Who doesn’t enjoy a professional manicure and pedicure at their favorite salon? Some may go weekly while others treat themselves once a month. No matter how often you frequent the nail salon here are some tips to keep your hands and feet in tip top shape and to make your manicures and pedicures last even longer.

Moisturize

Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream daily. This will help your feet and hands remain soft and supple. You should also apply a special formula for cuticle care daily. If your hands and feet are in an especially critical state you need to apply a thick moisturizer (petroleum jelly also works) and then put on some cotton socks for at least 20 minutes. If you can sleep in the socks, even better. Cracked and ashy is never a good look.

Exfoliate

Depending on the condition of your feet (and you know who you are!) you should use an exfoliator and foot file or pumice stone at least weekly while in the shower or tub.   This will help remove the dead skin and keep your feet from looking like you have been walking on hot coals.

File and Clean

There is no excuse for dirty hands, feet or nails. Wash as necessary and gently remove dirt from under your nails with an orangewood stick. Shape your nails with an emery board – file in one direction, never back and forth - to keep them looking neat and uniform.

Polish

If your nails are polished, you should apply a top coat every other day. The top coat will keep your polish looking fresh and prolong chipping. In order to achieve a salon-look polish job at home you must start with a clean nail bed. Remove all oils from the nail bed by wiping it with acetone or alcohol. Next, apply a base coat to prevent yellowing and help the polish adhere. Thinly apply one layer of color in three strokes (middle, side, side) and wait two minutes before apply a second thin coat. Finish with a top coat and allow your nails to dry at least 15 minutes.  

About the Author: Cinnamon Bowser is the owner of Nail Taxi – a mobile nail boutique. Dispatches are located in Atlanta, Richmond, Washington, DC and soon – a city near you. Visit online at www.nailtaxi.com.

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