Home Manicure Steps

Home manicure steps are simple-to-follow and less time consuming. With easy home manicure tips, you can have beautiful fingernails within half an hour's time. Read on, to find out...

Every women loves to have beautiful fingernails, colored with nail polish that matches perfectly with their dresses. In fact, readying for a special evening or a party is not complete without . They are a part of the beauty regime that most women follow to uplift their personality and style statement. And with simple home manicure steps, you can flaunt adorable fingernails without needing to go to a nail salon.

Steps for Doing Manicure at Home

Home manicure tips are many and they are easy-to-follow too. So, you do not have to rush to the every time you want to clean or trim your nails. All you need to have are basic nail care supplies and a little patience. Mentioned below are some useful , which you will find interesting:

Required Supplies for Home Manicure

• Nail polish remover
• Nail scissors or nail clippers
• Nailfile (optional)
• Favorite nail polish
• Good hand lotion
• Non-perfumery mild soap
• Lukewarm water

Home Manicure Steps

Step # 1: Take off Old Polish
Before you start with your home remove old polish by using a gentle nail polish remover. Dip cotton ball or a piece of clean washcloth and rub over the polish. Make sure you reach the corners of the fingernails to remove traces of colors. That way, you nails will look clean.

Step # 2: Trim and File Nails
Using nail clippers from the , trim your fingernails in desirable shapes. The best way is to keep them short with straight edges and rounded corners. Nevertheless, deciding the fingernails shape is up to you. Only important thing is to keep them uniform in shape and length. File nails properly to give smooth edges.

Step # 3: Clean Fingernails
After you are done with shaping fingernails, the next step for 'at home manicure' is soaking hands in soapy water. For this, pour lukewarm water in a small plastic tub and add soap solution. Agitate water for a few minutes and soak fingernails in the soapy water for 5-7 minutes. This will clean nails and soften the cuticles.

Step # 4: Apply Cuticle Cream
One of the basics that you should remember is not to cut the cuticles at any cost. It causes bleeding, pain and at times, infections. Instead apply a small dab of cuticle cream over cuticles and rub gently. If you have a manicure kit, use the cuticle pusher to push down cuticles. Or else, you can use a plain stick wrapped with cotton to do the same.

Step # 5: Moisturize Hands
The next step is applying lotion or moisturizer to your hands. Squeeze some lotion in your palms and apply it over your hands. Massage gently for a few minutes, so as to keep your skin moist and fully hydrated. Following this a clean and damp towel to wipe off excess lotion from your hands.

Step # 6: Apply Nail Polish
Finish your home manicure by decorating your nails with creative patterns. First, put the base coat as you usually do for applying nail polish. Allow it to dry well and then, apply a thin coat of the polish. As soon as the first coat dries, apply your second coat and keep it for drying. This is how you can do a manicure at home like a professional.

Isn't 'how to do a manicure at home' easy and interesting? With the above mentioned home manicure steps, flaunting adorable fingernails is just 30 minutes away. Likewise, you can think of doing As you now know the basic , you can try them on your loved ones, whenever you get free time. And I am sure, they will be highly impressed with your beauty tips.

tips on French Manicure - Giving yourself a French manicure

A French manicure is a great way to show off your beautiful nails and enjoy your time at the manicurist. You can always trust a nail technician to give you a French manicure that you will be proud of.

If you prefer to give your own manicures and desire to learn how to give yourself a French manicure you can follow the easy steps below.

1. First before applying nail polish clean your hands and nails thoroughly with an exfoliate scrub. If you do not have an exfoliate scrub you can add just a tad of salt to hand lotions. Be sure to rinse and dry your hands and nails well.

2. Next, you will need to file your nails. Always remember to file your nails from the corner to the center of each nail. Do not file straight across than can cause your nails to become weak. File in one direction only. Finding the right type of nail for filing can be found at your local beauty supply store. The coarse side of the nail file is for filing while the fine side is for finishing.

3. Using a hand moisturizer is the next step. Many nail technicians can give you the best ideas for moisturizers. Some people prefer to use olive or almond oil. You will now need to either soak your nails so soften your cuticles or you can also wrap them in a warm towel. Now, gently push back your cuticle using a cuticle stick. Do not cut your cuticles. Thoroughly rinse your hands with warm water and remember to dry completely.

