by Kim Snyder

Created on: March 03, 2007   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Taking care of your nails doesn't have to be anything but a relaxing, pleasing experience.
There is just a few things that you need to think about when setting up a at home manicure.
Take a good look at your nails, when planning what you want to do you need to know what
condition your nails are in. Are your nails dry? Do they have lines or ridges? Are the nails

peeling in layers? Are they soft or brittle? In what shape are your cuticles? Are you a nail
biter and have hangnails? Each of these questions can be answered while deciding just how much
or how little you want to do for a at home manicure. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started.
Your favorite polish,
file
Polish remover
base coat
top coat
Cotton balls
orange stick
bowl for the warm water
towels
Now you are setup, follow the steps and off you go.
1- Remove any old polish on your nails and toes. If there isn't time to give yourself a pedicure
then having no polish on your toes in better than chipped. Another tip when removing your old polish
don't use a polish remover system that requires you to stick your entire finger into a jar of solution.
Remember polish remover isn't very good for your nails and avoid those that contain acetone or chemical
relatives of acetone, even if they say they have conditioners. The acetone and alcohol in polish removers
damage the surface of the nail, affect the nail's natural luster, and weaken the base of the nail.
2-You will want to rinse your nails in warm water immediately after using polish remover. Then scrub them
cleanly with a soft-bristle nail brush. A really good idea is to of done this the night before and then
applied moisturizer and slept with gloves. That would of seal in the moisture and just really help your
nails and hands.
A super easy recipe to do at home for a hot oil treatment for your nails is:
1/4 cup olive oil
oil from one vitamin E capsule
Just heat the oil in a saucepan and let cool until just warm. Add the vitamin E to the oil then rub it into
your cuticles and nails, massaging any extra oils into your hands, put on your gloves and your hands and nails
will just be wonderful the next day.
3-Filing may be necessary to shape and buff away anything not looking good. Just don't file unless your nails
are dry and free of any creams. Soft nails with may peel, tear chipped or even split. Just make sure your nails
are dry. They say don't saw back and forth but do it in one direction only at a time, it helps if your file in
the direction they grow to prevent splitting.

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