A manicure is a beauty treatment for your nails and hands. A manicure consists of shaping and filing the nails and then applying nail polish in its simplest form.
Other types of manicures may include specific treatments to soften the hands and stimulate nail growth.
Getting to know your nails
Your nails can say a lot about your body’s internal health. Healthy nails suggest a healthy body, even if they are striated; bumpy nails of unusual color or shape can sign poor health.
Nails protect the sensitive skin on your fingertips and toes from injury and are made up of keratin protein layers.
Each nail includes:-
o The nail plate – the visible hard part you see
o nail folds – the skin that surrounds the plate on three sides
o The nail bed – the skin under the nail plate
o Cuticle – the tissue that covers the nail plate at the base of the nail
o Matrix – the area hidden under the cuticle where growth takes place
o Lunula – the half-moon shape at the base of the nail plate
Types of manicure
There are different types of manicures.
In a regular manicure, the nails are first shaped, a nail polish remover or cuticle conditioner is applied. The fingertips and hands are placed in warm soapy water and left to soften for about ten minutes.
The hands are removed and dried before the cuticles are gently pushed back with an orange stick.
The nails are polished from cuticle to tip. Then a lotion is applied all over the hand. Some manicures will spend some time massaging the cream into the hands.
Any trace of oil will be removed before applying the polish. Polishing consists of a base coat followed by two or three coats of the chosen color, then a topcoat.
If you have a French manicure, the nails’ tips are painted white and, once dry, the entire nail is painted with fine shell-pink nail polish.
A French manicure is elegant and is suitable for both day and evening.
Kerosene wax manicure
The kerosene wax is heated, and the hands are repeatedly dipped in the heated liquid until a thick layer is formed. The hands are then wrapped in plastic film and covered with a towel to keep the heat in.
The hands remain wrapped for about 15 minutes. Once the towel, plastic, and kerosene wax are removed, the manicure usually continues.
A kerosene wax manicure conditions and moisturizes the skin and is beneficial if your hands are sore, stressed, or tired, or if you want to be pampered.
Hot oil manicure
Hot oil is used to soften the cuticles before they are cleaned and cared for. This treatment is popular with men looking for a manicure and is recommended if you have extremely dry hands or nails.
Attend a manicure
When you go for a manicure, make sure the work area is clean and all tools are adequately disinfected. New tools such as orange sticks, emery boards, and clean towels should be used.
The use of unsterilized tools can transmit viral infections.
Regular Manicure – Keeping your nails healthy
Nails grow at a rate of about 0.05 to 1.2 millimeters per week, and a regular manicure will keep your nails looking their best.
Nails in perfect condition.
In addition to a regular manicure, a high-protein diet can help your nails become stronger and healthier.
Between visits to your manicure, you can ensure the health of your nails by
o Keep nails clean and dry – this helps prevent bacteria and other infectious organisms from accumulating under the nail.
o Minimizing the use of nail polish remover – it can dry out your nails and cuticles.
For professional manicure and pedicure services, Gladys Beauty Saloon is the place to go. Their advanced treatments and techniques will leave your nail all shiny and healthy.
