There is a saying that goes, “Let your fingers do the walking”.



In the world of women, however, it is “Let your beautifully-manicured fingers do the talking.” Beautiful nails add appeal points to any woman. To this point, women (and men!) spend countless dollars making sure that their digits (fingers and toes) are well taken cared of by one of hundreds of salons, hand and foot spas, and independent nail technicians. 

The reality is, however, that while the desire to have professionals regularly handle nail care is clearly there, the ability to afford it is wanting. Fortunately, sensible nail care is not that all that difficult to handle by yourself, if you just know the basics. 

The first thing to know about nail care is the “tools of the trade” that you need.



To protect your work area from spills of water and nail polish remover (whose chemical components can ruin the finish of treated wood), you will need to have a terry cloth. This material absorbs the spill before it reaches the surface of your favourite table, and is also handy for drying your hands. Orangewood sticks are used to gently push back the cuticles, cleaning the free space underneath the finger nails, and for removing excess nail polish. 

Nail polish remover is a basic must have.



This chemical quickly removes the old nail polish from a previous session. To smoothen out the rough edges of your nails, you use files or abrasives, which come in various levels of grit. Cuticle nippers are used to cut away excess cuticle from your nails.



Be careful when removing excess cuticle. You could end up with a bleeding finger which is definitely not an appeal-adding result. 

Nail or toe nail cutters are simply oversized cuticle nippers to cut away excess nail length or to repair a broken nail situation. Do not use these to cut cuticles and do not use cuticle cutters to trim nails! Remember to always use the right tool for the right purpose.



Cuticle pushers (as the name implies) are used to push cuticles that orangewood sticks gently cannot. Curettes are used to “scrape” the excess cuticle from the nail plate. If used properly, there will be no need to use cuticle cutters.



 

The above items comprise most of the basics needed for do-it-yourself nail care. If you want to get that “salon experience” consider the following -- To soften the cuticle, it is advisable to soak them in warm, soapy water. For this, you may want to have a finger bowl handy. If you have dry skin or nails, you may want to consider buying a hot oil machine, which is a heating unit to warm lotion or oil for a moisturizing hot oil manicure. If you want a paraffin treatment to relax your hands and feet, get yourself a paraffin machine to warm paraffin wax. Finally, your feet have nails, too, so complete the balance by getting yourself a pedicure tub to do with your feet what a finger bowl does for your hands (and more!)