Photo: B_Zedan / Flickr

Keeping your nails neat and attractive is an important part of grooming.  Short, neat and natural nails are in fashion right now, and they’re not all that difficult to maintain with the proper care.  Besides manicures, nails also benefit from the lotions and other treatments you apply to your hands yourself.  Keeping cuticles neat and trimmed and well moisturised is also important in looking after your nails.

Shape up

The shaping of nails is generally done by filing them.  There are certain things which should be considered when filing your nails. Dry nails do not split as easily as wet nails; a nail file should be used at an 45-degree angle to your nail; nails need to be a quarter of an inch long before you file them to prevent damage or injury; a pair of nail clippers or nail scissors should be used to cut the general shape before filing, whether square or oval.  File in one direction using light pressure for a smooth edge.

Smooth and shiny

When buffing your nails you want to apply light pressure and buff from the cuticle to the tips in one directional movement to avoid creating friction and heat which will damage your nails.  When preparing to apply your favourite nail polish begin with a base coat to protect your nail from discolouration and also to fill any ridges for a smooth application surface.  Follow with two coats of your selected shade, being sure to make sure each coat dries before applying the next coat.  Finish with a top coat to help your polish last and look flawless.  For an extra bit of glam you could even add some nail art.

Happy hands

Once your nails are shaped and polished, give your hands a wash and gently massage some hand lotion into them to get that freshly salon manicured feeling.

Tags: manicure