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While this might be the crucial time for everyone staying indoors on the outbreak of the deadly Corona Virus that has killed thousands around the world, there is also the brighter side to this. Being a responsible person maintaining social distancing during this time may be hard as you can’t go out to access some superficial needs say visiting a salon, etc. However, you can manage staying healthy and beautiful at home with some simple DIY beauty steps.
A professional manicure and pedicure, might of course, be a powerful therapeutic experience, but there’s not always the time right enough to have it. Staying at home, you can make yourself indulge in getting a brilliant manicure and pedicure. You’ll just need the right tools for it!
Here’s how you can master doing your own pedicure and manicure by yourself.
Note: The methods are generic and apply to both pedicure and manicure practices.
Step 1: Clean the Nails
Start with cleaning your finger and toe nails using acetone or a good nail polish remover. Make sure your nails are polish and stain free before trimming them. Trim your nails neatly by cutting straight across and give them the desired shape. Avoid cutting the corners of nails too much as this will lead to painful ingrown nails later.
Step 2: Clip, File and Buff
Clip and file your nails in your desired shape, let’s say square, round or somewhere in between both shapes. Use a good nail file that’s not rusted to keep your nails safe. Then, buff the tops and sides of your nails smoothly with the help of a nail buffer. Buffing your nails helps maintain the natural oils in your nails and brighten them by getting rid of ridges. By this way, your nail will look more youthful and shining. Your nail cuticles protect your nails from bacteria and keep them soft, so push back your cuticles with a cuticle remover and stick. Use a bit of oil to soften your cuticles and remove the dirt under the nails.
Step 3: Exfoliate with Scrubs
Moving onto the next step, soak your hands or feet for about five minutes in a basin or tub filled with warm water. Add some bath salts and a few drops of essential oil in the warm water and cover up your feet in it. You can even use shower gel to clean your hands and feet. A few pebbles in the water will help you have a gentle massage as you rest your feet on them for pedicure. It’s time to exfoliate next. Make your own scrubber with just one tablespoon of sugar and baby oil gel. Mix them and scrub gently on your hands or feet and remove the dead & dry skin cells. It’ll leave your skin silk and shiny. Rinse and pat dry them.
Step 4: Clean & Moisturize
Now, wash your hands and feet clean and moisturize them with a good moisturizing body cream for cuticle hydration. This will also avoid smudging of your nail polish later. Give a mini hand or feet massage and relax yourself for a minute. Massage until the cream gels with your hand or feet and swipe nails to get rid of any residue left behind. Regular massaging helps improve blood circulation and nourish the skin & muscles.
Step 5: Apply Nail Polish
Finally, apply the nail polish of your choice. First, apply a base coat that will help hydrate, protect your nails and prevent them chipping. Experts recommend that you wait two minutes wholly before you apply each coat. Give one thin coat and create an even surface for your color. Then paint on the next layer of polish and allow it to dry completely. Don’t overload the brush with polish and do many strokes. Polishing thin will aid drying up quickly and keep the polish longer on your nails.
Relax and Settle Down
What’s more? Now, relax and settle down by laying on the couch or bed. Avoid touching anything before the polish completely dries. Sign up with Sulekha for any beauty parlor or make-up services.
In this time of “forced staycation” or self-quarantine, help yourself to be healthy and calm and fill your precious hours. Stay home, be patient and wait for the virus to be wiped out completely!
