7 Little Known Tips for a Perfect Manicure ...

Having a great manicure is not an impossible or difficult goal. If you're like most women, you want your nails to always look healthy, professional, and beatiful. But if you're a mom or if you work a full time job, it may be hard for you to find the time to keep your tips looking their best. Here's a few fast, inexpensive yet effective ideas to try out!

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Wear a Nail Strengthener

Wear a Nail Strengthener Photo Credit: mrsLiz

I have very weak nails so I wear nail strengthens all the time. They give your nails a healthy shine and help them grow out longer. Two of my favorite brands are Sally Hansen and Neutrogena. They both cost about $5 apiece but they last for a very long time. You only need to apply them about once a week. They dry within 5 seconds and they are very effective. I would encourage every one to use these!

Avoid Picking Your Nails and Cuticles

Avoid Picking Your Nails and Cuticles Photo Credit: fat owls

This is the number one way to ruin a nice manicure. If you get a hangnail or a ripped cuticle, stop and take the time to file or clip it. Ripping or biting it off invites infection into your nail bed and causes your nail and/or cuticle to grow back uneven. Keep a nail file or clippers in your purse or desk drawer at all times so it will be handy.

Frequently asked questions

Do Mini-manicure in the Shower

Do Mini-manicure in the Shower Photo Credit: baliboro

Your shower is the ultimate at-home spa!!! As you condition your hair, rub some conditioner into your cuticles as well. The hot water and steam will allow it to penetrate deeply into your skin and then you can use the corner of a washcloth or a cuticle stick to gently push your cuticles back. This is also the best time to trim your cuticles should that be necessary because the water will have softened your skin. After you get out of the shower apply lotion to lock in the moisture.

Do a Mini-manicure While You Sleep

Do a Mini-manicure While You Sleep Photo Credit: huyen

Before going to bed, apply a thick lotion all over your hands and wear gloves to bed. In the morning, your hands will be soft and as you take your morning shower you can use a nailbrush to slough off all the dead cuticles that were loosened in the night.

Use a Scrub on Your Nails and Hands Daily

Use a Scrub on Your Nails and Hands Daily Photo Credit: comofaz

Keep a jar of hand and nail scrub on your sink and once a day use a small amount and just massage it deeply into your nails. My favorite brand is by bath and body works, a bit pricey but it lasts a long time and is definitely worth your money.

Fake a French Manicure

Fake a French Manicure Photo Credit: TurboSpaz

For women who desire a professional looking French Mani, but don't have the time or money to go to a salon, Sally Hansen has a manicure pen that allows you to "fake" a French manicure! You simply take the pen and run it underneath your nail and it whitens the tip with polish. It dries within seconds and looks very convincing.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eat a Balanced Diet Photo Credit: sarah!!

For the very best and prettiest manicure, it's important to eat all the right fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water. Your nails will grow longer and shinier and stronger and so will your hair. This is the best and most effective thing you can do to get healthy nails.

Did any of these ideas inspire you? Which ones? Leave me a comment, please!

Top Photo Credit: sole

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