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
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.
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.
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. [7] X Research source 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.
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.
Use about three strokes to cover your nails in base coat. If there are any lumps or uneven patches, use a few shorter strokes to smooth out these bumps. For best results, you should let nails air dry. [10] X Research source However, as you’re adding multiple layers, this can be time consuming. You can dry your nails with a hairdryer, but make sure to set it to low heat. If you set it to high or medium heat, you could end up burning your fingers.
The drying procedure is the same as the base coat. Air drying works best, but you can use a blow dryer set to low to dry your nails.
Find something to do to distract yourself. Turn on a TV show you like or listen to some music.
Go slowly here. You do not want to accidentally rub your nails themselves, as this will remove the polish.
Remember, to apply cuticle moisturizer you dab moisturizer on each of your cuticles. Then, rub the moisturizer into your skin.
Acetone free nail polish remover Sea salt and a bowl big enough for both your feet Toenail clippers and a toenail file A pumice stone or similar device Foot moisturizer A cuticle pusher and cuticle clippers Toe separators Nail polish and top coat Q-tips Cotton balls Exfoliating gel
Fill your bowl with warm water and add a capful of dead sea salt. Submerge your feet in the basin for about 10 minutes.
To file your nails, rub the edge of the file along your nails until they gradually wear down and form your desired shape. You should use an emery board nail to file down your toenails.
Do not neglect to get foot cream between your toes. These areas are often neglected when moisturizing.
Make sure to be gentle and move slowly. Toenails are no different from fingernails when it comes to a risk of infection. Pushing or cutting with too much force can result in an infection.
Do not use more than a couple brush strokes to apply the base coat. If there are any uneven layers or bubbles, use a few shorter strokes to smooth the polish out. Allow the base coat to air dry before you go on to the next step.
It’s somewhat easier to allow toenails to dry than fingernails. You should avoid walking too much and try to keep your feet propped up. You can read a book or watch a TV show to entertain yourself during the process.
It can help to give yourself something else to fidget with. For example, you can wear a bracelet or rubber band around your wrist. When you feel nervous, play with that instead of your nails.
