BEAUTI TECH: 10/10/11

Monday, October 10, 2011

Professional Manicure Steps

Don't go to a salon for beautiful manicured nails! Learn how to give yourself a manicure at home with this free nail care video series.

Series Summary

Manicures started about 5000 years ago in India using henna as decoration; a form of mud that brings out the pigment in your skin's surface to make designs on hands. It is a treatment of the nails, hands or both that usually involves the shaping and painting of the nails as well as attention to cuticles and hangnails. It is a very soothing procedure that both men and women enjoy because there are several treatment options available. Sometimes the manicurist will attach acrylic nails to the existing nail so that it can grow without worry of being broken and also to lengthen the look of the existing nail until it is able to grow out. This became highly popular in the 20th century and today is a multi-million dollar industry.

In this free video series, learn how to give yourself a manicure at home. Our expert, Theresa Fuentes, shows you everything you need to know to give yourself a first class manicure. You no longer have to go spend a lot of money for beautiful nails. Learn the materials and supples you need for a manicure. Also, learn how to shape, soak, and clip your nail cuticles. Theresa shows you how to buff your nails as well. Finally, learn how to apply a base and top coat to your manicure. So, before you rush out to the salon, learn how to do your own manicure today!

11 Steps for a Perfect Home Made Manicure …

Step 1. Remove your old nail polish …

First things first! Take your time removing old nail polish. If it’s a bright shade (red, bright pink, black), place the cotton round dipped in nail polish remover on the nail and wait for 5 seconds before removing – it will come off faster and easier!

Step 2. Shape the nail …

Shaping the nail is the next step. The fingernails should be filed into oval tips. Begin on the left hand with the little finger and work towards the thumb. Hold the finger between your thumb and the first two fingers of the left hand. Hold the fingernail file in the right hand. Slant the fingernail file so that the filing is done mostly to the under side of the nail. File each fingernail from the corner to the center, going from right to left and then from left to right. On each side of the fingernail, stroke in one direction only. Repeat the process on the right hand.

Step 3. Soften the cuticles …

Softening the cuticles is accomplished by soaking the fingers in a small finger bowl filled with soapy water. A few drops of mild dish soap added to water in the finger bowl works well. Carefully dry the hand by holding a small towel and place, the hand on the towel. Dry the hand while simultaneously pushing back the cuticle and skin on each fingernail. Be very gentle.

Step 4. Remove the cuticles …

Apply cuticle remover by following the directions on the cuticle remover tube or bottle. Gently loosen the cuticle with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Keep the cuticle moist while working. Wash gently and dry.

Step 5. Clean under the edge of the nail …

Clean under the free edge of the fingernail by dipping a cotton-tipped orangewood stick in soapy water and cleaning under the nail from the center outward to each side.

Step 6. Remove extra-pieces …

Sometimes it is necessary to remove dead cuticle or hangnails with small scissors or cuticle nippers. Be very careful when you do this.

9 Steps to Perfect Manicure

For your hands to look their best, nails need to be clean and well cared for. A regular weekly manicure will help keep them in good condition and should only take about half an hour once you have had some practice. For a manicure you will need the following:

Warm soapy water
Cotton
Orange Sticks
Towel
Nail File or Emery Board f. Nail Scissors
Base Coat
Nail Polish i. Nail Polish Remover

Steps for Manicure At Home

Step 1.
File your nails into shape with an emery boards or a nail file to make a smooth even edge. Work with one-way strokes, starting from the corner and working towards the tip. Use long strokes and never saw at the nail.

Step 2.
Rinse your hands and dry them carefully. Remove old nail polish using an acetone-free remover and cotton.

Step 3.
Soak your nails for three or four minutes in warm soapy water to which a few drops of lemon juice and olive oil have been added. This helps to soften and clean hands at the same time. Dry them carefully. Dig your nails into a soapy sponge to clean under the nail tips.

Step 4.
Gently lift up the skin around the nails with a orange sticks. Take care not to break the skin, which is called the cuticle. Under the cuticle the new nail is growing.

Step 5.
Hang nails are broken bits of dry skin around the nail. They can be very painful and the skin can become infected. Cut the hangnail close to the skin, with sharp nail scissors. Use hand cream to keep the skin supple.

