous nail polish.
To start, you’ll need to remove any previous polish. If you do not have old polish on your nails, you can skip this step. You should not soak you nails in remover, as this can be harsh on your nails. Instead, dab a cotton ball in remover and gently swab your nails until any leftover polish comes off.
4.Moisturize your cuticles.
You should moisturize your cuticles before applying any polish. This can help your cuticles retain moisture, keeping your nails healthy.
- Near the root of your nail, there is a small flap of skin known as a cuticle. Dab a small bit of moisturizer over this skin.
- Gently massage the cream into your skin until the lumpy bits of cream dissolve into your skin.
5.Soak your hands and feet for two minutes.
Take your bowl of warm water filled with shower gel. Place the tips of your fingers in the bowl. Allow them to soak for two minutes.
- You can use a clock to track time, but you may be able to gauge the two minute mark by just counting to 120 in your head.
6.Push back your cuticles and cut the old cuticles.
Take your cuticle pusher, which is a small wooden or plastic stick. You will use this to gently push each of your cuticles back so they merge with the skin in your fingers. Older cuticles will emerge from underneath the pushed back cuticles. Take your cuticle cutter and run the blade along the length of your cuticles to cut them off.
- You want to take caution with this step. Be very gentle as you push your cuticles back and cut them. Use very slow motions. Forcefully cutting or pushing your cuticles could lead to an infection.
- Never neglect to soak your fingers before pushing back your cuticles. If your hands are slightly wet, the cuticles will move easier. This can also help prevent infection.
7.Clip and file your nails.
If your nails are not in your desired size and shape, you should now cut and file them. You can use a set of nail clippers and a nail file to do so. You should also use a nail buffer to smooth out the tops of nails.
- Trim nails to your desired length. Then, take a file and file them into a good shape. Salon style manicures usually file nails into a square shape or round out the edges of nails. To create a squared look, file each nail flat across the top and then soften the edges slightly so they aren’t too sharp. For a rounded look, file the tips of your nails into a soft curve. Be sure to file your nails in one direction only. Start at one edge and work your way over to the other.
- Avoid using metallic files, as these can be too harsh. Opt for an emery board or crystal nail file.
- Gently rub your nail buffer over the tops of your nails until they have a smooth, even appearance. Do not buffer for too long, however. If nails become too smooth, polish may slide off.Read more
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