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Just like a good haircut, beautiful clean and healthy nails are just as important. Our hands are used for multi tasking through out the day, without tender loving care, they become ugly, sore, red and chapped. The nails gather black grime beneath them, if long become brittle, rip and split becoming open to infection.

A regular professional manicure can be pricey, but just a few hours a week, you can have great looking nails. That you can feel proud of when reaching out to shake hands with a new acquaintance.

* Remove Old Polish / Grime

A good polish remover can be beneficial, as many cheap ones contain acetone that dry out your nails leaving them prone to breakages.
By using a lint pad rather than cotton wool, which can leave fibers stuck to the nail plate, wipe off the chipped polish.

* File and Soak.

Choose a two-sided emery board, one smooth side and the other a slight grainy texture. A sandpaper like board can cause damage and will file the length away too quickly without actually shaping the nail.

File from the outside to the middle to help avoid the nail flaking, then round off the point. Some people like their nails shaped either square, oval or pointed to suit their finger shape or the type of work they do.

Mix some antibacterial soap gel into a bowl with some warm water and soak the hands for 5 or 10 minutes. This will help to soften clean and exfoliate the cuticles and nails.

* Cuticle Care.

With a soft warm towel pat the hands dry, using a hoof-ended cuticle stick to gently push the cuticle up and back from the nail plate.
Try not to nip the excess skin, the cuticles are designed to protect your fingers from infection and cutting will encourage them to grow back quicker and thicker.

* Buffing

One day a week, use a buffer block to buff the nail surface from the cuticle to the tip. This will help to smooth any ridges on the surface giving a much smoother finish for the polish.
Be careful not to be too rigorous with the buffing that could thin the nail plate leaving them prone to breakages.

Once finished slowly massage some of your favorite hand oil into the hand and nail area. Wrap your hands separately in warm soft towels and relax while the warmth of the towels and oil work their magic.

* Polish and Finish.

Wipe with a lint pad, cotton wool will leave small fibers on the nail plate, to remove any moisture or oil residue.
Your favorite polish will adhere better to clean, smooth and moisture free nails.

Apply a base coat, this will prevent staining and gives a smooth finish.
Next apply a thin coat of your chosen color, leaving about 1mm around the edge; this will stop bleeding onto the skin.
Wait a few minutes and apply another coat this will help to prevent any bubbling spoiling the final finish.

Lastly, finish with a coat of clear chip - free protection polish.

For a daily clean fresh look just skip the nail polish until the girls night out and coat the nails with a clear paint.

Fingernails take a real beating during the day, regardless of the type of work they are required to undertake.
Even you guys can impress the ladies with nice clean nails minus the nail polish of course!

For just a few hours a week with a good manicure and a weekly healthy diet will help keep the nails looking positively healthy and gorgeous.

Learn more about this author, Eliza.
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