Whether doing it yourself or going to the salon, here are some interesting tips intended to help you understand the process of a Manicure and a Pedicure.  Both procedures will help you keep healthy and beautiful nails.  Our fingernails are visible for all to see, so it is best to keep them looking attractive and clean.  Before we start I would like to mention about Filing.  There are many kinds of nail files, metal, emery boards and soft spongy nail files.  You will have to try out what suits your nail filing needs because files are a personal preference.  Filing nails, both the edge and the top can be performed at any time during the manicure or pedicure, until you are ready to put a transparent protective coat of polish on. 

To start with you will need the correct tools.  I would recommend a visit to your local nail salon, get a manicure and a pedicure, and make a mental note of all the tools that are used in the process.  That way you can purchase your own tools, which you can use at home, or bring with you on your next visit

Manicure.

If you need to clip excess nail growth or shape and file the nails, do so in the beginning.  Some people like to do this at the end, but I prefer to clip right at the start.   Next clean your nails and remove any enamel or existing polish.  You will need to soften your cuticles before clipping them, so you will want to soak your nails in the appropriate softening solution.  I usually put softening liquid into 2 containers and then let them soak for about 8 minutes.  Next I apply cuticle softening cream to my cuticles and massage it into each cuticle, back and sides.  Then I get out my special cuticle nippers and remove any excess cuticles and hangnails that may have formed during the week.  It is also important to push back the excess cuticle at the base of each nail with a special cuticle pushing tool.  Then clip off the excess cuticle at the base of the nail.  Once the cuticles have been covered you can remove the excess oil or cream with a cotton ball and some alcohol and let it dry.   At this time it is good for both men and women to apply a protective base coat.  

Pedicure.

The pedicure takes more time and more patience.  Since are feet are at the lower extremity of the body, and is in shoes most of the time.  One needs to perform the pedicure with comfort and health in mind.  Note: it is important not to cut the sides of the toenails back too much, as ingrown toenails could result.  It is recommended to cut the toenails straight across the top enabling the side edge of the nails to grow on top of the cuticles to avoid problems.   Next remove any leftover nail polish or enamel from the nail surface.  Wipe your nails dry to remove excess enamel, and then start the procedure of soaking the feet in a tub or bath with a softening agent.  I recommend using organic and healthy softening products.  Soak for about 10 minutes or so, and then dry your feet completely.  You can gently scrub the feet at this point to remove any dead cells.  Dip the feet back in to rinse them off.  You may need to clean your nails with a nail cleaning tool, and do a little extra cutting of the cuticle, but be very careful as the cuticles are so necessary in maintaining good toenail health. Clean underneath the toes and you may want another quick soak and dry at this point.   You may want to give yourself a foot massage at this point, and if you know a little reflexology, it will help relax the body too.  Next apply a protective coat to your nails.

Once both your fingernails and toenails have had their manicure and pedicure, you can go ahead and put any polish or nail designs on them.    I will write about this in a future article.  Please post any additional helpful hints, or if I have left anything out, drop a note in the comments section.  Thanks.