Step 6.
Lay your hand on a flat surface and brush on a base coat to prevent the nails from staining. This also strengthens your nails and allows the polish to be applied more smoothly.

Step 7.
Apply polish, starting with one brushstroke in the middle of the nail and then one on each side.

Step 8.
When dry apply the second coat of color in the same way. Be sure to wait until each coat is quite dry before applying the next.

Step 9.
To avoid chipping, apply a base coat to seal the polish underneath.

How Do I Give Myself A Manicure?

Find out how you can give yourself a much-deserved manicure by reading this article.

Giving yourself a manicure is just one of the ways that you can pamper yourself and make your hands and nails look great at the same time. If you go to a salon, you can sometimes pay quite a bit to have a manicure professionally done. Or, you can do-it-yourself and save yourself some money. In order to do this, you will need to follow these simple steps:

Step Number One- Trim, smooth and shape your fingernails if they need it. If your fingernails are shaped, then use an emery board to make sure they are shaped well and the edges are smooth too. If your fingernails are not shaped, or you are a man, then use a pair of fingernail clippers to trim them. Remember to trim them so that the ends of your fingernails are cut straight across. Finally, smooth the edge of each nail with an emery board. Now, you are ready for the next step.

Step Number Two- If your fingernails are polished, then remove the polish now by using nail polish remover. Most polish removers are made from acetone which works well to remove the nail polish, but this is very hard on your fingernails. Try to find a nail polish remover that contains aloe vera or some other additive that is a little gentler to your nails. Wipe the polish off along with the remover by using cotton balls. This would be a good time to examine your nails for signs of problem areas. For example, are your nails ridged? You can gently buff them to remove these ridges. Are your nails brittle and do they break easily? This may be from a lack of nutrients in your diet. Try drinking Knox gelatin on a regular basis and see if that doesn't help. If not, consult your doctor or dermatologist for other possible solutions.

Step Number Three- Prepare a small bowl. Fill it with warm, not hot water and a drop or two of scented oil, shower gel, etc. What you are looking for here is an additive that is going to help soften your nails. Mix the additive into the water well. Put your fingertips into the bowl and soak then for several minutes.

Step Number Four- After soaking your fingernails for about five minutes, remove your hands from the water and dry them thoroughly on a soft towel. Then use a good cuticle softener--there are many good brands on the market--to soften your cuticles. Next, use a cuticle stick to gently push the cuticles back on every fingernail. Do not push the cuticles too far back, just back far enough so that they are off the base of the fingernail. If you are a man or a woman who chooses not to paint her nails, then you are finished with your manicure. Don't your fingernails feel and look good?

Otherwise, if you choose to polish your nails, rinse your fingers off well with clean water then dry them well. Paint on a base coat, hardener, or fingernail polish, as you desire. You can also purchase stickers and decals that are specifically made for fingernails.

How To Give Yourself A Professional Manicure At Home

Give yourself a professional manicure at home for only pennies! Make your hands feel softer and look prettier.

The word manicure is derived form the Latin words "manus" meaning hands and "cura" meaning care. The purpose of a manicure is to improve the appearance and feel of the hands. Men and women alike can enjoy the benefits of a manicure. Everyone wants soft, attractive hands and cleanly groomed nails.

Not everyone has the time or money to have a manicure done at the salon. But everyone can do a manicure at home, using supplies that you already have around the house.

1. The first step in a manicure is to shape or file the nails. You should never use a file on wet finger nails. Just as your hair is weaker and requires more care when it is wet, the same holds true for fingernails. There are four basic nail shapes: square, round, oval and pointed. The nail should be shaped to conform to the shape of the finger. The oval shape works well for most hands. Men, or people who do a lot of work with their hands, may prefer to wear their nails shorter and more rounded to avoid nail breakage. File each nail from the corner to the center, going from left to right and then right to left. Don't slide the file back and forth over the tip of your nail and don't over file the sides of the nail, this will lead to weakening and breaking.

