You just scheduled your first nail painting appointment and are super excited about being pampered but you are not sure what to expect. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ll help break down the steps involved in a manicure which will course you towards longer nails and ultimately healthy looking fingers and hands.
What exactly is a manicure?
A manicure is a therapeutic, cosmetic and aesthetic treatment for the fingernails and hands. The term manicure, pronounced “my-uh-nee-ay”, is French and means “by hand” or “by handwork”. It includes nail shaping, cuticle work, the application of nail polish, and grooming of the hands and fingers.
A manicure may be performed by a beauty salon or a stand-alone nail salon. It is generally intended to bring out the natural shape of fingernails and to enhance them. The removal of dead and dry skin and softening of cuticle edges is also an important aspect of the manicure. A manicure is distinguished from a pedicure, which is a treatment for toenails.
The First Step
The basic manicure can be broken down into several basic steps. The prep stage is the most important. You don’t want the nail polish to smudge or crack, so it’s important to remove old polish. Next, your natural nails will be shaped, filed and buff. There are various ways to shape the nails ranging from round to square-tipped. You can tell your preferences. However, it is best to trust your nail artist’s advice as some nails can break easily if shaped wrongly. Finally, after shaping your nails, the nail technician will work on your cuticles.
Cleaning the Cuticle
Cuticles are the dead skin that naturally forms at the sides of your fingernails and around the joints of your fingers. After applying the cuticle remover, the cuticles will be pushed backed and trimmed. Many health professionals do not recommend regular trimming of cuticles as it can lead to infections and irritation. However, many people prefer cutting their cuticles to make their nails appear longer. You can feel free to take advice from your manicurist, the professional knows well when to skip and when to trim the cuticles.
Coloring Your Nails
Now it is time for the exciting part, applying regular nail polish or gel polish. This is where you will have to make a hard decision. Be ready to be amazed by the beautiful color selection. Before applying your color, a base coat is usually applied. This seals the nails and prevents color from picking off. After the base coat dries, the desired color is applied. The nail polish color should be applied to a clean, completely dry nail. It can be tempting to apply color to wet nails, but this can result in streaks. Next, the top coat is applied, which adds shine and protects the color.
If you are confused about the color, you can always opt for a French Manicure. Moreover, a French Manicure is designed to look natural yet classy. A slight line of color is applied at the tip of the nails that ranges from white to light pink. After that, you will have a glossy, clear application applied to the nails which will make them look chic with just a hint of color. If you want to try something funky or unique with some nail art, you are always welcome to try something new. Some people prefer gorgeous designs on their nails while others go with plain coats.
Pamper yourself today. At NailCraft salon, there is a great selection of gel manicure, gel pedicure and other nail services.
