My Own Little Self Help Recipe - 9

Give yourself a home manicure or pedicure!

Don’t wait for an appointment ! Get great nails on your own. I know I do that or at least as often as I can. Over the years, I've developed an understanding on how to do this without having to go to the experts. A lot of the tools are easily available in stores nationwide and it has become more economical if you can just learn a bit of the skills.

From my minimal knowledge gained, there are at least 6 most common types of manicure or pedicure

i) Basic manicure or pedicure

If this is your very first manicure, you should go with this option. Your hands or feet are first soaked in warm water. This helps to soften up dead skin cells and soothe your cuticles. The beautician will then clean your fingernails, clip and file them; you get to choose any length and shape you desire. At this point there is usually a massage and moisturizer is applied to your hands or feet. Your fingernails or toenails are then painted with a polish of your choice—a base coat, a main coat, and a top coat. Finally, your nails are dried and you are all set!

ii) French manicure or pedicure

This popular, elegant look is ideal if you are going for something clean and neutral. Your nails are polished with a clear, pink, or beige color and then white is applied to the tips.

iii) Reverse French manicure or pedicure

This is exactly what it sounds like—it’s just like a French manicure or pedicure, except that the white (or another light color) is applied to the cuticles of the nails instead of the tips. The rest is done in a neutral color.

iv) American manicure or pedicure

An American manicure is similar to a French manicure, except that the tips are often more rounded. Whereas French manicures generally use a vivid white for the tips, American manicures may use more sedate light colors. This is more of a “low-contrast” look.

v) Gel manicure or pedicure

For something a little fancier and longer lasting, you can go with a gel or shellac manicure or pedicure. The gel appears exactly like standard nail polish and is applied the same way, but between each coat, you hold your nails under a UV light. This “cures” the gel. Your nails will be totally dry after all three coats are applied, and the gel or shellac will not chip for at least a couple of weeks. This is great for a low-maintenance look!

vi) Paraffin manicure or pedicure

Have excessively dry hands? This treatment infuses your skin with paraffin wax. You won’t believe how smooth and soft your skin feels afterward! Usually the paraffin treatment is followed up with a basic massage and polish job.

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Now you are familiar with the most common types of manicures and pedicures!

Start with a basic manicure if it’s your first time, and you’ll get a feel for what it’s all about. Next time you can try French tips or a gel manicure or pedicure. For many nail enthusiasts, visits to the nail salon can become addicting and expensive if it becomes a bi-monthly affair.

As such, try my home manicure & pedicure recipe. It helps to not burn a hole in your wallet

Clip overly long nails; filing straight across to shorten can leave them weakened. And wash your hands or apply lotion; moisture separates your nails layers, increasing the risk for splits and breaks. Next, file the sides straight. Place the tool parallel to your finger. File the tips corners using a rounded motion. As for nail shape, the curve should be a mirror image of your cuticle.

Put lotion inside two plastic sandwich bags and microwave them for 3 seconds. Insert your hands and relax for a few minutes. Toss the bag, rub in the excess lotion, then carefully push back your cuticles with a soft towel. Put down the nippers! Instead, apply oil and use a buffer to gently exfoliate your cuticles and nails. You slough off dead skin and keep the protective part intact.

Clean the surface off your nails with polish remover and brush on base coat. It acts like a double sided tape, helping polish stick. Then when apply color, splay out the brush above your cuticle. Move it down to the cuticle and put to the tip. This prevents the polish from welling up on skin. Repeat on each sides for 3 swipes total. Paint all nails, add a second coat, then top coat. Let dry.

Now, you're all ready to open a nail beauty shop or at least apply for a job in one !