Introduction to Nail Designs
All great nail designs start with a solid manicure. Great nail care
and designs will be completely overlooked if the hands and nails look
worn and torn, so before getting into the basics of design, let’s review
what it takes to perform a solid manicure.
Thousands of years ago Henna was used for hand treatments and the
word ‘manicure’ derives from the Latin “manus” which means “hand” and
cura which means “care”. Caring for your hands and nails are an
important aspect to your overall appearance. Besides being a fashion
statement, your hands and nails speak volumes to others about how you
treat yourself. Imagine; you arrive for that once in a lifetime
interview. What is the first thing that you are going to do? Shake the
hand of your prospective employer. Do you think your hands and nails are
going to be noticed? You can bet your life on it! Meeting the man of
your dreams? Believe me, he is going to notice your hands and he is
going to be making a judgment about what kind of person you are by the
condition of them. Shallow? Maybe, but it is what it is and having your
nails done will make a positive statement about how you take care of
yourself, and therefore others, but just having a cool nail design or
color can’t hide everything so make sure you regularly have your hands
and nails manicured in order to make that special nail design shine!
 Having
a manicure done by someone else is a real treat. There is just something
to be said about having someone care for your hands; you feel pampered
and much more relaxed when it is done and even if you are doing it
yourself you will still reap the therapeutic benefits.
The basic tools you need to start with are a bowl of warm water, a
high quality emery board, cuticle serum, orange stick, cuticle trimmers,
a soft, flat nail brush and a nail buffer.
Start by filing your nails into the shape that you like. By filing
towards the center of the nail bed and a 45 degree angle, you will
reduce the chances of wear and tear and encourage growth. After filing
your nails, work in the cuticle serum and then soak your hands in the
warm water for a few minutes, softening the cuticles and tissue around
your nail bed. This makes it easier to scrub the base of your nails with
that flat nail brush and to trim your cuticles if necessary. The last
step of a manicure is buffing. Buffing gives your nails a smooth look
and improves the circulation to the nail bed itself.
After treating yourself to a thorough manicure, you are now ready to
get down to selecting a nail design of which there are an unlimited
amount of options to choose from. Applying artificial nails whether gel,
acrylic or nail tips are popular options. Whether you choose a fanciful
nail design on artificial nails or your own nails, a good nail
technician is a true treasure to find. Make sure you look around and
have some ideas of your own to share with your technician to ensure that
your nails will come out looking as beautiful as you know they can! |
