In a world that celebrates individuality and self-expression, there is a growing trend for people to take extra care of themselves – in their physical appearance specifically. One of the ways that many indulge in this self-care is through basic manicure and pedicure. While many opt for professional services, doing a basic manicure at home can be just as effective and therapeutic.
Basic manicure involves the maintenance, upkeep, and decoration of nails, cuticles, and hands. It can be a relaxing activity and a chance to express creativity. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, this article will take you through the 10 essential steps in basic manicure that you can easily follow at home.
Step 1: Getting Started with Manicure Kit
A basic manicure can be done at home with a few supplies, such as nail clippers, nail file, cuticle pusher, cuticle remover, nail buffer, and nail polish of your choice. Before starting, make sure to have all the necessary tools nearby. Choose a comfortable and well-lit area to work on your nails.
Once you have your tools ready, start by removing any old polish from your nails with a polish remover. Trim your nails to the desired length and shape them with a nail file. To prevent any damage to the nails, file in one direction only. After shaping, soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles for easy removal. This is the first step towards achieving a flawless manicure.
Step 2: Prepping Your Nails before Manicure
Prepping your nails before a manicure is an important step to ensure that your nails are clean, healthy, and ready for the treatment. Start by removing your old nail polish with a non-acetone nail polish remover. Acetone-based removers can strip your nails, making them brittle and prone to breakage. Once the old polish is removed, trim your nails to your desired length using a nail clipper. Remember to file your nails gently in one direction to avoid weakening the nail bed.
Next, soak your nails in warm soapy water for a few minutes to soften your cuticles and make them easier to push back. Use a cuticle pusher or a wooden stick wrapped in cotton to gently push back your cuticles. Don’t cut your cuticles as they protect your nails from infection. Finally, buff your nails lightly to remove any uneven ridges using a soft buffer and apply cuticle oil to nourish and moisturize your cuticles. Your nails are now ready for the next step of a basic manicure.
Step 3: Filing and Shaping Your Nails
After buffing your nails, it’s time to file and shape them to give them a polished and neat appearance. Use a good-quality nail file to ensure that you get the desired result without damaging your nails. While most people prefer the square shape, it’s essential to choose a shape that suits the shape of your nails and your preference. You can choose from round, square, almond, stiletto or any other shape that you like.
When filing your nails, start from the sides of your nails and shape them in one direction, rather than filing back and forth. This helps avoid damaging your nails and prevents them from splitting. Make sure that you file your nails to the desired length, and then use a nail buffer to smoothen any rough edges and give them a polished finish. Once you’re done, you can apply a clear base coat to protect your nails and make them ready for the next step in your basic manicure.
Step 4: Soaking and Exfoliating Your Hands
After removing any existing polish, the next step in a basic manicure is to soak and exfoliate your hands. Soaking your hands is important as it softens the cuticles and makes them easier to push back. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of essential oil to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Soak your hands for 5-10 minutes before removing them from the water.
Once your hands are dry, it’s time to exfoliate them to remove any dead skin cells. You can either use a commercial hand scrub or make your own at home using sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice. Gently massage the scrub into your hands, paying special attention to any dry or rough patches. Rinse your hands thoroughly and pat them dry with a soft towel. Soaking and exfoliating your hands not only helps to prepare them for the rest of your manicure, but it also helps to improve the appearance and texture of your skin.
Step 5: Cuticle Care- Removing Excess and Pushing Back
Step 5 of a basic manicure involves cuticle care, which is essential to maintain healthy and aesthetically pleasing nails. The first step is to remove the excess cuticle using a cuticle cutter or nipper. Be careful not to cut too deep as it can cause bleeding and risk infection. It’s best to trim only the dead skin, hangnails, or any rough edges.
The second step is to push back the cuticles gently. Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick and gently glide it along the edge of the nail. This helps to expose more of the nail plate and gives a clean look to the nail bed. Be gentle and avoid pushing too hard as it can cause damage to the nail bed. Overall, cuticle care is a crucial part of a basic manicure and helps to keep your nails looking neat and healthy.
Step 6: Moisturizing and Massage for Soft Hands
After the hand soak and cleaning process in a basic manicure, the next step is to moisturize and massage the hands. This step helps in keeping the hands soft, smooth, and hydrated. Your nail technician will apply a hand lotion or cream, and then gently massage your fingers, palms, and wrists.
A good massage can improve the blood circulation in your fingers and reduce stress. It also helps in relaxing the muscles in your hands and fingers. Moisturizing is essential as it prevents the skin from getting dry and cracked, especially during the cold weather. The moisturizing and massage step in a basic manicure is an important one that should not be overlooked, as it not only makes your hands look good but also helps in keeping them healthy.
Step 7: Adding Polish- Choosing the Right Color and Painting Technique
Adding polish to your nails is an important step in completing a basic manicure. It can help enhance the overall look of your nails and complement your style. Choosing the right color of polish is crucial, as it can make or break the entire look. You can choose from a variety of colors, from bold and bright to neutral and subtle. The color you choose should depend on your personal preferences and the occasion you are attending. For instance, bright shades are perfect for a party or beach day, while neutral shades are ideal for everyday wear or corporate events.
Once you have chosen the color, it’s time to perfect your painting technique. A steady hand and the right tools such as a base coat, top coat, and a polish of your choice, are essential. Apply the base coat first to ensure your polish lasts for a long time. After the base coat dries up, carefully apply the polish to each nail. Use a gentle approach and apply multiple thin layers instead of one thick layer. Finally, apply a top coat to provide shine and protect the polish from chipping. Ensure that you don’t touch anything or wet your nails for a few minutes to avoid ruining the polish. Proper application of polish will ensure that your nails look great and last longer.
Wrapping Up
Performing a basic manicure at home can provide a simple, yet effective way to take care of your nails and maintain hand hygiene. Following the 10 steps mentioned above can help you achieve salon-like manicure results at the comfort of your own home. Moreover, taking regular care of your nails can prevent them from becoming brittle, discolored, or infected.
With regular practice, one can easily master basic manicure techniques and enjoy the benefits of well-groomed nails. It is important to note that maintaining good nail health requires a combination of healthy diet, adequate hydration, and proper nail care habits. So, go ahead and give yourself a beautiful manicure using the 10 easy steps and enjoy the feeling of having pampered hands!