How to Manicure Fingernails

As expensive as a good Manicure might be, its also time consuming. A bit of laziness creeping in, and you’re all set to splurge all that you earned with earnest so far!

Lets have a look at the nuances of getting a good manicure done. Whether you prefer your nails to be long or short, they can still look stunning with a little know-how.

* Wash and dry your hands.

* Using a double-sided emery board, file fingernails using a gentle stroke. Avoid corners of your nails as this can weaken them.

* Begin to shape your fingernails. The most popular shape to use is oval, but choose what is most suited to your hand and finger shape.

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

*. Apply a softener to your cuticles. Allow to site for a minute or so.

*Transfer hands to a bowl of warm water and soak for an additional few minutes.

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

* 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.

* Before color is applied to fingernails, 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 and then rub over the surface of the fingernail. Check the nail for any creamy residue. When none remains, your nails will be ready for polishing.

* Time for color. Pick up a small amount of polish on your brush and paint one stroke down the center of your nail. 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. Allow it to set for a minute or so before applying the second coat.

* Wait until polish is set (dry to the touch) and then apply the topcoat. Don't skip this step as it not only adds life to your manicure, it will protect your fingernails as well. This is important as after a while you might wonder as to whatever happened to that grand color you so patiently layered your nails with!

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

Tips:
Sure you might find a host of interesting tips on everything about beauty, all we are doing really is summing it all up for your convenience:

*Remember, nail polish can be stored in the fridge as well for it to last longer.
* If your nail polish is too thick, try thinning with a polish thinner.

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

* Lastly try soaking your hands in warm water which has some amount of lime juice squeezed in. This not only cleans your fingernails, it also acts as an antiseptic that can get rid of any fungus that may want to lay its disease laden eggs right under your manicured nail. Grime being almost invisible to the naked eye, you’d never know what you may be harboring beneath! Some food for thought!