How To Give Yourself A Manicure

Whether you prefer your nails to be long or short, they can still look stunning with a little know how.


1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Using a glass or crystal file. (emery boards are too course for natural nails) File your nails, using gentle strokes around corners of your nails as this can weaken them filing too much.

3. Begin to shape your nails. The most popular shape to use is sqoval or square, but choose what is most suited to your hand and finger shape.

4. Check to see how well you have done. Run your nails over an old pair of pantyhose. Your nails should not snag the hose.

5. Apply a softener to your cuticles rub into your nails. (cuticle oil or crème) Allow to sit for a minute or so.

6. Gently push back the cuticles. This should not be painful. If hangnails are present, carefully clip them.

7. Wash your hands with soap, warm water and scrub your nails with a nail brush (you can pick one up at Sally’s) for a few minutes making sure you scrub under nails as well.

8. Apply hand lotion and begin to massage the palm of your hand with the thumb of your other hand. This will help to circulate the blood. Work your way over the remainder of the hand and then repeat giving equal time to the other hand.

9. Before color is applied to nails, they must be cleaned and the easiest way to do this is with an orange stick that has been wrapped with cotton. Dip into nail polish remover (I prefer zoya remove+) and then rub over the surface of the nail. Check the nail for any creamy residue. When none remains, your nails will be ready for polishing.

10. Always use a basecoat and other treatments. (ridgefiller if you have ridges like me) Time for color. Pick up a small amount of polish on your brush and paint one stroke down the center of your nail. (I prefer to leave a little gap at the cuticle) Your brush should hold just enough color to accomplish this. Stroke the sides of the nail and you are done. The nail should be completely colored in three strokes. (keep practicing you will get better) Allow to set for a minute or so before applying the second coat.

11. You don't have to wait until polish is dry to the touch, then apply your top coat. (I prefer seche vite from Sally’s) Don't skip this step as it not only adds life to your manicure, it will protect your nails from chipping. Make sure to wrap the top coat around your tips (free edge of nail)

12. Sanitize all of your equipment with alcohol and when they are dry, store them away until the next time.


Tips:

If your nail polish is too thick, try thinning with a polish thinner from Sally's. (never use polish remover it will ruin your polish) Never ever throw thick gloopy polish away...polish will last forever just apply your thinner...it will be back as new (*_*)

To prevent the cap from sticking, coat it with a little Vaseline to prevent this from happening.