2. Soak hands in a bowl of soapy water to soften any dry skin or rough cuticles. Soak hands for 5-10 minutes, depending on your preference and the condition of the hands. If you have dry skin, you should soak your hands in a thick hand cream or Vaseline instead of the water solution. Apply a thick coat of the cream or Vaseline over your hands, wrap your hands in gloves or saran wrap, and allow them to set for 10-15 minutes.

3. Apply a combination of soap and salt or sugar to exfoliate the hands. You can pour the salt or sugar over your soapy hands or make a mixture of soap and salt/sugar in a bowl. The mixture should be of a thick consistency. An exfoliating cream can be used in place of the salt/sugar mixture, if you would prefer. The exfoliating mixture will remove any old, dry skin cells and leave your hands feeling softer. This step is best done at a sink to minimize the mess. Generously rub the exfoliating mixture over hands and around nails for several minutes. Rinse hands.

4. Gently dry hands with a clean towel. Rub the cuticle area of each finger with the edge of the towel.

5. Gently push back the cuticle of each nail with a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick. Never cut your cuticles, this can cause pain and infection. If you have any hangnails or loose pieces of skin around the nails or cuticles, you may trim them very carefully with cuticle trimmers or fingernail clippers. Use the cuticle pusher to clean underneath each nail.

6. Apply a good amount of hand lotion to each hand and massage it into your skin. Using one hand, massage the palm of the other hand, working the lotion into your skin. Using the thumb of the opposing hand, massage around each cuticle and nail. Slowly rotate each finger, and then rotate the wrist. Gently twist the fingers of the opposing hand up and down each finger. Work the lotion up to the elbow, massaging the arm. Switch to the other hand.

7. Wipe any extra lotion off of the hands with a clean, dry towel. Rub towel gently over each nail and around each cuticle to remove any excess lotion.

8. Apply polish or clear coat. Let the polish dry, then apply the second coat.

Giving yourself a manicure once a week will keep your hands looking healthier and younger.

How to give a manicure

Learn how to give yourself or someone else a manicure with these tips, instructions and tools. It takes less than an hour and can make over a hand instantly.

Manicured nails are very attractive. Some women go to a professional salon for their service. Some women prefer to take a manicure at home. Anybody can give him or herself a manicure if they have the correct tools, and know the correct methods.

The first step to a manicure is the correct nail kit. A nail kit should have a double-sided emery board, nail clipper, orange cuticle stick, base coat, topcoat and cuticle cream. Nail polish remover and cotton balls are best for polish removal. Use a non-acetone polish, as it is gentler on the nails.

Set aside an unpopulated and level area, such as a table or the floor. Lay down an old towel (incase of spills) and the contents of your nail kit. Remove any old polish with remover and cotton balls. Soak the nails in two small bowls containing warm water, baby oil and foam bath. This treatment conditions the nails and softens the cuticles. It revives dry and brittle nails, making them easier to cut. Let them soak for approximately fifteen minutes, rinse and dry hands thoroughly. The fifteen-minute soak may be substituted for a paraffin bath. A paraffin bath is a machine that melts and warms paraffin, so that one may immerse the whole hand. The wax gives the hands a penetrating, moisturizing treatment. When one removes their hands, the wax will form a glove on the hand. The glove will stiffen and slip right off of the hand.

The next step is to apply cuticle cream or oil and push the cuticles back with an orange stick. The cuticles do not need to be pushed back with anything firmer than a wooden stick. If the cuticles do not respond to an orange stick, then a professional manicure is needed, where the cuticles can be cut.

After the cuticles are pushed back (elongating the nail and making the base uniform), cut the tips to the desired length. Smooth the edges with an emery board. The best emery board is double sided with foam middle. The foam helps absorb the shock when filing the nails. This leads to a smoother finish with maximum comfort.

Once the nails have been filed in a desirable shape, apply a base coat. The purpose of a base coat is to provide a smooth and even base for the nail polish application. Base coats double and triple up their responsibilities with vitamin and mineral infusions. Some base coats claim to strengthen and harden nails through these extra ingredients.

Once the basecoat is dry, apply color. Two coats of color are standard. This ensures complete coverage. Some techniques implore the first coat only applied to the tips, and the final coat, a full sweep of the nail. The logic behind this is that the tips will encounter the majority of exposure and chipping.