4. Your next step in getting a French manicure is to apply one clear base coat completely over your nail. Let the base dry. This base coat will help strengthen and protect your nail.

5. To achieve the square look for your French manicure, paint a straight line across the tips of all of your fingernails. If you prefer a rounded look, follow the curve of your nail. If you want a pointed look paint each side of your nail to the center. You may find sticky strips to help you get a straight line when polishing. Let the polish dry.

6. The final step in your French manicure is to apply a coat of translucent pink polish over your entire nail; this will seal the tip that you just polished white and will finish the look. Let dry.

That’s it. You are ready to go. Enjoy your new French manicure. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Send them using the form at the bottom of the page.

Shiatsu massage basics

Shiatsu massage basics

Although massage services can vary in degree and intensity, many people benefit from regular shiatsu massage and can enjoy it from the comfort of their home and office chairs with shiatsu massage chairs and products. Shiatsu massage technique makes use of trigger point therapy and also combines techniques from manipulations based on the Chinese meridian system.

The Chinese meridian system divides up the body into different sections and zones, and a shiatsu massage therapist can touch specific areas and trigger points within each zone to create a reaction. There are no needles involved with this massage technique, and the entire massage service consists of various amounts of pressure, tapping, squeezing, and rubbing of the body to unblock energy. Blocked energy can lead to a variety of aches and pains, and even periods of anxiety and depression. By removing these blockages, you many people can enjoy a heightened sense of awareness and overall well-being.

With the convenience of a shiatsu massage chair or product, you can enjoy the many benefits of this massage technique on a regular basis.Shiatsu massage can help with stress reduction and stress management, targeting specific areas of the body in succession.A regular session can also improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, clear up anxiety, and balance the body’s energy centers known as ki (chi). Shiatsu is commonly used as a preventative disease and health management program with additional benefits that include deep muscle and tissue relaxation.

Many people that suffer from upper and lower back pain, fatigue, stress, neck aches, and tired feet and legs can benefit from regular shiatsu massage sessions. Investing in a shiatsu massage chair for the home or office can bring countless benefits each day.Not only can the routine help with overall well-being and happiness, it can promote relaxation and deep sleep.Even though massage itself may not cure illness directly, a regular massage session can help to promote overall well-being and mind-body awareness.

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Wellness in most dictionaries is defined as a fused state of mind and body, where both are at peace, with each other as well as the outside environment.
The best six doctors anywhere and no one can deny it.They are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise and diet. You will gladly attend these six, only if you are willing, your mind they'll ease, your will they'll mend, and charge you not a shilling.

Sunlight Protection

Sunlight Protection

Our skin is our most important protective organ. Its vulnerable to being damaged by excess sun exposure though sunlight triggers a series of beneficial chemical reactions in the skin which lead to the formation of vitamin D, the ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages cellular DNA, Langerhans cells responsible for normal immunofunction 1 as well as other processes which can all lead to skin cells becoming cancerous. Its good to get better protection sun.....the most effective way is the use of textile as applying anything gets absorbed so i prefer textile over any cream or ointments...... Wearing protective clothing, including hats, sunglasses, long sleeved shirts and pants that are made from tightly woven, natural cloth and are loose fitting........it helps a lot, as the cloth did not allow for ultraviolet penetration to the skin underneath. Use Basan chana flour apply to your face as it acts as a natural scrubber, it also helps to restore melanin to nornal level. Use natural agents such as aloe, coconut oil, jajoba oil, chamomile, comfrey that naturally protects your skin from harmful sunrays.

Men and Manicures - Not Just for Women Anymore!

Men and Manicures - Not Just for Women Anymore!

When passing by a nail salon, typically all you see are women at first glance. You'll see them having their nails painted or soaking their feet in the amazing relaxation of a footbath. But sometimes if you take a second look, you'll see a man in the middle of all the estrogen. And no, he isn't there waiting for his wife to get her manicure. He's getting a manicure himself!

It's not totally uncommon anymore to see this type of thing at nail salons and spas. And contrary to popular belief, it usually has nothing to do with the man's sexual preference. Although it's not yet something every woman is accustomed to seeing, it certainly doesn't make the man any "less of a man". If women have the privilege of getting pampered through a manicure, why can't a man have the same right of passage without being labeled or laughed at? Granted, a man having his nails painted pink might just send out a snicker or two, but this usually isn't the case when men get professional manicures. In fact, it isn't uncommon for men not to have the actual manicure as a top priority when visiting a nail salon.

