Great manicures require the right products, including quality
nail files
Do you want great-looking feet? Then don't forget your nails. Here's
a manicure how-to:
- Step 1: Wash and smooth. Foot
hygiene is everything. Before you file, wash hands thoroughly.
Use a gentle soap-harsh soaps can dry skin and nails. Apply lotion
to soften dry skin and cuticles.
- Step 2: Grab a nail file. File each nail from left to right.
Don't move the file up and down across the nail-this can lead
to splitting and rough, jagged edges. File each nail evenly to
make all nails the same length.
- Step 3: Buff. Use a buffer to smooth away file lines. Use the
buffer gently. Too much pressure can weaken nails.
- Step 4: Paint. Now that your nails are nicely shaped, it's time
to paint. Choose a color that suits your mood and apply. Shake
nail polish before use to remove polish clumps. Apply a base coat,
then one or two more coats. Wait five minutes between each application.
After you're done polishing, allow you nails to dry for 10 minutes.
Then, to help prevent chipping, apply a clear top coat. Wait a
few more minutes for the top coat to dry, and you're manicure
is complete.
When it comes to pedicures, the steps are basically the same. Though
you can use a nail file for shaping toenails, often it's best to
clip toenails with nail scissors. Filing and shaping toenails can
sometimes lead to painful ingrown nails.
Types of nail files
There are a variety of nail files and file strengths available.
File strength is based on "grit," which is the number
of grains of the file's abrasive material per square inch. The lower
the grit number, the fewer the grains, and the coarser the file.
Lower grit numbers are often the choice for filing acrylic nails;
higher grit numbers are less abrasive and are used on natural nails.
If you're unsure of the file type to use, ask your local salon for
some pointers.
Nail files right at your fingertips
For a variety of nail care
products, see our product menu at right.
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