Archive for the ‘Careers’ Category
This cosmetic beauty treatment is for the fingernails and hands. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A standard manicure usually includes filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish.
As part of the manicure, treatments for hands usually include soaking in a softening substance and application of hand lotion. The word “manicure” comes from the Latin manus, meaning “hand,” and cura meaning “care”.
The process for a manicure begins with ensuring that the working area and tools are sanitized and conveniently located. This might include sanitizing the working surface, such as a table top, placing clean metal implements into a jar with sanitizing liquid, and having sanitized towels and such near the working area.
Normally a manicure starts with sanitizing of the subject’s hands. Old nail polish or artificial nails are removed. The hands are then cleaned with soap and hot water and rinsing with hot water.
During the next phase of a manicure, the fingernails are then trimmed and filed to the desired length and shape using fingernail file. Metal nail files can be used for rapid removal of nail material, however, fine glass files are preferred. Disposable two-sided emery boards can also be used.
Proper filing technique starts with the file at the outer edge of the nail, moving towards the center. This is repeated from the other side of the nail to the center. The file should not be moved back and forth in a saw-like motion.
The cuticles are then pushed back with a cuticle pusher. A cuticle pusher is simply a wooden stick with a flat end, sometimes wrapped in cotton. Metal cuticle pushers should be used with great care, as they can damage the fingernail matrix. Orangewood is the preferred material because of its softness.
In this phase of the manicure, the fingernails are polished with a polishing board made of hard foam, paper, or plastic. A softer foam layer is added to each side, and fine polishing surfaces are placed on the foam.
To conclude the manicure, in most cases, the manicurist applies at least one layer of either clear polish meant to strengthen weak nails or several layers of color polish and top coat. A manicure is usually finished with a hand massage using hand lotion or oils.
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The thank you note came in the weekend mail. The handwritten cursive conveyed the message that this was not a bill. Once opened, the thank you note began, “as a result of our meeting, I have gotten my hair cut, a make-over, researched acrylic nails, played dress up in some clothing stores, and made your suggested changes to my resume”.
A woman, like millions of others, looking for a job, wrote this note. She had come to my office to take advantage of a free consultation. The night before I had tossed candy bars into the audience of now unemployed executive level warriors. The candy bars with the business card attached received a free consultation. Following are five steps to make your job search as short and successful as possible.
Five Steps to Change the Outcome of Your Job Search
Answer the hard questions
Do the hard work before you begin to search. The more work you do before you start your search, the less work your interviewers will have to do. Audiences are lazy, all audiences are lazy and interviewers are no exception. Your job as a candidate is to make the choice of YOU as clear and easy as possible. No one wakes up in the morning with the mission to get you a job except you. It’s not that people don’t want to hire you. Your full time job is to make the selection of you a clear one. And you do that by being clear as to what kind of value you bring to a business.
How do you find out what your value is to others?
Ask yourself the hard questions. You have to ask yourself, but you don’t have to answer by yourself. You can get help, ask others.
How are you different than others in a same or similar position? Was the economy REALLY the only reason you were downsized? What are three of your current deficient behaviors? How are you different than you were 5 years ago? How would you be different in this position than others? What is your clear and compelling value?
After you have asked these questions of yourself or others, your value will begin to emerge. Identify this value and learn how to communicate it in one or two sentences.
Communicate your value
Practice talking about your value so that it is as easy as falling off a log. We live in a soundbite society, we get our information in soundbites therefore we need to learn to give information in soundbites. You may even be interviewed by someone in a younger age group. They communicate in text and tweet so it is especially important that your answers are concise. Once you answer the hard questions, you can easily communicate your Inner Brilliance with clarity and certainty.
Look current
It’s less about age than about looking dated.
The prospect asked me what do I think of her look?
This amazingly fit 50 year old, barely a size two, managed to look as though she was stuck in a cross decade between the 70’s and the 80’s. If you think about the contradiction of those two decades, you know that is not an easy feat to accomplish. Your look is dated I blurted out, “get your hair cut, try on new clothes, wear polish, wear make up, redo your resume to talk about results rather than experience. Truly age is not as much about age as it is about looking dated.
