The perfect manicure is a combination of the right tools, products and techniques. First, you need to consider the nail type that you are working with. Is it very dry or brittle? Maybe it is oily or prone to peeling. Secondly, think about the nail shape and length that you would like to achieve for your client.
Finally, it’s time to select your polish. This can be a great way to express yourself and showcase your talent. There are hundreds of colors and finishes from which to choose from so have fun mixing and matching!
To help get you started, we have included 6 essentials for a perfect manicure below:
To get a perfect manicure, there are 6 key steps that you should take.
1. Remove any old nail polish from the nails. If a previous color is still showing, soak your hands and nails in warm water for 2-3 minutes which will soften and loosen the polish, making it easy to remove with cotton balls or a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover.
2. Trim and shape your nails with a good quality nail clipper or file. It is best to file nails when they are soft, such as after soaking them in warm water. Be sure to file each nail with even strokes in one direction only and not back and forth or you risk causing your nails to split or peel.
3. Wash away any residue from the hand soap with warm water. Dry your hands thoroughly with a towel and apply cuticle cream or oil around the base of each nail.
4. Push back the cuticles on each finger using a cuticle pusher or orange stick wrapped in cotton on one end. Cuticles are delicate, so be careful not to push too hard or to rip them off of the nail bed as this could cause painful hangnails to develop later on. Rub hand lotion over each finger and squeeze some into your palm
So, you’ve got a hot date, and you want to get your nails done. First of all, I’d like to say congratulations on your hot date.
However, let’s focus on the nails for now.
If you’re going to do a DIY at home manicure, there are some things you absolutely must have. A good manicure should last at least a week, and more if kept up properly. If you want to know what it is you need and why, keep reading!
1. Hand Sanitizer: This may not seem like an essential product, but it really is. In order to get the best results from your manicure, your nails must be clean before you start painting them. The hand sanitizer not only gets rid of dirt build-up that you cannot see with the naked eye, but it also helps prevent chipping and breakage because it dries out the nail bed so that there is no moisture left behind after you are finished painting.
2. Cuticle Oil: Cuticle oil is one of those products that isn’t always talked about in the beauty world, but it should be! The cuticle is important in keeping your nails looking healthy and strong so that they don’t crack
Most of us have a basic knowledge of how to apply nail polish, but few know how to achieve professional looking results. In this post I will explain the tools and techniques that you need to create a perfectly polished manicure.
1. Preparation: Before painting your nails it’s important to prepare them for the nail polish. You can use a nail file to shape your nails, then soak them in warm water for approximately 5 minutes. It will help make the nails easier to trim, buff and paint by softening the cuticles.
2. Polish Remover: Paint on a layer of clear base coat and allow it to dry before applying color. This will protect your nails from staining and help prevent discoloration of the tips while growing out your natural nails. To remove any excess nail polish you can use cotton balls or pads with remover on them. However, there are specialized pads that have been designed for this purpose which are very convenient because they will not tear easily or leave lint behind on your skin or nails.
3. Base Coat: A base coat is like foundation for your nails; it protects your nails from staining and helps give them a nice clean finish with a smooth surface which makes painting over them easier and gives the final result a
1. A manicure table
2. A nail file, emery board and buffer
3. A cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper and cuticle oil
4. Cotton swabs, cotton balls and lint-free towels
5. Nail polish remover (non-acetone)
6. Nail clippers and scissors
You can customize your kit with more tools for a more professional experience: a nail brush, nail polish (clear base coat, colored polish and clear top coat), hand moisturizer, hand sanitizer and massage oils.*
1. Have the right tools: a high quality nail lacquer, top and base coat, a decent buffer and cuticle moisturizer. You can’t do a good job without these.
2. Know your customer. Are they young? Old? Do they want to be trendy, or conservative? And what do they like in color? No one is going to like something that clashes with their personal style.
3. Prep your nails first: make sure you scrub them clean and push back the cuticles. Also make sure your nails are dry before you begin painting them. (Don’t forget to put on your topcoat at the end.)
4. Do one thin coat at a time until you get the results you want: it’s better to build up to the perfect shade than try to rush it.
5. Give it time to dry between coats: Don’t try to speed things along with a hairdryer, just be patient and take your time so you don’t smudge or smear the polish (or worse, chip it).
6. Don’t use old nail polish: once nail polish is opened it starts to react with air causing the pigments and resins in the polish to separate and break down over time, making them less
Picking a nail color can be tough, but with these easy-to-follow tips you’ll have the prettiest nails in no time.
Ignore your skin tone: Don’t listen to those who tell you to always choose a nail color based on your skin tone. If you love a color, wear it!
Shorter nails can still stand out: If your nails are short, it’s important that they don’t go unnoticed. Choose bright colors or bold designs if you want them to be seen.
Lighter shades for summer: There’s nothing better than a bright shade of pink on your toes during the summer months. It’s fun, flirty and perfect for the beach!
Darker shades for winter: In contrast, darker colors like navy blue or dark red look great during the winter months. They’re especially festive during the holidays!
Change up your color: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new colors and designs. If you’re unsure about how a color will look on you, try it on one finger first to see how you like it before committing to an entire mani/pedi.