Would you like to pamper yourself with a manicure at home? Given the right tools and some practice, you can conveniently do it for yourself.
While you will need to invest in these tools in the beginning, they will save you a lot more in the long run.
Here is a list of things that you will need-
- Nail Polish Remover
- Nail Clipper
- Nail Filing Tool
- Nail Buffer
- Cuticle Pusher
1 Clean Your Nails
Always begin with clean nails! Remove all traces of nail polish with a remover. Use a nail polish remover that does not contain acetone, an ingredient that can dry out your nails and make them brittle. Here is a safer and more sustainable alternative-
- Mix equal parts of Lemon juice and Vinegar in a bowl.
- Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and press it onto your fingernails and hold it for 10-20 seconds.
- Use the same cotton ball to wipe off the nail polish before washing your hands with soap and water.
2 Trim Your Nails
Use the nail clipper to trim your nails. If you want shorter nails, never trim them until the quick (hyponychium) of your fingers. The whites of your nails must extend beyond the fingertips to avoid soreness.
3 Filing
Use the filing tool to file every nail from its side to the center and avoid dragging it back and forth over the nails. This will prevent them from getting jagged and prone to breakage.
4 Nail Buffer
Buffing smoothens out the surface of your nails and gives them a healthy shine. Make sure to use the buffer gently in an X shape using unidirectional strokes. However, repeat it only 6-8 times for each nail and buff only once a month to avoid weakening your nails.
5 Push Back Your Cuticles
Soak your nails in a bowl of warm water to soften your cuticles. Use the cuticle pusher to gently push them back towards your skin. Doing this will help your nails grow stronger, healthier, and prevent infections.
6 Moisturise
Never miss the chance to moisturise your hands and cuticles. Just like the rest of your body, they also become prone to dryness and need ample moisture. Use hydrating hand cream after a good manicure.