Invest in yourself
If you don’t think enough of yourself to invest in you, how can you expect a company to invest in you? It is ironic that at a time money may be an issue, you need to invest in yourself. Think about your home. You’re constantly investing in updating it or it becomes dated.
Are you any less valuable than your home? Investing in you may mean learning new computer skills, new networking skills, new interview skills, or a membership to the local gym. Dermatologists report a spike in 40+ men getting facial fillers to smooth out any wrinkled brow that might make them look angry, tense or tired … which is not a good look for men in management positions.
Transform your resume
A 20th century resume talks about experience and past jobs. A 21st century resume talks about the results of that experience the accomplishments in your past jobs. Dates date you so leave them off. The cover letter needs to dramatically and honestly talk about results in active language.
Remember the handwritten thank you note in the beginning of this article? Gen X-ers may write an email thank you and Gen-Y might text a thank you. There is no substitute for the hand written thank you. Especially when it comes in the weekend mail.
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A cosmetologist, in addition to being an expert and ensuring that beauty treatment and cosmetics are used well, also give specialized services to enhance the appearance of their clients and make them look and feel good. Cosmetology includes treatment of hair, nails and skin and involves things like pedicures, cosmetic application, facials, hair treatments, skin treatments, manicures, wig treatments, special occasion hairstyling, body hair removal and hair extensions. A general cosmetologist can be called an aesthetician, beauty specialist, esthetician or a beautician and is an expert in all aspects of beauty care. In the USA, all cosmetologists and all other personal appearance workers require a license. In order to procure a license, you need to attend a cosmetology school, and pass in a state exam. A number of public and private vocational cosmetology schools exist and they offer both evening and day classes for the convenience of students. A certified cosmetology programs require the student to study full time for about one to two years. There are also advanced courses available in cosmetology for people who are interested in furthering their study.
Initially, cosmetology specialists comprised mostly of women, but with the many changes in the society in terms of cultural attitudes and the progress in the field of cosmetology, the number or men opting for careers in this field is growing. The advanced cosmetology has many disciplines in this field, and includes different types of specialties in different categories. Hair cosmetologists are often asked for their advice and are asked to recommend colors and hairstyles. They also specialize in color treatments, hair cuts, application of hair extensions and weaves and also do work on wigs and hairpieces.
To gain knowledge in advanced cosmetology, some cosmetologists also gain expertise in nail care such as manicures, pedicures and nail extensions. Trimming, shaping, cleaning and polishing of toenails and fingernails is done and they also specialize in hot oil manicures, paraffin treatments and specialty manicures like French manicure. Also for advancement in cosmetology, cosmetologists also become estheticians or aestheticians. They deal with skin care and treat clients in body wraps, salt glows, wax hair removal, cosmetic makeup and facial treatments. Often cosmetologists work with dermatologists to gain advancement in cosmetology and offer services like laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal and chemical peels.
There is much scope for careers in cosmetology and the opportunities are many, especially for licensed people who can furnish a variety of cosmetology services or with previous experience. Retirement and career transition is also leaving a number of job openings for those who wish to join. Many a times, cosmetologists work with another cosmetologist or start their own private business with each specialist dealing with a particular client service.
Advice calling is networking. It’s a program of seeking advice, and ultimately help, from influential people, knowledgable executives in the field that interests you. It’s your way to generate the high-level contacts that lead to the best careers for women. Career-seekers who use it aggressively say they’re amazed how readily the doors to opportunities open for them.
Influential people know where the prime opportunities can be found. They can tell you where to look. And a few words from them in the right quarters can open doors you couldn’t open yourself.
Look behind a big success and it’s likely you’ll find a believer, someone who wants it to happen, and is willing to help.
The right influentials have spent years getting where they are, and learning who’s doing what in the field. They already know what you’ll have to find out to get started. That’s why you want to ask for their help.
So you see, it really is who you know that matters. The good news is: You can know a lot of important people in a very short time.
Why they’ll help you
Many influentials will take the time and effort to help you. Here’s why:
They like to see newcomers get a good start.
They remember the problems they faced earlier in their own careers.
They want to tell you what the real world is like.
They’re alumni of your school.
