Do-it-yourself Nail Manicure

Our nails are designed to protect the fleshy fingertip and help us manipulate small objects. Our nails are incredibly absorbent; they can take in 20 to 25 percent of their weight in water. When they do, the keratin (the same protein that makes up hair and skin) swells and splits which can cause the nail to become weak and brittle.

Although nails are actually dead tissue, they grow in a matrix of living flesh beneath what is called the nail bed. A complete nail grows in six months — as the cells push up from the fold, they harden and become keratin. A fun little-known fact: if you are right-handed, your nails on the right grow faster because the additional activity stimulates circulation. And believe it or not, nail biting actually stimulates nail growth (through this isn’t a good enough reason to do it).

All of us should really have our own manicure kit and bring it to each appointment we go to (or have your manicurist keep it for you) to protect us against the risk of infection. Even though most nail salons sterilize their equipment between clients, don’t put yourself at risk of infection from someone else’s germs, bacteria, or fungus, as these are highly contagious.

Tools you need:

• a small basin big enough to soak your fingers in
• a clean towel
• some cotton
• nail polish remover
• nail file
• cuticle oil or moisturizer
• essential oil (optional)
• orangewood stick
• base coat
• choice of nail polish
• nipper (optional)

The Manicure Process:

Remove all traces of nail polish with cotton soaked in nail polish remover. Do opt for the non-drying ones.

File and shape your nails in one direction only. I know most of us are guilty of this, but when shaping your nails, don’t curve into the corner of the nail, it weakens them and can make them break more easily. Filing back and forth causes splitting and cracking.

Massage a light cuticle oil or moisturizer into the nail and cuticle area for a minute or two, and then soak your fingers in warm, soapy water for about five minutes to soften the cuticles. For extra pampering, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Gently push your cuticles back with the tip of an orangewood stick. Most people prefer to trim it off, though it makes it more open to bacteria.

Rub your hands with moisturizer then wipe your nails clean with a clean cloth to remove any residual oils on the nail. Nail polish can bubble if there are still any oils or lotions left.

Apply a base coat to help the polish adhere. Then apply your polish but do let them dry in between coats.