If you were to ask any random guy if he would ever get a manicure, a good majority of them would probably say no. Why would they risk that type of judgement? But in the back of their mind, they're thinking, "sure, why not?" Some men will even admit to having a manicure with no shame. Unlike women, they don't visit their nail salon to have a French manicure or leave sporting the latest shade of ruby red. They are there to relax, unwind, and perhaps even to impress a lady for occasions like date nights or weddings. Everyone knows that getting a professional manicure is fun and enjoyable. You get to sit in a big chair that massages your back, sip on bottled water or tea, and enjoy the temporary escape from the world by having your hands and arms massaged with aromatherapy oil. Some nail salons even let you watch TV as you get pampered. And although the home should be a haven, you can't get this kid of star treatment when you've got kids and laundry piled up on the floor. It's the perfect mini-getaway for males and females alike!

A typical manicure for a man includes all the pampering the ladies receive, minus the nail painting and acrylic tips. Men are usually given a thorough inspection to remove any hangnails and calluses, followed by their nails being filed down and buffed to add a natural shine. Pedicures are usually performed in the same manner, as men enjoy the deep relaxation a foot massage provides. This is the real treat behind their visit to a once all-women escape place. There's nothing wrong with this type of pampering, regardless if you're male or female! Men experience stress just the same as women, and everyone has a desire to look and feel their best. What better way to fulfill these needs?

Men's Manicures in Phoenix

Men's Manicures in Phoenix

The process of getting a manicure is something that is frequently done by women. Women of all different types get manicures. Whether they are professional women who get regular manicures, or perhaps teenage girls who get manicures for special occasions, it is not uncommon for you to hear about a woman getting a manicure.

Surprisingly, the same is becoming true of men. What was once considered to only be for women is now becoming a little more gender neutral. I am not trying to say that you will walk into a nail salon in Phoenix and see more men than women in there receiving a manicure, but I am saying that it would not be uncommon to see one man in the nail salon.

More and more men are receiving manicures. I wouldn't argue that is becoming mainstream, by any means. However, men in professional positions like management for example have been known to get a manicure on occasion. I think it is a sign of strength to seen a man with nicely groomed hands. I am not arguing that it would be nice for men to have pretty pink polish like we women, but it wouldn't be so bad to have those jagged edges smoothed out once in a while. It would also be nice to have those dry hands be a little smoother and less cracked. It could only add to the value of a good strong hand shake, if that hand shake was given by a smooth hand.

I think that men in Phoenix are more likely to give themselves an at home manicure than they would be to go to an actual salon and receive a professional manicure. It's sometimes easier for a man to pamper himself in the privacy of his own home than in a public salon, especially one that is filled with a bunch of women. Some men probably even solicit the help of their wives or girlfriends in getting an at home manicure. I think that could make for a nice romantic date night. You could have dinner, a bottle of wine and an at home manicure for two. It's probably a good idea to skip the candlelight; however, you wouldn't want to risk cutting your partner's finger in the dark.

That being said, I don't actually think that men in Phoenix are really more likely to get manicures than men in any other city. Perhaps if some of the stigma were removed from this traditionally female ritual, more men would be likely to receive manicures. Maybe someone should open a nail salon that would cater specifically to men. Instead of serving wine and water to its clientele, they could serve beer and pretzels. Instead of playing soothing spa music, they could have multiple televisions showing a variety of different sporting events. Perhaps another good idea would be to have a salon service, where the manicurist would come to the men. They could have a professional manicure in the privacy of their own home.

Manicures – Why We Love Them So Much

Manicures – Why We Love Them So Much

Getting a manicure is just about one of the best things that a woman (or man!) can receive. Not only is it an opportunity to improve your looks, but it’s also a chance to escape from the realities of the world and step into a state of relaxation. While the ultimate goal of the manicure is to improve the looks of the nails, it’s also become common practice to incorporate massage and various relaxation techniques while getting your nails done.

