A manicure should be a weekly routine. Start by removing any old nail polish. Hold a cotton pad moistened with polish remover against the nail for a few seconds; then wipe from the base of the nail toward the tip. Use a separate bit of cotton for each nail.
Next, file each nail with an emery board. Holding the emery board on a slant, just under the nail, file from sides to center in one direction only.
To soften cuticles, soakyour fingertips for 5 minutes in warm, soapywater. Then, using the blunt end of an orangewood stick dipped in cuticle remover, gently push back the cuticle. Trim hangnails with a small scissors.
Next, scrub the nails with a nailbrush and warm, soapy water. Clean under the nails with an orangewood stick wrapped in wet cotton.
To apply polish, first wipe your nails with remover and be sure they are dry and free of soap. Spread one hand flat on a table. With the other, apply one thin coat of colorless polish. Brush from the base of the nail toward the tip, first down the center, then down each side. Let the polish dry between coats. Then apply two thin coats of color. With a tissue, remove a hairline of polish from the tip of each nail. Finally, apply a colorless sealing coat over the nail and under the tip.