Supplies Needed:
- Manicure scrub brush
- Polish remover and pads
- Manicure bowl (you can use a medium size glass or Tupperware bowl for this)
- Cuticle pusher (metal or wooden)
- Cuticle softener (your choice)
- Cuticle Nippers (optional)-only needed for loose hanging skin
- Natural Nail File- 240 grit file
- Clippers (optional)-only needed for cutting long nails
- Natural nail oil (your choice)
- 3-way file for buffing
- Clear Coat strengthener (your choice)
Once Weekly:
(Before starting this procedure fill the manicure bowl with warm sudsy water.)
1) Use polish remover to remove old polish or clear coat. You need a fresh start for your manicure.
2) Wash hands and nails with soap and warm water; use a manicuring scrub brush to loosen any dirt under you nails. Pat dry.
3) Use the 240 grit file to smooth the free edge. It is good to file in one direction only across the edges. I suggest to not use a sawing motion – this can shred the nail’s edge and cause peeling, splitting, cracking, etc. However, if you use a 240 grit file , it will be less likely to shred the nail when using a back and forth motion.
4) Apply cuticle softener to all ten cuticles. Soak your hands in the manicure bowl filled with water for 3 minutes to soften cuticles. Remove and pat dry.
5) Use the cuticle pusher and GENTLY push back all ten cuticles. Push in an upward motion only to help lift up the cuticle that has grown down over the nail. If the cuticle has not grown down over the nail then there is no pushing to be done. Never pull or pick the cuticle with an instrument. This can damage the delicate structure of the cuticle around the nail bed and you could be left with inflammation or infection.
6) Optional: Use the cuticle nipper to remove any noticeably loose, hanging skin around the cuticles. It is OK to GENTLY trim it away using the cuticle nippers. Never cut in to the cuticle if it is intact. Again, this can cause inflammation or infection.
7) Apply natural nail oil to all ten cuticles and GENTLY massage in an upward motion in to the nail plate.
8) Use the buffer to GENTLY buff the nail plate using an “X” pattern. This will help to remove any ridges or imperfections on the nail plate. This will also help your polish to adhere better.
9) Wash hands and nails with soap and warm water; using the scrub brush to remove any residue leftover from the manicure. Pat dry. Check your nails for “fluffies” (loose skin or nail filings that could interfere with your polishing).
10) Apply strengthener in a thin, even coat to all ten nails. For weaker nails, add a second coat for extra protection.