Most manicures done at salons are performed by technicians who are also trained in the art of massage. While they are usually not licensed therapists, they have acquired the skills to apply just the right pressure to the hands and feet that leave us in a total state of bliss. It’s also very typical of nail salons to have their clients sit in a relaxing massage chair while having their nails and feet worked on. These chairs provide a deep back massage at just the push of a button, adding the finishing touches on a perfect spa experience. (Getting a manicure is a cheaper and often more convenient experience than a massage at a full-service spa.)

Another great aspect of receiving a manicure is the “heat therapy”. Applying gentle heat to the body is known to have a calming and relaxing effect, so many nail technicians will place your hands in warming mitts to help soften the skin as well as relax the muscles in the hands. Many people also opt to receive a pedicure along with their manicure. These are also quite a relaxing experience, as the feet are placed into a warm and bubbling footbath and followed by a complete foot and leg massage.

However, as wonderful as receiving a manicure at a salon can be, the reality still exists that not everyone can afford to have these luxurious treatments – or perhaps they simply don’t have the time. While it’s hard to duplicate the total experience available at nail salons, an equally satisfying manicure can be done at home. Here are a few tips on giving a great manicure at home.

1. Have the right tools available. For example, you will need a nail file, clippers, a cuticle stick, nail scissors, and if applicable, bottles of nail polish. You may also want to have items such as cuticle softener, lotion, warming mitts, paraffin wax machine, and a footbath. (If you don’t have a footbath, a tub filled with warm water works just as great!)

2. Carefully go through your nails with a cuticle stick and scissors, gently removing any hangnails or outgrown cuticles. Then file and clip your nails to the desired length and shape.

3. If you’re going to provide a massage, do it before you paint the nails. Use your thumbs to apply gentle pressure to the palms of the hands and rub in a circular motion. Follow up massaging each individual finger while working your way outward.

4. Be sure to rinse off any massage lotion using a wet washcloth before applying polish. Coat the nails twice, followed by a clear top coat.

Manicure Sets- Why they are Handy

Manicure Sets- Why they are Handy

Manicure Sets can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be. You can purchase a basic manicure set at the drug store or your local discount store. A basic manicure set will probably consist of a nail file, tweezers, nail clippers, fingernail scissors and a cuticle pusher. I remember the kind that my grandmother used to have. It was a leather case and each item had its own little elastic compartment that held it in place. The case could be closed with a zipper. She always had it handy in case of an emergency hang nail or broken fingernail. It was basic, and absent of any frills, but in a pinch it did the trick.

Well, nowadays the manicure kits can be a lot more complicated than that. Mine for example is probably the most elaborate of its types. I use a small silver train case as my manicure kit. I have all of the basics mentioned above, except a cuticle pusher. I never much enjoyed that part of an at home manicure anyway. I did replace the cuticle pusher with an orange stick which accomplishes the same basic thing. I also have some cotton, fingernail polish remover (I have both the bottle and the jar that you stick your fingers into), sticky tapes for fool proof at home French manicures, tons of different polishes, and of course one of those cute little toe separator thingies. Mine is hot pink and has palm trees on the end. This is a manicure kit that would make my Grandma proud.

In addition to the old fashioned manicure sets you can purchase all kinds of kits at all different kinds of stores. Some kits will have cute little carrying cases like mine (well not as cute as mine, but cute nonetheless). There are kits aimed at the target market of teenagers and small children. You can even purchase a manicure kit with Dora the Explorer on it. There are also more sophisticated kits that cater to an older more sophisticated target market. These can be compact for the frequent traveler or huge and strictly home bound like mine.
If in doubt, you can purchase one of these preassembled kits and then gradually add to it. You can get all of the basics in the beginning, and add new pieces as you need them. After all, who doesn't need one of those cute little toe separator thingies.

It is a good idea to go through your manicure set periodically and purge any old and outdated manicure supplies. You should replace the orange sticks and emery boards pretty regularly in order to avoid spreading fungus and bacteria that live under our nails. In addition, you should throw out polishes after about a year. I am guilty of adding fingernail polish remover to that last favorite bottle of discontinued perfect red. You know this particular beauty sin; the polish is real thick so you thin it out using remover. Well stop doing it, its ridiculous. Buy a new color already!

Manicure Procedure

Manicure Procedure

People have been getting manicures for hundreds of years. The word is derived from the Latin word for hand and the Latin word for care, which basically means that a manicure is caring for ones hands. That sounds simple enough right?

