How to Manicure For Perfect-Looking Nails

Here are some tried and true Manicurists’ secrets to do your own nails as good as a manicurist. I have another article on how to do your own nails. This is part 2 with more ideas to try. You will enjoy great results and save time and some money doing it your self.

These are some of the best tips I have come across to create perfect-looking nails.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Bright Nails

   BRIGHTENING YOUR NAILS. Denture cleaner will remove stains or yellowish nail color. Dissolve two denture tablets in a glass of water and scrub your nails with the solution. I use an old soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush for about two minutes for each nail. I like to relax and watch television while doing this step

2. 
   Soften Nails

   SOFTEN THE TIPS OF YOUR NAILS. The ends of our nails are the oldest and most brittle part of the nail. Because of this your nails can split even if you try extra hard to treat them with kit gloves. To keep your nails supple, stroke petroleum jelly underneath the nail tips with a cotton swab once a day at night before going to bed.

3. 
   Cuticle Care

   GETTING RID OF RED, IRRITATED CUTICLES. If you have ever had inflamed cuticles try some tea tree oil in some warm water. This is an antiseptic that will fix this problem fast. Just a few drops and soak for 5 minutes. If you add some marbles add them to the bowl and roll your fingertips against them to boost circulation.

4. 
   Add Joboba to your soap.

   SOFTEN HANDS AND NAILS ALL WINTER. Yes, germs in any season means keeping hands clean so you can stay healthy. Especially in the winter, hands and nails dry out with all the hand washing and drying. Try spiking your liquid hand soap with two Tbs. jojoba oil for a moisturizing layer of protection that will keep your nails pliable and prevent breakage.

5. 
   Softening Cuticles

   SOFTEN CUTICLES. When you go to a manicurist, they will soften the cuticles. You can do this yourself. Try wetting your fingertips with water and then dip them into 1 Tbs. of cornmeal. Gently message over cuticles and rinse with warm water. Follow with heavy-duty hand cream.

6. 
   Applying Nail Polish

   AVOID CHIPS AND PEELS FROM YOUR NAILPOILISH. Remove excess oil from your nails with alcohol before polishing. Use 100% cotton puffs instead of synthetic because it will not leave fibers behind.
   
   AVOID BUBBLES, STREAKS, AND LACK OF LUSTER. Topcoat that dries faster than your nail polish could cause air bubbles to form. Allow your polish to set for at least two minutes before applying the topcoat. Fans and blow dryers can also cause bubbles to form. Streaks are caused if the polish is too-thick. Best to apply thin coats, starting with an almost transparent first layer. To keep the luster of your nail polish for weeks after rub over the tops of your nails back and forth with a damp washcloth.

Resources

• Give Yourself a Salon Manicure at Home