Nothing quite beats a day at the spa getting pampered by getting a manicure or pedicure. If you have just gotten hand surgery from Dr. George Philip Smith, your hands are probably screaming for a manicure. However, with all of the other expenses you have in life, it may not be financially feasible for you to get manicures as frequently as you would like. Luckily, we have created a quick and easy guide filled with tips to give yourself the best manicure of your life. Sound too good to be true? Read on to learn more.
Step 1: Soak Them
The most important step in giving yourself a manicure is to soak your hands. Soaking your hands will soften your nail beds and cuticles, allowing you to clean up your fingernails. When soaking your hands, try adding some lavender oil to the water. The lavender will help to relax your senses while the oil will moisturize your skin.
Step 2: Clean Up
After you have soaked your nails, now it’s time to get to work and clean them up. Take an orange stick (found in the nail aisle at your grocery store) and gently push down your cuticles. As you push your cuticles down, you may even be able to rub some of them off (as long as they are soft enough). Then, take nail clippers and cut your nails down to the desired length, avoiding getting too close to your fingers. Once your nails are the length that you want, take a nail file and start shaping your nails— working from side to side.
Step 3: Buff
Whether you work a lot outside with your hands, in a studio, at a computer, with people, or in the kitchen, your nails can take a beating. To help smooth them out and get rid of any cracks, make sure that you buff them using a buffing square or bar. Each side of the bar will be labeled with steps. One step to smooth, shine, buff, and even-out your nails. Spend at least 30 seconds on each step, and you will notice visibly smoother nails.
Step 4: Massage
Yes, a hand massage is not only relaxing, but it also has health benefits as well. By breaking up the lactic acid in your hands, massage can loosen up your joints and make you feel more comfortable. When massaging your hands, start from the palm of your hand and work your way out towards your fingers. To add to the experience, use cuticle oil to massage into your nail beds.
Take care of your hands every few weeks by giving yourself an at-home manicure. If you would like to learn more about how you can give yourself a manicure or take better care of your hands, contact Dr. George Philip Smith’s office today!
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