Take some time for yourself and perform this gentle step-by-step manicure. The information given here shows you how to achieve good results, while limiting environment impact.
1. If you are going to use nail polish or remover, open the windows before starting to minimize your exposure to the chemicals. In addition, ask at your usual beauty-supply shop or pharmacy for acetone-free polish remover; alternatively, look for the words “gentle” or “non-drying” on the label, which are clues.
2. Remove old nail polish: use a cotton wool pad and a cuticle stick that has been wrapped in absorbent cotton wool. Never use a wooden or metal instrument on your nails unless it has been carefully buffered with cotton wool first.
3. Shorten any nails that need cutting down – using nail scissors in preference to clippers, which can cause cracks. Cut from the side to the middle of the nail. Then shape the nails with an emery board, stroking lightly from the edges of the nail towards the centre. The softer and springier the emery board, the better. Look for the kinds which are almost squishy to touch, thanks to their foam backing, and last virtually a lifetime.
4. Using a dropper, apply Tough-As-Nails Aromatherapy Oil to the cuticle area, and massage in thoroughly with circular movements of the thumb.
Soak the fingertips in a bowl of warm water for at least a minute and dry thoroughly afterwards.
5. Gently push back the skin around the cuticles, working at the dead skin to create a neat, clean line. Use a cuticle stick wrapped in cotton wool or, better still, a rubber-tipped hoof stick.
6. Wash the hands thoroughly and brush the nails with a soft nail brush. Rinse the nails and dry them carefully on a towel. If you are going to apply polish, be aware that even a tiny amount of moisture or oil will spoil your manicure by preventing the polish from sticking to the nail, apply another dot of oil and work into the nail surface, then buff with a nail buffer. You can use one made of chamois. To buff the nail, always work in an up-and-down motion, rather than side to side across the nail. This stimulates blood flow and delivers a beautiful sheen.
7. If using polish, brush on a protective base coat to cover the entire nail surface, stopping short of the cuticle. A base coat keeps coloured polish from staining nails.
8. Apply two coats of your chosen toluene and formaldehyde-free nail colour, starting with a stroke down the centre of the nail and then a stroke on each side, being careful to avoid the cuticle.
9. Lightly brush on one layer of top coat to add gloss and protect against chipping and abrasion. When nails are dry to the touch, add a drop of your
10. Touch-As-Nails oil to each cuticle and rub it very lightly onto the surface of the polish; it acts as an amazingly effective quick dry. Ideally, however, you should allow half an hour for your nails to be completely dry, so allow yourself at least 30 minutes of pure relaxation.
11. To prolong the life of your manicure, brush on a fresh top coat every other day.