Nail care is a great way to make myself feel pampered without having to go through too much trouble. Even if I don't have time to give myself a mini-facial or curl my hair, I can always fit in a manicure.
Here is my step-by-step self-manicure process.
I'll always start by either taking a hot bath or shower, or soaking my hands in some warm water, if I'm short on time. This softens the nails and cuticles and makes it easier to clip and file the nail. It also removes all the built up dirt under the finger nails. Bathing first is also a very soothing way to relax the whole body and definitely adds to the "spa day" feeling. If you are really short on time, the most important thing is to clean your hands well and make sure there is no old polish or remnants of lotion, dirt or oil on the nails as this will prevent the polish from adhering to the nail. NOTE: If I have any polish on from a previous manicure, I will remove it before soaking or bathing with alcohol or nail polish remover.
Many people warn about not cutting the nails and just sticking with filing to shorten the nails. I find this impractical with how fast my nails grow, but if you have the time to regularly file, more power to you! I always clip my nails down to just above the right length so that I can then take a file and smooth them down the rest of the way. Keep in mind that you should always file from outside edge towards the middle and on a 45 degree angle. This helps keep the nails smooth and pretty and greatly minimizes jagged edges.
I always use a base coat since it will smooth out the ridges on the nails and it also keeps the polish from staining the nail.
I always examine my polish before applying. Sometimes older polish can become clumpy or thick. If this happens, I'll just add a few drops of polish thinner to the bottle and shake it up. When applying the polish, I make sure to wipe the brush along the side of the bottle every time I re-wet the brush. This is to eliminate any bubbles that may have been created from shaking the bottle. It also regulates the amount of polish on the brush and ensures that I never apply too much polish on any single spot. I apply the polish from the cuticle to the tip in as few strokes as possible. The fewer the strokes the better and smoother the final product will be. It's also always best to keep a wooden nail stick, piece of tissue or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover on hand to clean up little mess ups right when they happen. You don't want to end up with nail polish color all over the skin surrounding the nail beds! NOTE: For healthy nails that can still breathe, make sure to apply a maximum of two color coats. Anything more than that suffocates the nail bed and increases the potential for a clumpy, unprofessional look.
I cannot say this enough, always end with a top coat. You don't want all that work to go to waste the first time you wash dishes. In fact, a great way to extend the life of your manicure is to add a new clear top coat about once every two days. You'll be surprised with how much longer a manicure lasts when you do this.
Generally an hour of dry time is best to make sure you don't mess up your handy-work. This doesn't have to mean that you are completely incapacitated, but the less you do with your hands the better. Drying can end up being the most time consuming part, but when I can afford the time, I use it as an excuse to relax. I'll read a magazine, watch a movie or just lay on the couch with my eyes closed. If I'm short on time, I'll have plugged in my hair dryer before I started the manicure and help speed up the drying process by turning it on the lowest coolest setting and directing the air flow at the nails from at least two feet away. If you get too close, you can actually create waves in the nail polish if it's still wet. It's also a good thing to remember that even when the nails feel dry to the touch, they can still be soft and easily nicked, scratched or scraped, so be careful with your hand movements up to two hours after the manicure.
Following these simple steps make for a really fun way to pamper yourself and improve your appearance at the same time. I hope you enjoy them. Remember, a healthy nail care regimen includes periodic manicures as well as daily moisturizing. If your hands and cuticles are dry and flaky, your beautiful manicure job will be all for naught.