Don’t you agree that the way you maintain your hands and feet is a sure tell-tale of the level of your personal hygiene and overall health? Nobody likes filthy feet or hands. It’s crucial to give them proper care and attention just like you would your face or teeth. Manicures and pedicures are equally important for both women and men. Did you know that hands can easily reveal your age? Well, if you want to keep your hands and feet looking young, clean and healthy, please indulge in a regular mani-pedi routine because I am going to tell you how truly important it is!
So let’s begin with how this is beneficial to you.
Importance Of Manicures And Pedicures
Our hands and feet are exposed to dirt and the harsh weather on a daily basis, perhaps more than other parts of our body (except your face) making them more vulnerable to damage. This means they accumulate a whole ton of grime and dirt and washing is never enough. Do you want to know what magic they do?
Aren’t those some solid benefits? Well good news is – you don’t always need to rush to the salon to reap the benefits of a mani-pedi (unless you want to), but for those who want to save some bucks or time and find a way to get the job done at home, we are going to make your lives a little easier with our detailed piece about the tools you need and how to use them and all the jazz in-between.
So let’s begin with the supplies and how-tos.
Must Have Manicure And Pedicure Tools And Equipment
To give your hands and feet a salon-like treatment, right at home, you need these basic supplies that you can find easily out there in the gigantic market. We’ll tell you where you can buy them too, so pay attention.
Note: Please sterilize your grooming tools with alcohol or some Dettol before and after use.
Other Basic Requirements:
Let’s talk about the tools first – you can buy these individually or just buy a manicure/pedicure kit that includes all the supplies and is easily available.
We bring to you the tools, tips, and techniques.
1. Nail Cutter
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A nail cutter or a nail clipper is the most basic tool that you require for a manicure or a pedicure. Your nails are a breeding ground for bacteria and are one of the dirtiest parts of your body. Trimming them from time to time is important if you
want to maintain your overall health. It’s best to keep them short at all times as this helps to prevent the spread of diseases.
How To Use Nail Cutter At Home?
You can either use a nail cutter/clipper or nail scissors to trim your nails. Make sure your tool is clean before you begin. Place your nail between your nail cutter, making sure you aren’t touching the skin. Do not cut too much as this can expose the sensitive part of your nail-bed and lead to infections.
Pro Tip: Nails are softer after a shower so that’s a good time to trim them.
2. Cuticle Pusher
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Cuticles require special care so they don’t become dry or flaky. A cuticle pusher is used to push the skin from your nails back and away. If you have tough, hard skin then it’s best to use a steel cuticle pusher. If you have soft cuticles, use a wooden one.
How To Use Cuticle Pusher?
You should never cut your cuticles, only push them back and be gentle! If you happen to slice the thin lining on the bottom of your nail bed, it will lead to infection. Use the spoon end to push it back, it’s that simple. Use the sharper end to push against the cuticles around the corners. Be as gentle as you can.
Pro Tip: A good time to deal with this area is right after a shower because that’s when your skin is soft, and it gets really easy to push back any excess cuticle growth. It also helps to prevent any damage or hurt yourself in the process.
3. Cuticle Nipper
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A cuticle nipper is a tool that is used to deal with hang nails, tough cuticles and the dry skin around your nails. It offers great precision to reach those tight spaces and to trim those annoying ingrown nails. It also enables the delicate removal of unwanted soft tissue around your nails.
How To Use Cuticle Nipper?
Once the cuticle is pushed back, it’s time to use the cuticle nipper. If you have tiny pieces of skin or cuticle around your nail bed, use this tool to gently trim the unsightly skin. Use an upward motion to lift this dead skin up and away from the nail.
Pro Tip: After the cuticle has been pushed and trimmed, use a hand-cream or lotion to moisturize.
Always make sure to sanitize your cuticle clipper before and after use. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust.
4. Nail Buffer
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Have you ever wondered how to achieve naturally glossy nails? If you want to get rid of the dullness on your nails, use a nail buffer to provide your nails with shine. It also helps to remove any dry ridges or peeling on your nails by smoothening them out. The main purpose of this tool is to polish your nails and give them a consistent look.
How To Use Nail Buffer?
Before you start, make sure your nails have been soaked and cleaned. Ensure your nails are dry and always buff in one direction. You can go either forward or backward – it’s best to stick with one. Don’t be over-enthusiastic and buff too vigorously as this may cause thinning of nails. Also, excessive buffing is harmful – just once a month will help you preserve the shine of your nails.
Pro Tip: Use the finer side of the tool for shining and smoothening.
Once you finish, apply beeswax or some cuticle oil on the nails!
5. Nail File
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This tool is used to gently grind down the edges of your nails, making them smoother and helping you in shaping them. There are various types of nail files in the market – emery boards and plain metal files being the most commonly used tools. It’s advisable to use emery boards as they are more gentle. Metal files tend to be very harsh on your nails.
How To Use Nail File?
Before you begin, ensure your nails are dry because wet nails split more easily. Hold the file at a 45-degree angle, parallel to the sides of your nails. Start at one corner and move to the center of your nail. Apply less pressure and file the nails in only one direction for a smooth finish.
Pro Tip: In order to prevent your nails from chipping or breakage, shape them into an oval or square shape. Once you achieve your desired result, wash and moisturize your nails well.
6. Pumice Stone/ Foot File
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A pumice stone is used to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells and calluses usually found on the bottom of your feet. Doing this also helps in getting rid of cracked skin on feet.
How To Use
Before you start exfoliating with a pumice stone, you need to soak your hands or feet in warm, soapy water for at least ten minutes. Once your dry skin softens, wet the stone and gently rub it over the area you’re working on.