If you’re a guy, your “man”-icure is now finished, and you can shake hands with confidence. If you’re a woman, you may want to apply polish, although it is by no means necessary! Actually, polishing your nails more than a couple times a month can dry them out. You should occasionally go bare in order to let your fingernails “breathe” – you’ve probably seen how yellow nails can get when they’re always kept polished and never exposed to light.
If you’ll be polishing, be sure to wipe down your nails with a clean, damp cloth first to remove any traces of cuticle cream or lotion that could cause the polish to not adhere properly. Apply a clear base coat and let it dry completely before putting anything else on. Next, choose your favorite color and apply two coats. Always start at the side of the nail and polish in three broad strokes: side, middle, other side. Allow plenty of time to dry between coats, and don’t goop it on, or else you could end up with air bubbles. Finish with a strong, clear topcoat, but remember: if you use a quick-drying topcoat, it won’t last as long, and you’ll still need to be careful for at least an hour afterward to avoid chips. If you’ve made mistakes, such as getting polish all over your cuticles, you can remedy the problem with a small cotton swab dipped in polish remover without having to redo your entire nail.
It doesn’t take a lot to get salon-perfect hands at home: just a few simple maintenance steps and a little bit of practice. After your do-it-yourself manicure, you won’t have to worry about greeting the world with raggedy nails any more. You’ll be able to meet and greet people with your best foot – er, hand – forward.