There's no need to step out to get well-manicured hands. You can do it at home and in your own time.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 7, 2020. It has since been updated.
A trip to the salon or having a pampering manicure can instantly put you in a good mood. Self-care is not selfish but essential, especially at times like now. Anything that makes you feel loved and cared for is good for you. Manicures are just not about trendy nails. Regular manicures can improve circulation, help remove the dirt that has been hidden in it for a long time, and keep the hands soft as you grow old, according to Urban Company.
Here are a few benefits:
1. Nourishes the cuticles
Cuticles are basically dead skin, which acts as a barrier between the nail plate and the skin surrounding it. Manicure helps keep these cuticles soft and nourished.
2. Improves blood circulation and relaxes the body
The massage done during manicures helps stimulate blood flow in the hands and improves mobility of the fingers and wrists. It also helps in relaxing the whole body since during the massage all the pressure points are touched.
3. Make hands soft
The scrubbing and exfoliating help in making the hand as soft as that of a baby. Regular manicure can keep your skin young and supple as well.
But who has the time for regular salon trips or elaborate home spa? We've got it covered. In just 6 simple steps, you can get the perfect nails at home. All you need is a nail polish remover, cotton pads, two bowls with warm water or warm milk, nail clippers, nail filer, cuticle stick or toothpick, almond or olive oil, nail buffing block or disc, and hand cream or moisturizer.
First and for most, settle down in a comfortable and relaxing spot. Maybe in your patio or favorite corner of the house. Lighting some scented candles or playing soothing music can make the experience more refreshing.
A non-acetone based nail polish is recommended to remove old nail paint as the regular removers tend to strip off the natural oil in the nails. Soak a cotton pad in the remover, and wipe off the chipped polish until it's squeaky clean.
Take some warm milk or warm water with lemon in a bowl. Warm water mixed with gentle soap and some oil can also be used, according to Canyon Ranch. Soak your finger for 10 minutes. This helps soften the nails and the cuticles, which makes it easier to clip them and push back the cuticles. Once done, dry your hands with a clean towel.
Take two teaspoons of sugar, half a teaspoon of olive oil, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix them all together in a bowl and apply the scrub on your hands. The heat generated from your hands will help melt the sugar crystals, which will exfoliate your skin by removing the dead cells. Rinse your hands in lukewarm water after scrubbing for two minutes.
The length of your nails depends on your preference. If you prefer painting them, clip your nails long enough to see about β - to ΒΌ-inch of the white nail tip.
Once you've clipped them, use a filer to create the desired shape of your nails and smoothen the edges.
Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. If you don't have one, take a toothpick, add enough cotton at the pointed side so that it doesn't hurt you, according to Hello Glow. Apply some olive oil on the nails once done as it will help moisturize the nails. If it hurts while pushing the cuticles back, it means you're doing it too hard. Be patient and gentle.
At salons, usually, a buffing block or disc is used but at home, you can use a clean cotton cloth and some oil. Pick up the PJ's that you or your kids don't wear anymore. Cut small square pieces, and soak it in some oil. Now rub them on your nails like you would polish a shoe. It helps your nails get a natural shine, make them stronger.
Finally, take some moisturizer or hand cream and massage your hands and fingers thoroughly. Don't be stingy while using the cream as the more you use, the better. It will hydrate your skin and the massage will relax your body.
Here is the fun part. Apply your favorite nail color, or do a french manicure by adding a white tip and a nude color as the base. You could also do some fun nail art with the tools you get online.
While these simple things might seem frivolous, taking some time out for yourself will keep your spirit high. For everything you do for others, you deserve such moments of self-love.
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References:
https://blog.urbancompany.com/beauty/how-to-do-manicure-at-home-with-naturally/
https://www.canyonranch.com/blog/beauty/your-at-home-natural-manicure/
