Home Manicure Tips for Moms

Having a manicure can be very uplifting, especially if you haven’t had the time to pamper yourself.  While nail salons seem to be cropping up everywhere, there have been reports of infections due to insufficient sanitizing of the utensils. Also, once you’ve been to a nail salon, chances are you may have to return often. The reason for this is quite simple; nail salons tend to remove too much nail surface, leaving your nails vulnerable to breakage. Thus, a return trip is almost always required.  It is much easier to tend to your nails at home. Here are home manicure tips for moms that will ensure your nails will remain strong, and ultimately avoid the unnecessary expense.

1. If you have a desk lamp, set it on your kitchen or dining room table.
2. Prepare a bowl with dish washing liquid and warm water.
3. Have all of your manicure utensils, cotton balls, nail polish remover and polish on the table as well.
4. Place a dish towel on the surface of the table.
5. Remove the polish from both hands.
6. File your nails, if necessary.
7. Using a cue tip dipped in the water, clean under the fingernails.  
8. Place one hand in the bowl first, then after a few minutes take the orange stick and push back your cuticles.
9.  Follow the same procedure with the other hand.
10.  Use your cuticle utensil to remove dead skin.
11.  Place your each hand back into the bowl; then wipe dry.
12.  Massage your hands with moisturizer before you begin polishing.
13.  Apply nail hardener to the left hand first; then the right.
14.  Apply the polish to the left hand next; then the right.
15.  Apply a top coat of nail hardener to the left hand; then the right.
16.  Wait until polish is completely dry; about 30 minutes.

Note: There are cuticle removers available in liquid form. However, they tend to leave your cuticles very dry after a few days.

Manicures do not have to be expensive, nor do they have to cause infection. If you follow these tips, you will be able to give yourself home manicures whenever needed, and fully enjoy the process at the same time.

Home Pedicure Tips for Moms

Sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures in life that make us happy.  Pampering, even for just an hour, can make all the difference. If you’ve never had a pedicure, or it’s been ages since the last one; you’ll agree it is the most soothing and relaxing hour you’ll probably ever spend in a salon.  However, you can also derive the same pleasure at home. Wait until the kids have gone to bed; and proceed to your bathroom. Then, follow these home pedicure tips for moms.

1. Light an aromatherapy candle, and place it on the countertop in your bathroom.
2. Fill your tub with warm water. Add either Epsom salt or your favorite bath salt. 
3. Using cotton balls, remove old polish from your toenails with nail polish remover.
4. Soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes.
5. Using a pumice stone to rub the heels and balls of your feet to remove dead skin. If you have a soft brush, you can use that as well.
6. Dry your feet thoroughly.
7. Cut your toenails.
8. Using your favorite moisturizer, massage your cuticles and both feet.
9. Gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick, and remove the excess cuticles.
10. Massage your legs with the moisturizer as well.
11. One foot at a time, apply clear nail hardener.
12. Apply your favorite color nail polish.
13. Apply a second coat of nail hardener. 
14. Add cotton balls in between toes until nails are dry.
15. Use flip-flops if you need to walk around, or simply relax in your scented bathroom until nails are dry.

Wasn’t that a wonderful experience? Do you feel relaxed? Home pedicures can be just as soothing as going to a spa or salon; the only difference is it doesn’t cost anything except the price of a small bottle of nail polish. In addition, having an hour of alone time is completely worth the experience.