How to do a manicure

Learn to do a manicure the way the professionals do. This is a nice gift for someone or do it to your own nails.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm water in a bowl with soap. (a salad bowl acts as a pretty manicure bowl.)
• nail clippers.
• nail file.
• cuticle pusher.
• cuticle nippers.
• cuticle remover, ("blue cross" brand is inexpensive and the most effective. The pro's love this one.)
• Nail buffer/shiner. (it is shaped like a block or file, with a shiner side and a mildly course side.)
• cuticle oil. (be sure it does NOT contain "mineral oil".)
• Lotion. (also, NO MINERAL OIL)
• Polish remover.
• Cotton
• Polish corrector or orangewood stick
• Base Coat
• Nail Polish
• Nail Strengthener (top-coat)
• towel
• paper towels

1. Clip the nails if needed, and/or file to shape. File from corner to middle one direction only, back and forth will separate the layers of the nail and cause it to be weaker.
   
   Soak the fingers in the water bowl, at least 2 minutes, more if the cuticles are really dry and tight to the nail plate.
   
   Apply cuticle remover to fingers. Push back the cuticles GENTLY, do not cut them off!! Just nip the dead skin sticking up.
   
   Buff the nails and apply cuticle oil. Rub it in.

2. Apply Lotion and massage the hands and forearms. Take note of what your "client" says feels good. That is your guide to a good massage. Thank about what would feel good to you.

3. If nail polish is desired by the "client" first wipe off the nail plate with nail polish remover.
   
   Apply a base coat, let dry.
   
   Apply 2 coats of polish, leaving time in between coats to dry, clean up any mistakes with the polish corrector or orangewood stick.
   
   Apply 1 coat of nail strengthener or top coat.
   
   Allow time to dry and enjoy the satisfaction of your loved one or "client".

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure all these steps are exicuted with care and safety. Remember the reason we have nails is to protect the nerve endings in our hands and feet. Do not push too hard on the nail plate as to hurt the "client" or make them bleed. Do not clean under the nails, there is an important seal that you do not want to break, allow your "client" to scrub the nails or advise them to gently scrape under the nails.