The Dos, Don’ts, and Details of Getting Your Nails Done

There may be many types of manicures, but the basic idea of shaping and painting nails is nothing new. In southern Babylonia as far back as four thousand years ago, noblemen used to give themselves manicures. The Egyptians colored their nails to indicate social status—Cleopatra preferred a deep shade of red.

Today manicures are less about social status and more about caring for and protecting your nails, cuticles, and skin from everyday wear and tear. A standard manicure follows several basic steps.

1. Remove old polish.
2. Soak hands in warm water to soften the skin and the cuticle.
3. Push back or cut cuticles.
4. Trim and file nails.
5. Paint nails with a base coat, color enamel, and then a clear top coat.

   	If you want long-lasting color, pick a shimmery color—the sparkle will help the polish stick to your nails.

Then it’s off to the nail dryer to make sure you don’t ruin all that hard work. In some salons, a hand and arm massage may be included before polish is applied, and a brief shoulder massage afterward.

Health Benefits of Manicures

Manicures have other benefits in addition to making your hands look pretty. Regular manicures:

• Exfoliate the dead skin
• Soften your hands
• Improve nail strength
• Prevent hangnails
• Discourage wrinkling
• Improve circulation

It is important, however, to make sure you choose a clean salon, as dirty tools can lead to bacteria and infections. Make sure the salon uses towels and manicure tools that have been cleaned and sanitized. The safest bet is to bring your own manicure set and nail polish. Many salons will allow you to store your personal set on site and may provide kits for sale and storage.

Cuticles: To Cut or Not to Cut?

There is widespread disagreement about cuticle cutting since the cuticles are a natural barrier against bacteria. “There are two basic schools.”, explains Lilia Gitt, a technician at Metro Salon in Marlboro, New Jersey. “It’s obviously safer and more sanitary to push them back, but it doesn’t look as good. If the manicurist is licensed and experienced and the implements are sanitized, there’s no risk.”

How to Maintain a Manicure

Once you’ve gotten your manicure, how do you get the most out of it?

Allow the proper drying time for your nails and add this time to your visit. If you want long-lasting color, pick a shimmery color—the sparkle will help the polish stick to your nails. Or skip the color altogether and have the technician buff your nails—no color is better than only a little color. Buffing leaves them looking shiny and natural, and you don’t have to worry about chipping. Men’s manicures often include buffing.

Once you get the manicure home, put a clear coat over your nails every couple of days to maintain the color. To keep your hands soft, to moisturize, and exfoliate them often—use a few teaspoons of sugar, a little lemon juice, and the moisturizer of your choice.

If you need to file and shape your nails between visits, follow the natural shape of your nail to avoid breaking and shredding them. When you change polish, apply the new polish in thin coats to clean dry nails. Thick coats are more likely to chip. Apply a base coast before the color, and a clear top coat after.