Learn How to Give Yourself an Inexpensive At Home Manicure
As a former licensed manicurist I know all the ins and outs of great nail service. Here are step-by-step instructions for a wonderful service you can do anytime, in the privacy of your own home.
Truly the best time to do a pedicure is after you shower, as your cuticles are already soaked and ready to push back, and you can scrub your feet with a foot file or exfoliating scrub while you are in the shower. If you are starting from scratch, use a foot file on your dry feet. Yes, I said use it on dry feet, as that is when you actually get the most dead skin off. Then sit on the side of the tub or fill a pedi spa with water and soak feet for 5 minutes.
Pat feet dry and apply cuticle remover.Using a cuticle pusher (I like the pumice stone type) gently push back cuticles. Using a clean cuticle nipper, nip any loose skin that you can’t get off with the cuticle pusher. Only nip skin that is hanging, do not, I repeat, do not, cut all your cuticles off with the nipper.
Apply a thick conditioning hand or foot lotion (a formula with shea butter would be nice) and massage feet thoroughly. Be sure to rub in between each toe in the web area, as this skin can get very dry. Pay special attention to cuticles, massaging cream into each nail bed.
Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to go over each nail, removing all residue of the hand cream from the nail plate.You may want to go over each nail twice. Nail polish will not adhere properly if your nail surface is at all oily. If you have a problem with chipping you might want to apply a product such as OPI Bond Aid to help polish adhere.
Apply two coats of nail color. For best results wait 10 minutes between coats. When applying polish place one stroke down the middle, then one on each side.
Apply a top coat. You might want to use fast drying drops or spray, especially if you tend to smudge. Remember that your polish won’t be truly set up for about an hour.
See how easy it is to give your self the spa treatment at home? And think of all the money you will save in the process. Beautiful toenails are as easy as one-two-three when you follow these steps for the best at home pedicure. Now go out and show off your nails to the world!
Now, how does a home manicure sound? Get a step by step guide to learn how to get one, just like this one!
Basin of warm water containing an essential oil
A soft towel
Nail buffing block
Nail polish remover
Foam toe separators
Cotton balls
Fine grain emery board
A metal cuticle push or stick of orangewood with tapered ends
Nailbrush
Cuticle removing oil or cream
Foot cream (preferably with Vitamin E)
Sea salt/exfoliant scrub
Tweezers
Base coat
Top coat
Nail polish
