How to Prepare Hands for Nail Art

Free-hand nail art is truly a thing of art and beauty. Nail art elevates an ordinary manicure to an eye-catching accessory in its own right. Read on and learn how you can prepare your hands for nail art so they look as fabulous as your manicure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Exfoliating scrub
• Moisturizing mask
• Moisturizer
• Cotton balls
• Rubbing alcohol
• Nail file
• Orange wood stick

1. Start with an exfoliating scrub. Any exfoliant or scrub that is suitable for your face works well on hands too. Dampen your hands, then gently massage your hands with the scrub. Carefully exfoliate your cuticles as well, then rinse your hands thoroughly.
2. Apply a mask if your hands are extra dry. Again, any moisturizing mask appropriate for the face will do for the skin on your hands as well. Use the mask according to the package directions, then rinse well.
3. Moisturize your hands with any rich cream. After you apply lotion to your hands, use a cotton ball or pad dipped in isopropyl rubbing alcohol to clean your nails. Oil prevents nail polish from bonding to your nails.
4. Shape your nails with a file. An oval shape looks pretty on almost all hands, but you may desire a square shape to make your nails less prone to breakage. Pointed nails break easiest.
5. Push your cuticles back gently with an orange wood stick if they need attention. If you haven't had a manicure in a while, it's easier to groom your cuticles if you've soaked them in warm water for a few minutes. Use cuticle remover if you like, but only trim your cuticles if it's absolutely necessary.
6. Wipe your nails again with alcohol or antiseptic to remove all traces of dust and oil. Then you are ready to begin painting your nails.