Things You'll Need:
- Nail clippers
- Nail file
- Buffing block
- Cuticle oil
- Hand lotion
- Nail polish
- Clear overcoat
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Step 1
Begin your nail care and manicure session by clipping your nails. You do not want to have nails that are much longer than the tip of your finger. When you clip your nails, avoid accidentally clipping away too much of the nail (to the quick) or ripping it. Do not worry if you have not trimmed the nail completely evenly.
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Step 2
File the edge of your nail. When you file a nail, move the nail file horizontally across the edge of the nail in fast quick motions. Get all around the nail on all of the sides. Make the nail’s edge smooth and even.
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Step 3
Use the buffing block on your nails next. When you use the buffing block, move it quickly over the surface of your nail and along the edge of the cuticle as much as possible. Buff for 10 seconds on each of the sides of the buffing block for each nail. Use the blue side first, the white side second, and finish with the gray side for a natural shine.
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Step 4
Squeeze one drop of cuticle oil at the base of your nail. Massage the oil into the skin surrounding your nail, and all into your cuticles. Continue to massage the oil into your skin until it is completely dry. Do this on all of your fingers.
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Step 5
Squeeze a moderate amount of hand lotion into one of your palms (about the size of a half dollar piece). Rub your hands together until all of the lotion has been rubbed into the skin. The reason is that soft hands are associated with good cuticles, which you need for good nails.
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Step 6
Apply the nail polish onto the nail in vertical strokes. Limit the polish to thin coat only--you only need enough to cover the nail. Allow it five minutes to dry.
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Step 7
Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish overcoat to your nails once the nail polish has dried. Apply the polish in a thin coat using vertical strokes. Once you have covered each nail, allow the polish five to seven minutes to dry.