Back in the early days of manicures only the very wealthy and pampered celebrities bothered getting a manicure. The process was expensive and time consuming. And it was basically a waste of time for the common laborer. Why bother to get your hands manicured it you were going to be picking cotton the next day?

Well today things are very different. Lots of people get manicures. Men and women included. If they don't get regular manicures, then they certainly get them for special occasions like weddings, prom, special dates, etc.

There are also many different types of manicures. There is the spa manicure in which your hands are dipped in hot wax and the wax is allowed to harden. There is a basic manicure, a French manicure, and an at home manicure. Not only do the manicures themselves have different types, but the places that perform manicures may differ greatly as well.

Some fancy salons may charge as much as forty dollars for a basic manicure. Cruise ships and resorts are notorious for have exorbitant rates for manicures. Then on the other end of the spectrum, there are inexpensive nail salons that can cost as little as eight or ten dollars. This is surprising to me because the manicure procedure is basically the same at just about every place that I have ever had a manicure (trust me it's a lot of different places).

Basically, the procedure is this. I come into the salon, sometimes I'm offered a glass of wine, (this usually doesn't happen at the ten dollar place) then I soak my hands in some sort of concoction. I am told that it is a nail cleanser, but for all I know it could be dish washing liquid. Then after my fingers have pruned, they start poking and prodding my cuticles. This is my least favorite part of a manicure. Can't they just put the polish on already? Anyway, next they cut my nails evenly and shape them. Lastly the polish is applied. Then I am ushered to another table. Sometimes, they will put me in a spot that has a drier for me to put my hands under. Other times I am left alone to let me nails dry naturally.

Basically it's the same thing regardless if I am paying thirty dollars or eight dollars. I do have to say however, that a spa manicure is worth the splurge every once in a while. The wax really is refreshing and it rejuvenates my rough and tired hands. The spa manicure procedure really does leave my hands feeling smooth for a few days after I get one. But then in a week, my hands are rough and cracked again. Maybe that is their way of telling me it's time for another manicure.

Handy Tips for French Manicures

Handy Tips for French Manicures

The popularity of the French manicure is undeniable. Maybe it's because of the versatility that is offered by a French manicure. They allow you to have groomed and polished looking hands without having to worry about picking a color. Picking a color is one of my least favorite things about getting a manicure, especially at a nail salon. I always end up picking a color that I don't like once it's on my nails. Then I either have to live with the unfortunate color or embarrassedly ask the manicurist to change the color. That's the beauty of a French manicure. There really aren't that many decisions to be made. Sure you may have to choose between white and off white for your tips, or possibly have to choose between blush and beige for the base color; compared to having to choose between wild orchid or pink palm, that decision is for amateurs.

Another great think about the French manicure is that it usually lasts longer than a traditional manicure with color, if only because it shows fewer chips and imperfections. Also, I like that I don't have to think too much about the color of my nail polish when choosing my outfits. Nothing is worse than having someone point out that my hot pink polish clashes with coral dress.

Now that I've sold you on the great art of French manicures, I will have to tell you that it is more difficult to give yourself a French manicure than it is to just paint your fingernails one solid color. I do have a quick fix as an alternative. If I am in a hurry, but still want my nails to look great. I will dig my fingernails into a bar of dove or ivory soap. Really and white soap will do just fine. Then, I wash my hands thoroughly. The soap really helps to whiten the tips of my nails. Lastly, I will quickly apply a clear coat of polish. The affects are not quite the same as taking the time to do an actual French manicure, but it works in a pinch.

Now if I have more time on my hands, I will give myself an at home French manicure. It's not as great as getting one in a salon, but still a treat nonetheless. First I will soak my hands and scrub them well with an exfoliating scrub. Next I will trim and shape the nails. Then I will apply a base coat of polish to my nails.
When attempting to paint the tip of my nails, I have tried a couple of different things. In the past I have used those tape strips that you can buy in a French manicure kit. They don't seem to work for me. When I peel the tape off, half the time the polish comes off with it. The other half of the time I find out that I have managed to paint underneath the tape. I've found that the thing that works best is to use a super thin brush, like an eyeliner brush. Next, I just take my time and apply a very light thin strip to the tips of my nail. After allowing the tips to dry, it's time to apply the pink or beige top coat. Lastly, I apply a clear chip proof top coat to my new French manicure.