To ensure polish dryness, run nails lightly under a stream of cold water. This helps set the polish. Dry them carefully by lightly dragging a paper towel over them. Next is the topcoat.

The purpose of the topcoat is to provide protection and shine to the manicure. The polish will rub off on everything it comes in contact with, if a sealing coat is not applied. Polish also loses its shine and fades to flatness. The topcoat adds a continuous shine to the manicure. Most topcoats are clear. Some are rose colored or blue hued. But the tint does not interfere with the nail polish color beneath it.

There are several techniques for drying the nails, after the topcoat has been applied. One can let the nails air dry or use an electric nail dryer. There are also cold sprays that speed up the nail drying process. Be careful not to touch your nails to any surface for at least three hours. They may still be wet underneath a crisp topcoat. If this is so, you will have ridges and imprints into your nails.

After the nails are dry, clean up any mistakes with a nail polish remover pen. More precise than a cotton ball, the pen also does not erase what you don't want erased.

Giving yourself or someone else a manicure is a fun and fast task. It takes less than an hour and can make over a hand instantly. Modern technology cuts drying time down, as well as corrects mistakes in a jiffy. Build your nail kit today and get that professional looking manicure.

Manicure Tips

Manicure tips for shaping nails, softening cuticles, and polishing; a must for good grooming and beauty.

Giving a manicure, or manicuring as it is called professionally, was once considered only a luxury for the rich. More and more women (and men) now have regular manicures. Manicuring is derived from the Latin word manus which means hand and cura which means care. Manicuring improves the appearance of the hands and nails. Giving a manicure isn't hard once you know the basic steps.

Remove the old polish. Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover. The type of polish remover depends on your personal preference. Press the cotton ball over the nail for a few seconds to soften the old polish. Wipe gently with the cotton ball on the nail starting at the base of the nail to the tip. This keeps old polish from smearing into the cuticle.

Clean under the free edge of the fingernail by dipping a cotton-tipped orangewood stick in soapy water and cleaning under the nail from the center outward to each side.

Sometimes it is necessary to remove dead cuticle or hangnails with small scissors or cuticle nippers. Be very careful when you do this.

Apply cuticle oil or cream at the base of the nail. Brush nails gently in a soapy water with a downward motion. Dry hands and nails thoroughly. Next use a very fine emery board. Buff nails giving them a smooth beveled edge. Wipe nails to remove any particles of cuticle or dead skin.

Apply base coat using long strokes. When the base coat is dry to a light touch apply polish. Apply polish lightly with strokes from the base to the tip. Excess polish on cuticle or nail can be easily removed with cotton tipped orangewood stick moistened with polish remover. Apply a top or seal coat. Brushing the top or seal coat around and under the tips of the nail will give the nail added protection.

The final step is to apply lotion. This can be done if time permits. Nails need to be completely dry. Start at the wrists moving down to the fingertips with light rubbing motion.

How To Give Yourself A Quick Manicure

It is important to keep our hands and nails in good shape. Learn how to give yourself a simple weekly manicure.

Our hands are on display every moment of the day. A person can tell a lot about you by looking at your hands and nails. If they are not well cared for, not only are they unattractive to ourselves and others, they can become quite uncomfortable as well. Dry, chapped skin and torn, chipped nails are unsightly, but can be painfully unpleasant. However, with a little time and minimal effort, these can be repaired and healed, and further incidents prevented. Good hand and nail care should become habitual with a little practice. Remember, never use your nails as tools. Always wear gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or when exposing yourself to cold climates. Moisturize your hands well after washing them. Just as you apply moisturizer with sun block to your face to prevent wrinkles and premature aging, you should routinely apply it to your hands as well.

The first step is to carefully wash and dry your hands well. Next, clip away any torn or ragged edges. Then file them using a gentle stroke, in one direction, avoiding the corners to prevent weakening of the nail. After obtaining your desired shape, check your work by rubbing your nails over an old pair of pantyhose. If the nails are smooth enough, they should not snag the hose.

Apply cuticle oil or softener to the cuticle areas. After gently working this into your cuticles, allow it to remain on your hands for a minute or so. Then soak your hands in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Take the time for yourself, you deserve it.

