diy manicure

Pink_fluff

Hi

I am giving up my manicures, to try and cut back, save money etc....

I want to start doing my nails myself, but dont know where to start, my cuticles are a mess, I've tried buying some cream from boots thats meant to remove cuticles, but it didn't seem to work.

Can somebody out there help me do my own nails!!

Thanks

suki1964

Whatever you do, don't get tempted to cut your cuticles - only makes them tougher

Heres what I do

Soak the cuticles to keep them soft. I use OPI Avoflex (you can just use olive oil but takes longer to soak in)and just keep applying daily while watching tv and massaging in. Doesn't take too long before the cuticles are soft enough to push back with a hoofer or orange stick. Also invest in a block buffer - a couple of quid in Boots or Superdrugs. This will not only smooth and buff your nails it will also smooth the hard skin around your nails. Buffing the nails also promotes healthy growth.


Then shape ( i use soft sponge emery boards - not the coarse ones) and coat in Sally Hansens Hard as Nails (this is my favourite and as I have pretty healthy nails its enough just to give a strength coat to them)

If your nails are in a very bad mess then just keep at working on those cuticles and ridges before you think about painting them. Taking 30 mins two or three times a week you should see a huge difference well before Christmas and the party season. Dont forget you can sit and flaff with your nails while watching the soaps or whatever progamme it is you sit and watch - its not a chore

If painting then then remember not to flood the cuticle area with colour. I start at the middle of the nail and then move the polish with the brush towards the cuticles just cutting it short.For the tips go across and then over to seal them..


I Started looking after my nails on my first attempt to stop smoking - kept me occupied, now I wouldn't dream of paying to get them done, I find it very therapeutic ME time