Manicures and Pedicures

Consider doing your own manicures and pedicures to save time and money and reduce the chance of nail infections. I have been doing my own since high school and have my own techniques and favorite products to share.

1. Start with clean nails. Remove any old polish with nail polish remover and cotton balls.

2. File fingernails to desired shape (square or rounded) and length using a glass nail file. File in one direction, not back and forth. Glass files are available in beauty supply shops and come in several sizes. Purchase a small one for your purse and a regular size one for manicures. They last forever if you keep them in a case and are careful not to drop them. These can be washed and also prevent splitting of nails.

3. Trim toe nails straight across with nail clippers. Nails should not extend past flesh of toes. Then file edges smooth.

4. Soak nails for about 5 minutes if you want and have time.

5. Push cuticles back with an orangewood cuticle stick (gentler than a metal one). Use white vinegar on a cotton swab to remove any dead cuticle skin on nails. Then scrub nails and cuticles with a soft nail brush with soap and water. A toothbrush works well for this.

6. Dry nails well.

7. Separate toes with toe separators or tissue folded into strips and woven between toes.

8. Apply polish using three strokes, one down the middle and one on each side. Allow 5 minutes drying time between each coat. Avoid getting polish on skin and cuticles.

a. Base coat: Apply a clear base coat. The brand I like is Loreal Base Coat 100 available everywhere nail products are sold (Walgreen's, Target, etc.).

b. Color coat: Apply two thin coats of desired color. My all-time favorite is called Teak Rose (#161) by Revlon.

c. Top coat: Finish with Dry Fast Top Coat by Seche Vite. (This may be hard to find but places like Ulta carry it.)This acts as a top coat and allows your nails to dry very quickly plus helps prevent chipping. I tend to do my manicure before I go to bed and it keeps those "sheet marks" away!

Manicures can last about a week depending on how you use your hands. Pedicures can last about two weeks in the summer when toes are exposed and about a month during the winter. There is nothing prettier than well manicured nails.