Next, gently push back your cuticles and clip away any hangnails. Be careful not to clip your skin or be too harsh with your cuticles. This can lead to infection and a great deal of discomfort. Apply some hand lotion, and begin to prepare your nails for color. To help the polish stick longer and to provide for a more polishable surface, buff your nails lightly with a white block buffer or an extra fine emery board. But avoid excess buffing, as this will weaken your nails. The idea is to provide a smooth surface that the polish may glide easily onto and adhere well to the nail.

After you select your color, apply a small amount of polish to your brush. Paint one stroke down the center of your nail. Then, use one stroke down each of the two sides of your nail. The entire nail should be completely covered in three strokes. This base coat should be allowed to dry for a minute or so, just long enough to make the nail tacky for the next layer of polish to adhere to. Next, apply the polish again, in the same manner. A topcoat will help to protect your nails. Allow to dry thoroughly before using your hands for anything. Reapply your topcoat every two or three days to refresh your nail's color and help to provide good protection and strength for them. This will only take minutes, and always try to allow to dry completely to prevent nicks in your work.

Never change your polish more than once a week, because the nail polish remover dries the skin. Always clean all of your equipment with alcohol when you are finished. Good items to keep onhand for your weekly manicure include nail clippers, cuticle scissors, cotton balls, orange sticks, emory boards, buff block, and nail polish remover packets.

How To Give A Home Manicure

A step by step plan to give anyone or yourself a professional, neat, and attractive manicure. This technique is fast and easy to do at home.

Tired of tryin to make appointments for a manicure? Spending a lot of money to keep your nails looking good? If you follow the instructions below, you can give yourself or anyone you know a professional, neat and attractive manicure anytime you want. It doesnt take a lot of time and can be done on women, men, and even children. Many of the supplies you need for nail care are easily found in stores, and with proper care and storage, will last a long time.

Before you begin, you will need to have the following list of supplies on hand:

Fingerbowl, or some type of bowl large enough to soak the nails and tips of fingers

2 towels, one to fold and rest the hand on that you are manicuring, one for drying nails.

Orangewood stick, metal pusher, or plastic pusher with a soft tip, for pushing the cuticle or excess skin off the nail

Emery board or nail file for shaping and smoothing the edge of the nail

Cuticle nipper, for trimming excess skin pushed back from nail, if necessary

Nail brush, for cleaning the tops and under the nail

Chamois buffer, for buffing the nails smooth and shiny

Fingernail clippers, for shortening nail length

Cotton pads or cotton balls

Antibacterial soap for fingerbowl, to help clean nails, preferrably liquid

Polish remover, non-acetone or acetone

Cuticle oil

Pumice powder or cream for buffing

Base coat

Color polish

Top coat

Liquid or spray nail dry

Hand cream or lotion

Alcohol

Cuticle remover, to help soften and make pushing of cuticle easier

As we work along in the steps to do your manicure, each item used will be describe and explained on how and when to use it.

Note--not all of the above supplies are needed for a manicure. It will depend on what type of manicure is being done-on a man, a child, no polish wanted, etc.

Now that we have the supplies we need, let me give you a few tips on how to set up an area to give your manicure.

Sit at a table that is a comfortable height for you, not too low or high. If you will be doing the manicure on someone else, have them sit across the table from you. If you are right handed, whether you are manicuring someone else or yourself, place everything you will be using except your polish to your right. Your polishes will sit to your left. If you are left handed, do the opposite-all supplies to your left and polishes to your right. By setting up in this manner, it will be faster and easier for you to reach for your supplies, and less chance of knocking over or spilling something. Take your towel, fold it into thirds (bring each side in to meet in the middle), then fold in half to make a little cushion. This raises the hand up and provides a comfortable hand and wrist rest. The towel is placed between you and the person you are manicuring, or just in front of yourself.

We've got everything out that we need, we are all set up--now it's time to begin our manicure.

