DIY MAN-icure

Apart from flawless looking skin, a well groomed hand is the most appealing feature of the modern man (I may have said well styled hair, if it wasn't for the fact I'm going bald!).
To keep my hands looking their best I like to give myself a weekly manicure (or MAN-icure if you're feeling emasculated).
I have paid for salon men's manicures in the past but to be honest I'd rather save my money for facials and massages now. A men's manicure is quick and simple enough to perform yourself at home OR possibly get someone else to follow the steps and perform it for you.

Items you need;

• Nail file (and possibly clippers if you nails are extremely long to start with)
• Cuticle remover (never cuticle cutters)
• Cuticle stick / pusher
• Nail Buffer (optional)
• Nail / Cuticle oil or balm
• Matte nail strengthener (optional)
• Hand Cream

Step one: Softening. Soak hands in warm water for about 5 minutes. This will help soften the nails and cuticles ready for the following steps.

Step two: Shaping the nail. Men's nails tend to be kept much shorter than women's, however I think it still looks best to have a little bit of white showing. 1mm is usually about the right about. I have seen some sites recommend up to 3mm but personally, on me this is too much. If your nails are quite long to start with you might want to start with some nail clippers, trimming the nail remembering to leave about 1mm of white nail showing. Otherwise go straight in with the nail file.

I prefer to use a crystal nail file as this is less likely to snag or split the nail (I use Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File).

Using the file, shape your nail following the natural shape of the nail bed. Remember, nothing too square or too pointy for a MAN-icure!

Step three: Remove Cuticles. If left unattended cuticles can stick to the nail and grow up the nail bed. They can also dry out and leave your hands looking a bit crusty. It's best to remove them using a cuticle remover. Never cuticle clippers as these can make the cuticle grow back coarser and thicker than before (I use Leighton Denny Remove and Rectify).

Once the cuticle remover has been on for a few minutes use a cuticle stick to push back the cuticle from the nail and remove any bits of dead skin.

Step four: Buffing. This step is optional but gives a great natural shine to the nail. Plus if you suffer from ridges, it gives a smoother surface to the nail. Using a nail buffer, gently buff the surface of the nail to remove ridges and stains. Follow this up by smoothing the nail and buffing to a glossy shine.

If you prefer a more matte finish or you have opted to use a nail strengthener, then you may choose to skip this step. (I use Leighton Denny Trio Buffer)

Step five: Nail and Cuticle oil / balm. As already mentioned, cuticles can get very dry so even though you have removed the excess skin from this area you still want to keep it hydrated. Massage a few drops of oil or a balm around the cuticle and nail area until completely absorbed (I'm currently using the Figs & Rouge 100% organic Wild Cherry balm).

Step six: Nail strengthener. A nail strengthener is a leave on treatment, kind of like a base or top coat but with added benefits. They are clear and usually come in either a low gloss or matte finish. Men tend to prefer a more matte finish. (I use Nubar V for Men).

Some men may choose to skip this step, as it does feel like your using nail varnish!

Step seven: Hand Cream. The last step is to apply a hand cream to keep your hands moisturised. If you did step six then wait until the nail strengthener has dried completely.
(I'm currently using the Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand & Nail cream)

If done weekly this should take no more than 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

Pampered Prince