They feel they have a corporate duty to help others.
They’re flattered to be asked.
They want to discover new talent.
They like you.?
Remember, you’re asking for advice, not a job. There’s a big difference.
The influential who would turn you down if you were asking for a job interview, because she had no openings, is likely to give you the advice you seek, because you’re asking for something she can give, and wants to give.
Finding your influentials
Start by identifying the influentials with whom you want to have meetings. You want the right people in appropriate organizations, so you’re searching for companies as well as people. Here are some places to begin:
People you know and people they know. Talk to your family, friends, teachers. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, clergy and insurance agents come into contact with many people.
Alumni of your school. Talk to your school’s alumni office or placement office.
Trade periodicals. Watch the news and see what companies and people are doing things that interest you.
Trade directories. The Directory of Directories or Klein’s Guide To American Directories will help you find the right ones.
The Chamber of Commerce and other local trade organizations. Call on the president of the Chamber. He or she knows everybody.
National associations. Check the Encyclopedia of Associations at the library. Tip: many associations sponsor trade shows. If you can wangle your way into a trade show, you’ll find exhibit booths manned by people who can steer you to the right decision-makers in their companies. A lot of job-hunting goes on at trade shows.
Choosing the right person
Job titles will give you clues. In general, the smaller the organization, the higher you can reasonably go to make your contact. You might get a meeting with the president of a $15 million company, but not with the boss of a $5 billion organization.
But if in doubt how high to shoot, go higher, not lower. You want to enlist help in your career search, and the more highly placed influential has more of the clout you want on your side. A phonecall on your behalf from a vice president is more likely to expose you to a wider range of opportunities than a call from a lower level manager.
Besides, if the big guy won’t see you, he or she may buck your request down to somebody else.
Authority flows down, not up.
Your advice call letter
It’s your first contact with an influential you hope will help you in your career. Give careful thought to this letter. It should be:
Short. Confine it to the essentials. Your goal is to get the appointment, nothing else. You”re not asking for a job. Three to five short paragraphs is plenty. This is a brief, one page letter.
Appealing. You want to be perceived as someone serious about your career, someone interesting and worth seeing. Devote part of the letter to yourself, part to the person who’s going to read it. See below.
Actionable. You want the reader to know she’s going to have to take some action, to meet with you, or to refuse. She can’t just ignore you.
Let’s see what an effective advice call letter might look like:
Dear Ms. Comstock,
Your advice could be very valuable to me.
As a Syracuse University graduate, a principal of a major advertising agency, and a recognized leader in the industry, you’re the ideal professional to advise me how to choose a productive career path in advertising.
I have a BA in marketing from Syracuse. I believe a career in account management is right for me, and I’m eager to know how you evaluate today’s opportunities in this field, particularly in the Chicago market. Your insights will help me make important decisions in planning my career program.
May I have just 20 minutes of your time? I’ll call your office on Tuesday, April 21, to ask you for an appointment.
Very truly yours,
Check it out. You’re telling your influential you want help only she can provide. You’re aware of her status and accomplishments. She’ll earn good-guy points by seeing you. She knows you’re going to call, and must be prepared to respond to you.
Follow up by phone
You’ve sent out a batch of these letters, each carefully personalized, and now it’s time to nail down the appointments.
Make each phonecall on the day you said you would. If you have trouble getting past the secretary, say, “Ms. Comstock is expecting my call,” which is true, since you said you were going to call today. “I’m calling to follow up on my letter of the thirteenth’” is another logical approach.
You may have trouble getting through to your influential. Leave your name and a call back number. If there’s no call back, try a second time, then a third. Then give up, and go on to the next name.
You won’t win them all. Forget the nos and move on to the yeses.
When you get through, push to set a face-to- face meeting. Resist conducting the meeting on the phone. Don’t get into more facts about yourself. The more you reveal about yourself now, the more likely you are to give your influential reasons not to see you.
Remember, a phone call that ends in agreement to meet is a successful call.
Your objectives
Your meeting has three distinct objectives:
Information. About the industry: latest trends, new developments, areas of greatest opportunity.
Counsel. Real-world advice about how to conduct your job search.
