Pedicure and Manicure Techniques

INTRODUCTION

• Wearing one pair of ill-fitting shoes, developing a sudden interest in gardening, going on a crash diet: these seemingly unrelated experiences can each start a downward trend in hand and foot care. Once the disillusionment and neglect has set in, it’s so easy to give up altogether.

  You can improve the appearance of your hands in a matter of hours. Submerge them in water only if absolutely necessary and, wherever possible, wear rubber gloves. If gloves would hinder you, a barrier cream affords some degree of protection. Before doing any dirty job, try working soft white soap under your nails to keep out the grime.

  Rough, sore hands pick up dirt easily and so require frequent washing. This in turn, makes hands even rougher. Try, for a day at least, to keep your hands dry. Use cleanser and tissues or paper towels to wipe them clean. Here is a nourishing hand treatment. Soak hands in a bowl of warm water. Dry gently, with a patting action, then massage with a rich cream, such as Honey conditioning cream, not forgetting cuticles, too. Let it soak in, then wipe off any excess cream. Repeat this treatment up to three times a day.

  Manicure Routine

  1. File nails to a pretty oval shape
  2. Massage in cuticle cream.
  3. Soap nails in warm water for a few minutes. Clean with a brush, scrubbing gently.
  4. Carefully push back cuticle with a rubber end hoof stick or cuticle pusher with the tip wrapped in cotton.
  5. Brush a base coat. This makes a smooth base and has the added advantage of protecting nails.
  6. Brush on polish in three strokes down the centre of the nail, then down each side. Apply two coats.
  7. With your thumb, wipe a fairline of polish from the tip of each nail. Allow five minutes drying time between coats. Apply a top coat of colorless polish to each nail, upto and under the tip. Use cotton wool soake in remover to wipe smears of polish from hands or feet.

  Pedicure Routine

  1. Treat yourself to a pedicure every two weeks.
  2. Let your feet soak in warm soapy water. Dry feet and between toes thoroughly.
  3. Gently smooth any rough patches the pumice stone.
  4. Use special nail scissors or clippers to cut nails straight across. File edges smooth; don't file the sides as this encourages ingrown toenails.

  With a cuticle pusher, rubber end hoof stick or orange stick tipped with cotton wool, ease back cuticle.