Manicure Advice

I am nowhere near a manicure expert however I have learnt some valuable tips while studying beauty therapy that I thought would be great to share with you all.

Many of the tips are pretty self explanatory and for the ‘beauty enthusiast’ pretty much common sense, but many people aren’t aware of certain benefits that products and techniques can provide for your nails, and I thought we’re coming closer and closer to the party season, so why not start now and have beautiful nails for Christmas and New year?

First I’ll explain reasons as to why you should be treating your nails to the best you can!

Looking after your nails on a regular basis not only helps the appearance of

your nails but the condition of your cuticles. Over grown cuticles can form and stick down the nail plate leaving you with a condition called Pterygium – An unsightly and painful to remove nail disorder.

Treating your nails on a regular basis also helps to stop any fungal build up on the sides of the nails. Not many people realise how much build gets caught in the edges of the nail plate, which makes you much more prone to any nail infections.

If you’re going to a salon many therapists will provide you with a hand and arm massage, not only is this relaxing but this will help blood flow and flexibility in the wrist and hands, which is great for the winter months!

10 Steps for Manicured Nails

1. Wash your hands
2. Remove existing polish with an acetone free nail polish remover
3. Begin to file the nails, do not saw the nail, stick to one direction and file the tips of the nail downwards (Bevelling) to seal any layers on the nail
4. Buff the nails with a buffer and a paste or oil, this is to help circulation in the nail which will make them grow faster
5. Massage cuticle cream into the cuticles and fingers and apply cuticle remover
6. Using a hoof stick use circular motions in the cuticles to loosen them off the nail plate
7. Use a cuticle knife if necessary, use it wet and flat and use circular motions on the cuticles to cut any loose cuticle off
8. If needed use cuticle nippers to carefully remove any dead tissue or hang nail
9. Brush the nails and use nail varnish remover again to remove any oil
10. Paint as usual

Products I recommend for healthy nails!

• Buffer and buffing paste
•  Cuticle cream and remover
•  Cuticle nippers to remove any catches on the nail
• Crystal or Emery board – Unless your nails are hard as rock do not use a metal file! The heat generated from it can weaken the nails and make them split further

Also, here is a leaflet I had to produce for college which hopefully some of you will find interesting!

I hope this post has given you somewhat a better insight on how to look after your nails and hopefully you will pick up good habits and have beautiful nails for the holidays!

Wishing you all the best