1. Remove old polish from nails-saturate cotton ball or pad with remover. Place on nail and hold for approximately 5 seconds, then wipe down to tip of finger. Continue in this manner until all polish is removed, then move on to next finger. Do not wipe side to side, or back up to the top of the nail. Doing this will push polish into skin and cuticle, making it hard to remove. Remove polish from one entire hand, then the other. Non-acetone polish remover is recommended. It is not as drying to skin and nails as acetone, but use whichever you prefer.

2. File and shape nails. Using the emery board or file, shape the nails of one hand , then the other. File from one side of nail to center, then other side to center. Do not file back and forth-this can cause splitting and weak nails.

3. Place one of the hands with nails filed into fingerbowl to soak for 2-3 minutes. This is done for a few reasons-it softens the cuticle, making it easier to push back, it cleans the nails, and it helps to remove any excess polish remover. Caution--always file nails before soaking. Never file nails that are wet or damp. Nails absorb water, and if they are filed while wet, splitting, breakage and weak nails can occur. Be sure to use comfortably warm water in your fingerbowl, with your antibacterial soap.

4. At the end of soaking time, use nail brush to clean tops of nails and under nails. Gently brush down to tip of nail over fingerbowl for a few strokes.

5. Dry each hand with a towel, gently pushing back each cuticle with towel as you dry.

6. Apply cuticle remover. Cuticle remover is a moisturizing lotion used to aid in softening the skin on the nail and pushing it back. Just apply one drop to each cuticle and massage in. Do one hand at a time.

7. Push back cuticles using the orangewood stick, metal pusher or plastic pusher. Apply a bit of pressure as you push the skin off up to base of nail. Do one hand then the other.

8. If there is excess amounts of cuticle that was pushed back, you may use your cuticle nippers to trim the excess. This step is not always needed.

9. Clean under nails using your orangewood stick or pusher. Wrap a thin piece of cotton around the end, and dip into your fingerbowl. Run this under the edge of each nail, changing cotton as needed.

10. If no polish is wanted, at this point you may buff the nails to bring out the shine. Using the chamois buffer and a bit of pumice powder or cream, buff nails one at a time, moving the buffer in a downward motion to the tip of the nail. Work at a slight angle and down, alternating strokes on the nail from left to right, as if you are making an X on the nail. Note--if you buff in one direction only, you can create a heated sensation in the nail which can be painful. Always use the X technique to avoid this.

11. Apply cuticle oil to each nail, and massage into nail, cuticle and surrounding skin. This is a good habit to get into doing every day. Apply and massage after a bath or shower, or at bedtime, and your cuticles will be softer, youll have less dry skin and hangnails, and the massage will help your circulation and nail growth.

12. Next, apply your lotion or hand cream. Take a few minutes to massage it into each hand and wrist.

13. Remove lotion and oil from nails, but not from skin. Wrap a piece of cotton around your pusher or orangewood stick and dip it into your alcohol. Apply to each nail, being careful not to apply to skin. Nail polish will not stick to a nail that has oils and lotions on it, so this is essential to do.

14. Apply one coat of base coat to one hand, then the other. Base coat will protect your nails from staining from polishes, it will help the color polish adhere to your nail, and help your manicure last longer.

15. Apply 1-2 coats of color polish. Put one coat on one hand, then the other. If a second coat is desired, apply to one hand, then the other. This give the polish a chance to start drying before the second coat is applied. To avoid streak and brush marks, try this trick---use 3 brush strokes to apply---first stroke down the center of nail, second stroke on one side, and third stroke on other side. Make sure your brush spreads open as you apply for maximum coverage.

16. Apply one coat of top coat to one hand, then the other. Top coat will dry to a high shine,glossy finish. It will help to protect your color polish and help your maincure last longer.

17. If you get any polish on your skin, it's simple to remove. Using your pusher, wrap a thin piece of cotton around the end, dip into polish remover, and carefully stroke over polish on skin. Change cotton as needed.

18. Apply instand nail dry, in spray or brush-on form to each nail. This will not dry the polish completely through, but it will give some protection to the top layer, so smudges may be less likely.

That's all there is to it. Giving or receiving a manicure can be relaxing and fun. Have friends over and have them bring their supplies and have a manicure party! Your nails will be healthier, more attractive, and you can tell everyone you did it yourself!