Cosmetology
How to Do a Manicure
1. Find a work space. Consider: * Protection. Nail polish and remover can damage many surfaces such as cloth, wood finish and plastic. So, wear an expendable t-shirt and no valuable accessories, sit at a desk or table, protect it with scrap paper (not newsprint, which smudges), and make sure the table itself and anything near it is not particularly valuable or important to keep perfect because there might be a spatter or spill soaking through. You might not want to work near a computer, for instance. * Distraction. Noticing your appearance improve is fun, but watching paint dry is boring. So have a TV, radio or recording playing, or a magazine to both read and protect your workspace. Keep a clock visible, too, to remind you of when to proceed.
2. Remove any old nail polish: * Use nail polish remover and cotton balls. Some kinds of nail polish remover may dry the areas on your nails and around them. You may wish to find one that doesn't do this as much, but do not be concerned unless you have a severe allergic reaction. Unless you use it once a month or less, don't use a nail polish remover with acetone in it. Though acetone will make removing the nail polish easier, it can damage the nails themselves. * If you have and wish to keep fake nails, such as acrylic, choose a polish that will not remove them, and don't let it soak much.
3. Cut and file nails. Use nail clippers and trim your nails. Don't cut them too short, you should be able to see at least a little of the white tip still, all the way across. Using a nail file, file the nail and create a smooth and clean shape. Gently drag the file across the nail, rather than pushing it. Excessive force or sawing back and forth will weaken the nails and cause them to break. Pivot the hand with the file through each stroke to make a smooth curve rather than angles. Do not file them too short: just clean up any points or roughness left by the clippers. * If you want to
1. Find a work space. Consider: * Protection. Nail polish and remover can damage many surfaces such as cloth, wood finish and plastic. So, wear an expendable t-shirt and no valuable accessories, sit at a desk or table, protect it with scrap paper (not newsprint, which smudges), and make sure the table itself and anything near it is not particularly valuable or important to keep perfect because there might be a spatter or spill soaking through. You might not want to work near a computer, for instance. * Distraction. Noticing your appearance improve is fun, but watching paint dry is boring. So have a TV, radio or recording playing, or a magazine to both read and protect your workspace. Keep a clock visible, too, to remind you of when to proceed.
2. Remove any old nail polish: * Use nail polish remover and cotton balls. Some kinds of nail polish remover may dry the areas on your nails and around them. You may wish to find one that doesn't do this as much, but do not be concerned unless you have a severe allergic reaction. Unless you use it once a month or less, don't use a nail polish remover with acetone in it. Though acetone will make removing the nail polish easier, it can damage the nails themselves. * If you have and wish to keep fake nails, such as acrylic, choose a polish that will not remove them, and don't let it soak much.
3. Cut and file nails. Use nail clippers and trim your nails. Don't cut them too short, you should be able to see at least a little of the white tip still, all the way across. Using a nail file, file the nail and create a smooth and clean shape. Gently drag the file across the nail, rather than pushing it. Excessive force or sawing back and forth will weaken the nails and cause them to break. Pivot the hand with the file through each stroke to make a smooth curve rather than angles. Do not file them too short: just clean up any points or roughness left by the clippers. * If you want to