Contacts. You want to be referred to others who are likely to have appropriate openings for you, or who know where openings exist. Save this for last.
Come prepared to ask such questions as these:
What are the most important challenges being faced in your area today?
What changes do you believe will come about in the next few years?
What are the most meaningful talents and skills of successful people in your area?
Which part of your industry offers the best opportunities?
What is the typical career path in that area?
If you were starting out today, how would you approach the job market?
Come with the questions written down. Refer to them throughout the meeting, and take notes as your influential answers. You want to be seen as a serious, effective career-seeker, someone who has clear goals and aspirations. And you’ll want a written record of what you’ve learned.
Keep your eye on the time
You promised the meeting would only last 20 minutes, and you must keep that promise—unless the influential clearly wants to spend more time with you.
About 15 minutes into the meeting, start prospecting for leads. Ask these two questions:
Do you know anyone who may have a need for someone with my qualifications?
May I use your name when I make the contact?
When your influential identifies specific individuals, you want to be able to use the influential’s name when you make your contact. Then you’re not some unknown quantity. You’re someone who’s known by an influential.
The influential may offer to make phonecalls on your behalf, and that’s great. But even if she doesn’t, now you’re in a position to start building your network.
Thank your influential for the meeting, give her a big smile and leave on an upbeat note. Write her a thank-you that night and mail it the very next day.
Following the trail
Armed with the name of an influential, you’re now in a position to phone each referral contact. You can use the influential’s name to help you get past the secretary.
When she asks you what the call is about, you say, “Alice Comstock, vice president of the Johnson Agency, advised me to call Mr. Bailey. She said Mr. Bailey could give me some advice on an important matter.”
That should be enough to get you through to Mr. Bailey. If it isn’t, you may have to explain that you’re looking for advice to help you in your job search. Just make it clear you’re not calling to ask for a job, or to sell anything.
Tip: Some executives get to the office earlier than their secretaries, and stay later. Often, if you call just before or just after regular hours, you’ll find that the phone will be answered by the person you want, not the secretary or some other gatekeeper.
Two possibilities
When you don’t know if there’s an opening for you in the referral’s organization, you say, “I had a meeting with Alice Comstock at the Johnson Agency. She said some very nice things about you, and told me you’d be an ideal person to give me advice about a career in marketing. I’ll be very grateful if you could give me your views on the opportunities in your field. I realize you’re busy, but I’d take just 20 minutes of your time. May I come to your office and talk with you?”
If your influential has told you there’s reason to believe an appropriate opening for you exists in the referral’s organization, handle the phone contact this way: “I had a meeting with Alice Comstock at the Johnson Agency, and she told me there might be a job opening in your company for which I’d be a strong candidate…” Outline your background very briefly, and ask for the interview.
Will you get preferred treatment? Probably you will. After all, you’re Alice Comstock’s friend, aren’t you?
Keep prospecting
It’s impossible to predict all the twists and turns your advice call networking will take. Keep growing your network, and you’ll discover opportunities you’d never find any other way.
128 influential people
That’s how many you could know if you start by making advice calls on just two people, and each refers to you two more, and each of those to two more, and so on—through just six levels of contacts. But you’ll have the job you want long before you get that far.
Just stay sharp, focused and aggressive, and you’ll get offers.
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Preparation is the key to a successful photo shoot for those aspiring for, or embarking on the journey to become a plus size model. Confidence is always visually apparent; being well-prepared, well-groomed and relaxed equates a happy model, with shines through in print! The following is a series of steps to begin one week prior to your shoot, that’ll help make the most of your shoot.
One week prior to your shoot:
ONE:
Make an honest inspection of your hair. Does your color need refreshing, or do your roots need a touch up? Schedule color three or four days prior to your shoot to allow time for settling, or a re-do if something catastrophic happens. PLEASE do not make major color or style changes without speaking to your agency!! Remember you’ve been hired for your already determined “look” and discussion between the agency that represents you is essential prior to changing it. Plus they’re in the business of beauty. They’ll be able to give you excellent, professional suggestions if you’re looking for a change. It goes without saying, but make sure your hairs trimmed and as split-end free as possible. If you have a fringe, or bangs, make sure it’s trimmed appropriately. Consider having your stylist apply a shine treatment, as shiny hair equals healthy hair, at least in appearance!
