Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels
In need of a pedicure or manicure? No worries.
Here’s how to get the job done at home, thanks to the expert team at Placecol.
STEP 1: Make sure your hands and feet are clean
Start by washing and sterilizing your hands and feet. Also, make sure to sterilize all nail files and cuticle cutters (as well as any other equipment you will be using).
STEP 2: Clean your nails with polish remover
It is important to spend sufficient time on prepping your nails. Start by removing any nail polish or oil from your nails using a good nail polish remover that is non-drying for the natural nail.
STEP 3: Clip, file, and buff
Start by clipping your nails, if necessary, then file gently making sure to move only in one direction. This will help you get your nails in the desired shape. Finally, buff the tops and sides of your nails lightly with a nail buffer. Do not use a nail file as it can be too rough on the nail bed.
STEP 4: Buff
Just like with your fingernails it is important to exfoliate your feet as well. Buff the soles of your feet for a pedicure and follow with an exfoliator.
STEP 5: Push back your cuticles
For the best result, prep your cuticles with cuticle remover to help dissolve dead skin and soften the area. Next, using a cuticle stick, gently push back your cuticles.
STEP 6: Soak your hands
Soak your hands in a bowl of warm water and use a hand exfoliator to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. You can also do this with your feet should you have time.
STEP 7: Apply hand cream
Opt for a nourishing hand cream and don’t forget to gently massage the cream into your nails and hands.
STEP 8: Remove all excess oil from your nails
Use a non-acetone nail polish remover to clean the nail. This will help in removing the oils from the cream, giving you a clean surface to apply the base coat onto.
STEP 9: Apply a base coat
Apply a base coat to hydrate and protect the nail.
STEP 10: Add some colour
Once the base coat has dried, apply the first coat of your colour of choice. Make sure to get the brush all the way down to the cuticle and into the corners of your nail.
STEP 11: Apply the second coat of colour
After waiting a least two minutes for the first coat to dry, apply the second coat of nail polish. Just remember to keep it nice and thin.
STEP 12: Finish with a top-coat
A topcoat protects your nail polish from chipping and adds some shine to your nails. Don’t skip this part.
STEP 13: Clean and smooth any rough edges and let your nails dry
Remove any excess polish from your fingers by wrapping a piece of cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover around the end of your cuticle stick and carefully trace around your nails.
STEP 14: Apply cuticle oil
When your nails are fully dry, you can apply cuticle oil around the cuticles to help nourish that area.
