Manicure is a service adopted by men and women who believe in looking good. The word manicure is derived from the Latin word “Manus”, which means hands and “Cura”, which means care.

The purpose of manicure is to care for and beautify the look of hands. Once in a week manicure and daily lubrication of hands with a good cream or petroleum jelly will keep your hands soft, smooth and beautiful.

Manicure Implements and Cosmetics:

Things that are needed for doing manicure are; Cuticle pusher, metal nail-filer, nail buffer, orange wood stick, nail cleaning brush, acetone, liquid soap, cream for massage, hydrogen peroxide, basecoat polish, nail polish, cuticle clipper, nail cutter, pumic stone and cotton.

Procedure of manicure:

First of all take off all jewelry worn on both hands and your wrist watch. Then remove nail polish with the remover soaked cotton pad. Then file your nails according to the shape you want or according to the shape of your fingers. Prepare soap solution to which 1-2 capful of hydrogen peroxide is added. This will bleach and remove dirt and stains from your hands.

Allow the hands to soak in warm water in finger-bowls for about ten minutes. Clean hands and nails with nail-brush so that hidden dirt and stains are removed besides accomplishing a brush friction massage for both hands. Now start to remove cuticles by first drying the hands and then applying cream around the nail base to soften the skin.

Push cuticles back carefully with the pusher while holding it in a flat position. Then remove loosened cuticles with a clipper in one neat single movement. Now clean the nails to check if any loose cuticle is left. Now apply cream on both hands and arms generously. Massage your hands from wrist to fingers and then back to arm to keep them soft and flexible.

Buff nails:

Remove excess cream from under and around the nails. Use a little talcum powder on the buffer and buff each nail in downward strokes until the nails glow and become smooth. You must lift the buffer after each stroke to avoid a burning sensation. The purpose of buffing is to increase blood circulation in the fingertips and give a natural shine to the nails.

Apply Nail Polish:

Apply base coat to the nails and let it dry. Then apply nail polish in clean strokes on the sides of the nail first and then centre. Let is dry and then apply top-coat for a good finish.