TWO:
Make waxing appointments for two to three days prior to your shoot. If you wax regularly already, schedule your waxing appointment for 2-3 days prior to your shoot to avoid any irritation on your test day. I don’t recommend preparation for test shots to be an occasion to try waxing for the first time. Until your certain how your skin reacts to the treatment, consider a professional applied depilatory cream to rid yourself of any unwanted facial or body hair.
THREE:
Tend to your skin. Drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol and wheat products if your prone to bloating. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Avoid any drastic, or medical skin treatments prior to your shoot, instead use plenty of moisturizer and good exfoliator at least twice in the before your shoot.
The day before and of your shoot:
1. Get plenty of sleep!
2. Consider your ability in styling your own hair. If you have challenging hair, consider a professional blow-out or curl enhancing treatment prior to your shoot. If done the day before, sleep with a silk handkerchief tied over your hair, it’ll still look fab on day two. Do NOT arrive to your shoot with damp or wet hair expecting it to be completely styled!
3. Exfoliate your entire body and face and moisturize using a non-greasy, non shimmering lotion.
4. Inspect your nails and toes. Make your hands and toes are well manicured and natural. Chose a natural or clear polish, or if you wear a French manicure make sure it has a softly colored topcoat. Avoid blinding white tips! TRY to avoid acrylic nails, but if you must wear them make sure they’re fairly short and oval, no long square talons!
5. Make your body modifications invisible. Bring a good concealer if you have tattoos, “derma blend or Mac body are excellent” as you will be expected by clients to cover your tattoos. Remove any piercings, studs or barbells. Most clients are steadfast in their preference that models remove all piercings, be prepared for your “holes” to possibly close in the name of landing jobs!
The previous tips are a general guide to help you look like the best version of “you” on a test shoot! Remember to send the message with your appearance choices that promote the mantra, “I’m beautiful, whatever my size may be!”
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People often don’t pay much attention to their feet. Loose shoes, standing all day, stubbing the toes, ignoring the nail are reasons of feet’s bad work. We begin to think about our feet only when they hurt. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to help your feet to recover and to prevent problems in the future.
A professional pedicure is a very pleasant procedure and you can recreate this experience at home with only a small investment of time, money, and resources.
At first, remove any old nail polish and then soak your feet in a tub of hot water. Add some bath or Epsom salts for better relax. Keep your feet in the water for at least five to ten minutes. After it, remove dead skin and soften your feet using a small brush. Put each foot back into the water after you’ve finished brushing.
Take a bit of foot scrub lotion to further soften any rough spots like your heels or the sides of your toes. When you’ve massaged the lotion into your feet, take a pumice stone to finish off any lingering rough skin. Remove your feet from the water and dry them with a soft towel. Rub your feet with some of your favorite lotion.
After you’ve finished massaging your feet, it’s time to pay attention to your nails. Trim and shape your nails with clippers and a file, and then use a cuticle stick to gently push back your supple cuticles.
After getting your cuticles in order you can even out the surface of your nail by applying a clear or opaque base coat. This will help hide any ridges or lumpy areas that might show up if you applied nail color directly to the affected area. When the base coat is dry, add a coat of your favorite nail color. It’s a good idea to apply several coats to improve the durability of your finish. Clean up any messy areas as you go, using a small cloth or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to dissolve stains that may have been deposited around the edges of your toe nail. An additional coat of clear sealer will prevent chips and scuff marks from harming your pedicure masterpiece.
Now your feet are ready for any deed! Don’t forget about everyday care of your feet – supportive, well-fitted shoes, washing and drying your feet carefully to avoid fungal and bacterial problems and more attention to any problem. Looking pretty and being healthy are elements of your great feet.
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If you are interested in entering the beauty industry, then one of these beauty jobs may work for you. Some require you to complete a training course and receive a license before you can begin working. This is to ensure that you have specific knowledge about your area of expertise because you may have to deal with certain chemicals and substances, so it’s important to know how to handle them. Not all require you to receive certification, and the best part is that you can help others like yourself improve their appearance and gain confidence.
