A well-groomed hands and feet is very important especially for professionals like us who are already working. Especially when I was teaching, I would be standing in front of a whole class and you would be scrutinized by all your students --- from head to toe NAILS!
Above are just what we may need if we want to do it on our own and NO..this is not about opening up your own nail salon :) Just a brief stuffs and explanation.
1. Nail Polish Remover
Whether you have your nail polish on or not, I always clean my nails with a nail polish remover as your nails tend to be oily and there may be some dirt left from previous nail polish. Choose the ones that are moisturizing. Or much better, use Acetone-free remover. It's so hard to find it here, but I believe we do have that available!
2. Nail Cutter
Nail shape should always complement your hand size and cuticle shape! Square or oval? Whatever works for you. If you always have ingrown nails, there's something wrong with the way you cut your nails! (trust me, been there done that!)
3. Merthiolate (optional)
People may find it weird, but a lot of nail salon here in the Philippines use this, just to make sure the cuticle will be protected after cutting it to avoid infections. I transferred mine using an old nail polish brush to make it easier to apply. I love the pinkish effect of it to my nails. :D
4. Cuticle Remover
Used to soften the cuticle to make it easier to push or some people cut it.
5. Nail Hardener / Base Coat
I find this very effective, my nails aren't yellowish anymore with a nice base coat and I had mind plus factor..hardening effect!
6. Fast Dry Top Coat
Very useful!! It's not like nano-second fast, but it still helps in protecting your nail polish.
7. Nail File
Used to smoothen the rough edges of your nails. Please file in ONE direction!
8. Cuticle Pusher
It's available in wooden form, or metal form. Whatever you're comfortable with. I used mine in metal so its easier to disinfect and can be sharpen easily.
9. Brush
One tip, if you're lazy to push or cut your cuticles, I find putting a whole lot of cuticle remover on your nails, then brush your nails with this brush back and forth and your nails will look clean and well-groomed. I've done this myself on most lazy days!
10. Cuticle Nipper (optional)
Takes a whole lot of practice to be able to use this. This is optional. Only for people who likes to cut their cuticles. If not...no worries, you don't need this :D This nipper needs a whole lot of TLC, never DROP your nipper.
Not shown on photo
1. Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oil aids in fast drying as well.
2. Clear Polish
I always buy a good branded clear polish as I always top this clear polish to a regular nail polish and it can really make your polish lasts 2x longer!
3. Alcohol
Use to clean your tools BEFORE and AFTER!
4. Antibiotic capsules (optional, hope you guys won't need this)
I had one very bad experience that really got me scared to do my nails outside. My mom was having her massage and I thought "What the heck? Why not have a pedicure service to keep me out of boredom?"
WRONG MOVE! The lady cut my cuticle all wrong and blood started to come out! (sorry gross, but it's true!) and I had a very bad toe infection for more than 2 weeks!!! I was never a complainer then, afraid to say something as I'm paranoid the lady will cut my TOES! (hahaha well NOT that paranoid, but you got my point).
You know what saves my day? Antibiotic capsules!
I specified capsule as the vital part of the treatment is the "powdered form" of antibiotic that can aid in faster healing. All you have to do is ---
1. separate the 2 capsule
2. slowly pour out the powder directly to the wound or the "infected" area
3. you can leave it just like that or you can wrap it with a "band aid"
Trust me this helps! Thanks to my hubby for sharing that tip to me!
Anyways, this is a long post. I got carried away. LOL
I know this post may sound too much to those simple gals out there!
But always nice to know right?
Love your nails, care for it!
Want to look back on my first nail post that started it all?
Smile and say "first nail post!"
