/ 1 French Manicure At Home
A style of manicure that has white nail tips with the rest of the nails having a natural peach colour with a sheer finish, a French manicure is such a popular style of manicure because of its simple and natural look that has a well-groomed appearance.
In the first instance it might be best to go to a nail salon to have a French manicure, this will give you a good idea of how to best apply it and the techniques they use. The secret to getting a French manicure just right is practice and a steady hand, the more you do a French manicure the better you will become. Adding the white tips is always the most difficult part, but remember that you can also touch them up or start again.
To do a French manicure you will need the following:
- Nail varnish remover
- Cotton wool pads
- Nail file
- Nail buffer
- Cuticle trimmer
- Cuticle stick
- Exfoliating scrub
- Moisturiser
- White nail polish
- Pink, peach or iridescent nail polish
- Clear nail polish
Follow these two easy steps to getting the best results from your French manicure.
Step 1 Preparation
First of all remove any old nail polish on your nails with nail varnish remover and cotton pads. Using a nail file, shape your nails and smooth down the edges, and finish off with a nail buffer, removing the ridges on the surface, correct imperfections and shining the nail. Soak your hands in warm water to soften the skin and cuticles before using a cuticle trimmer and stick to push back the cuticles and remove hangnails. Exfoliate your hands and fingers with an exfoliating scrub to remove dry skin, rinse and apply hand moisturiser.
Step 2 Application
To protect your nails from staining, apply a clear undercoat to provide a suitable base. Using the white nail polish apply it to the tips of your nails using an upward stroke, you can either do this free hand or use the stencils provided. Don’t be tempted to brush over more than a couple of times, you can always do another coat once the first has dried and tidy up with nail polish remover on an ear bud. Once this has dried apply a coat of pink, peach or an iridescent shade, allow to dry and finish off with a clear topcoat.
To prolong your French manicure you should apply a clear topcoat to your nails everyday, as this will seal in the nail varnish and prevent it from chipping.
| To prolong your French manicure you should apply a clear topcoat to your nails everyday |
TIPS FOR HEALTHY NAILS
Keep your nails hydrated. Use Vaseline or a moisturizer containing Vitamin E on your cuticles before you go to bed as applying in the day time may cause it to rub off during your daily activities.
Do not file your nails right after you shower. Nails are weaker and there is a greater likelihood for them to break. While filing make sure to file in one direction because filing in to and fro direction can weaken the nails. And clean under your nails daily.
Always wear gloves while washing dishes or using cleaners. Cleaning agents contain strong chemicals and can be very harsh on your nails and cuticles, leading them to become dry, brittle and discolored.
If you are habituated to wearing boots or close-toed shoes, then make sure to air them out or give a break of a day between wearing them. Sweat and humidity are prime reasons of fungal infections.
Never bite your nails and cuticles - this may cause infection!