From what I’ve seen over the years, it truly takes a positive attitude, professionalism, and passion to succeed at anything, including the field of beauty. When others come to you to help them feel beautiful, always keep in mind that beauty begins with a smile and upbeat personality. It will help new clients feel comfortable with you, and that could mean good business in the long run.
Nail Technician
Also called a manicurist/pedicurist, this technician helps improve the condition of the nails by cleaning, shaping, and polishing. Nail Technicians can also trim cuticles and educate their customer on overall nail health. Most tend to work in nail salons and spas, and provide services that include gel nails, wraps, acrylic nails, and design decorations. The required certification program is provided at a nearby cosmetology school or one that specializes in nail care and design. The program involves a lab where students can gain experience working with real customers while preparing to receive the necessary license to practice. It is mandatory that manicurists be licensed, and they are required to renew/update their license after a certain number of years. Since most graduate from cosmetology school, it’s common for them to offer waxing and massage services to their customers as well.
Makeup Artist
Use cosmetics to beautify the clients face and body. Makeup artists can work in various capacities including the cosmetics counter, runway, weddings, television and film, and photo shoots. A license and experience may be required depending on the area you are looking to work in. If you do not have a job with a particular company, the best way to gain work experience is by taking on freelance assignments. This is where you will gain a lot of practice and knowledge in working with different clients’ skin type and face shapes. With theatrical makeup application, you will have to use makeup along with other required materials to alter the appearance of your subject. This is where completing your education at a cosmetology school – or one that specializes in theatrical makeup – is necessary. You need extraordinary training for anything having to do with working with a client whose job takes place in front of the camera or on stage. Lots of creativity is involved, and you must be able to transfer your vision onto the client for the required purpose. Having an outgoing and warm personality will help your client feel more secure and less vulnerable as they are waiting to see the results of your work. Compensation depends on the assignment, and length of the assignment, so having a second job will help you survive financially.
Hair Stylist (Beautician)
Hair Stylists work in the most demanding area of the beauty industry. Most stylists posses the creativity for complimenting their customer’s face and personality with a hairstyle that’s suitable for them. As a stylist it is your responsibility to have in-depth knowledge of hair care so that you know which products work best for different hair types and situations. This will help you maintain optimal health of the hair, which is the ultimate goal in pleasing your client. It is also very important to stay informed of the ever-evolving fashion industry and upcoming trends. The bulk of your clientele will want to stay up-to-date with the latest styles, and they will be relying on you to deliver the result they are seeking. Hair Stylists are required to have a license, which involves completing a training session at a nearby cosmetology school. Upon receiving your license, you may have to complete up to 600 hours of training, which includes both class and lab work. This experience will help you become comfortable in working with different types of hair and styling techniques. Having a great bedside manner (attitude) is a must in building a relationship with your clients. No matter what salon you work in, it’s valuable to realize that clients are ultimately attracted to you and your skill.
Beauty Consultants
The most popular of all occupations, Beauty Consultant’s don’t need any type of certification or license to get work. There are some popular cosmetic and skin care lines that rely on independent consultants to provide products and services on their behalf. The consultant is skilled at identifying your skin type, and recommending products that are best suitable for your skin or desired look. The sign-up fee varies depending on the company, and sometimes the consultant is required to have products on-hand for potential customers to purchase. In this case, be prepared to front the necessary expense to get the products you need to get started. In turn the consultant will receive a percentage of the total sales amount, along with other possible prizes or compensation. Services have evolved to the point where a customer can simply order their desired products online through their representatives’ site instead of the traditional method of needing the consultant to visit their home to deliver a brochure. To succeed in this business requires strong interpersonal skills and a positive personality. It’s very important to be personable with your customer because you may be competing against other consultants in your area that work for the same/similar company.
Esthetician (Beauty Therapist)
A licensed professional, an esthetician provides specific skin care services including facials, body treatments, massages, and waxing. They are usually located in spas or salons, and have flexible work schedules. There are different levels of this occupation, which depends on education and skill. The more training and education you have, the more procedures you are allowed to perform on the job. Some are satisfied as the basic level, where others want to perform the more challenging duties, which is where the master esthetician level might work best. For career advancement, Medical esthetics is becoming more competitive, and will give you an advantage over the rest. It involves working with patients with disfiguring diseases, who want to learn makeup rehabilitation procedures.
