by Sara Lugardo

Created on: November 18, 2011   Last Updated: November 23, 2011

In today’s declining economy, people are increasingly looking for ways to save money.  Staying on a budget and living within one’s means has become even more important because of the financial struggles in the homes of many Americans.

Many people are no longer able to afford the luxury of getting manicures at a professional salon.  However, maintaining your nails is not only important for good health and hygiene, it is also important to maintain a groomed appearance whether at home with your family or out in the career world. 

Giving yourself a home manicure doesn’t have to be a stressful intimidating process.  It can be a relaxing treat you give yourself that can improve the way your hands look and feel.

The first steps in giving yourself a home manicure is to properly prep your hands and nails.  Remove old polish on your nails with an acetone nail polish remover and then trim your nails with a nail cutter to even them out to the desired length.  Use a nail file to smooth out the edges and contour the sides of the nail to achieve the square or rounded look you prefer.

In order to soften the hands, nails and cuticles; fill a bowl of warm water with a small amount of bath powder or liquid soap.  Submerge your hands for around five minutes and then lightly pat them dry.

A small dab of cuticle oil will help keep your cuticles moist and make it easier to use a cuticle pusher.  An inexpensive cuticle pusher can last for years, but make sure to purchase one that conforms to the natural shape of your nail so that it doesn’t damage the cuticle or the nail bed. 

Just as your face needs an occasional exfoliate, so do the hands.  A dab of body scrub or hand exfoliator will help scuff off any dry or dead skin cells on the hands.  Afterwards, wash and dry the hands thoroughly.  Apply a generous amount of moisturizing lotion.  However, make sure the nail beds are free of excess moisture or lotion before applying nail polish because it can cause uneven coverage.

Applying nail polish can be a little tricky for those without a steady hand, but it will become easier with practice.  Many people make the mistake of applying nail polish with numerous strokes, but this can cause the coverage to be uneven and clumpy.  The correct application of one coat of nail polish is to use only 1 or 2 strokes.  There should be two coats of the actual polish and one coat of a top coat clear polish.  Applying more than one coat of top polish can cause the coverage to appear bubbly and will chip more rapidly.

A French manicure can be easily achieved at home by purchasing a French manicure sticker set.  It allows you to have a perfectly even French tip with an easily removable stickered line.  However, it’s important to allow the bottom coat to fully dry before applying the sticker or else the sticker will peel off the bottom layer or create a creased indented line.  Also, let the French tip thoroughly dry before applying the clear top coat or else the color of the tip will bleed and the line will be blurred.

Maintaining cared for hands and nails aren’t restricted to professional salons.  You can create the same look and feel in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the cost.  In these difficult financial times it’s more important than ever to think of cost saving ways to stay on a budget.  Home manicures can be a great way to save money without sacrificing health or appearance.

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