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Every girl loves that feeling of gorgeous salon nails. If only we had the time and the money to go to the salon as often as we would like! With this ten step manicure guide, you can have gorgeous nails that only you (and maybe a few of your closest girlfriends if they can keep a secret!) know weren’t done by a professional at a beauty salon.
You will need a Pack of cotton balls, some Paper towels / Makeup removal pads, Nail polish remover, some good quality Nail polish, a Nail file / Emery board, a Nail trimmer, and a Cuticle remover.
1. Preparing your Nails
Whether you have nail polish on already or not, the first step in a manicure is to wash your fingernails thoroughly in warm water. You should pay particular attention to underneath your nail cartilage. Whilst you are doing your nails check for any redness or irritation. If there is any redness or irriation you will need to stop and get your nails checked out.
2. Removing Nail Polish
Apply some nail polish remover to a cotton ball. Then you need to press this onto the nail to soften the polish. Now wipe the nail gently using the cotton ball. Start from the base and work towards the tip of the nail. By working from base to tip, you avoid smearing any of the old polish into the cuticle. Apply the nail polish remover to each of your nails until they are back to their natural colour.
3. Trimming your Nails
If you need to shorten your nails or reshape them, you will need to use pair of nail clippers or nail scissors. These should be small clippers, which are designed to fit your nail shape. You will probably need to trim your fingernails about once a month. When you trim them, do not trim them right up to where your nail meets your skin, this can make it receed!
4. Filing your Nails
To file down any rough surfaces on your nails and make them smooth, you will need an emery board or a nai file. An emery board is used for the tips of your nails, rather than the top. Using the emery board you should file the tips at an angle, so that most of the filing occurs on the under side of the nail. When filing each finger nail you should file from the corner of the nail towards the centre, making sure that you only file in the one direction for each side of the nail (don’t refile an area in the opposite direction). Keep filing until they are a smooth consistent shape.
5. Removing Cuticles
Your cuticle is the layer of soft skin at the bottom of your nail, where your skin and your fingernail meet. When your fingernails grow, the cuticle stretches with it. Removing cuticles, or rather pushing the cuticle skin back keeps your nails healthy, and encourages your nails to grow.
Your cuticles need to be softened in a bowl of warm water. Then, with your cuticle remover, gently push back all your cuticles one at a time to leave smooth cuticle free nails. Pushing your cuticles back should not hurt, if it does you may need to see a doctor. If your cuticles don’t soften easily, you may need to use cuticle remover cream before pushing them back. Once you have pushed them back, wipe your nails clean of any cuticle that has come loose.
6. Resting your Nails
For those that regularly polish their nails, you should try and let your nails breathe naturally for a couple of days in between polishes. Doing this helps to keep your nails healthy. Worth noting is that tapping your nails on a hard surface on a regular basis can promote nail growth.
7. Choosing a Colour
This may sound a little patronising, but don’t forget when you are choosing a colour of nail polish, it is going to be on your nails for a while. So you may want to plan the shade your put on around the outfits you are planning to wear in the near future!
8. Applying Nail Polish
Your nail polish should come with its own applicator. Before applying the nail polish, you need to get rid of any excess nail polish from the applicator. Now, with a steady hand, brush from the base of your fingernails up towards to the tip of your nail using long strokes. Make sure you apply it evenly to each nail.
If you make a mistake, don’t worry. Taking a paper towel or makeup removal pad, apply some polish remover to any excess polish, then reapply nail polish as applicable. If you really need to, you can always remove all the polish from the nail and start again.
9. Applying a Second Coat
Between applying your first coat and your second, you should wait about ten minutes. Some nail polishes dry much quicker, but it is always better to leave them for longer than necessary than risk applying a second coat before the first has dried properly. As tempting as it can be to try and speed up the drying process with a fan, this can actually cause the nail polish to move around a little and make the finish less even.
10. Apply Lotion
Once your nails are completely dry, apply lotion to moisturise around your nails.
Now you can sit back and admire them!