Ways to perfect hands and feet

I wanted to devote this issue of my GulfWeekly column entirely to hands and feet. I might even carry on tackling them in the next issue too!

I have been witness to the sabotage of the perfect look by the unkempt appearance of raggedy nails, uneven cuticles, and “never thought about it” feet (in sandals no less).
For those who have the time, it is really easy and fun to do your own manicure and pedicure. And there are definitely tricks to learn that will make you want to go the extra step.
I have also spoken to a number of employers who have admitted that they have turned down an otherwise qualified job candidate because of a sloppy appearance. That applies to both men and women. With this in mind, take a few minutes, read and learn the secrets.
The 8-step perfect manicure
File: Using an emery board, file nails straight up at the sides. Don’t file sides of nails inward. The thinner your nail the finer the emery board should be.
Cuticles: Apply cuticle softener to the edges of the nail. Massage gently with fingertips. Bag balm is an inexpensive cuticle treatment that works well.
Soak: Soak fingers in warm, soapy water. If fingers are discoloured or dirty, take a tablet of denture cleanser, and dissolve it in the water.
Trim: Using a cuticle pusher/cutter, push the cuticle back, and cut any excess hang nails. Don’t cut into your cuticle, because it will cause it to bleed.
Massage: Apply moisturiser all over the hand, rubbing into the nails and cuticles.
Wipe: Dip a cotton ball in an astringent (with hazel or lemon juice), and remove any excess oil. This is necessary to allow polish to go on smoothly without bubbling.
Base coat: Apply a base coat or primer, and allow to dry.
Final coat: Brush on one-coat polish. Look for the kind that contains both a colour and top coat. It’s just as good and a great time saver.
Special problems
Brittle nails: Sun damage can cause brittle nails. Always apply sunscreen protection. Once a week apply an oil or cream, and wear gloves on your hands overnight.
Choosing a nail file: One way you can ruin your nails is by using the wrong nail file. There are files designed for artificial nails, files for buffing, and even files for both one-way and two-way filing. Here are some choices:
Popsicle stick file: This is the old stand by. It’s inexpensive and useful for natural nails.
Metal file: It’s a practical file that can be washed and reused. It will leave edges very smooth.
Coarse file: This file has the texture of sandpaper and is best used on artificial nails
Two-sided file: A practical file because of its dual purpose. The slightly abrasive side shapes natural nails. The smooth surface buffs and finishes them.
The DIY pedicure
You will need:
Shower gel for soaking
Polish remover
Polish
Wooden orange stick
Foot file
Plastic bags or heavy socks
Tissue.
Steps
Soak feet to soften.
Separate toes with tissue.
Apply remover to eliminate oils.
File to a square shape. Run the file vertically over the nail to prevent future snags.
Apply a base coat ( yes, this step is necessary even on a pedicure).
Apply polish.
Brush nails with oil to prevent ridges from forming.
Allow polish to dry for 30 minutes.
Problems/solutions
Chapped hands
Dry, shaped hands are a real problem to anyone who enjoys the outdoors or does heavy housework. One solution is to use udder cream or Bag Balm. Also consider using Vermont White Salve. It’s based on a formula from Germany that is unique and patented. I swear by traditional petroleum jelly as a protectant.
Chipped polish
Use a file and smooth out the chipped polish until the ridge is even with the nail. Apply polish only to the chipped area, and allow it to dry. Re-coat the entire nail.
Split nail
Apply quick-drying glue to the split, and let dry. Smooth with a file or buffer. Mend with a tea bag by cutting the tiny pieces from the tea bag. Cover the split, and dot on nail glue. Let dry and smooth with a buffer.
Smudges
Apply polish remover to smudged polish to smooth out. Let it dry, and follow up with thin coat of polish.
Yellowed nails
To prevent discoloration that occurs with nail polish stains, always use base coat of superior quality.
Pale nails
Although pale nails can be hereditary, more often it is the result of poor circulation or anaemia. Take an iron supplement or add iron-rich foods to your diet.
Peeling nails
Avoid quick-dry polishes tat contain acetone, which can dry out your nails. Always file nails lightly, just enough to shape and keep the layers even. Uneven nails have a tendency to peel.
Brittle nails
Moisturise with an oil or emollient. Vitamin E capsule works best!
Dull nails
After a day or two, polished nails tend to look a bit dull. Hoof Lacquer, the secret weapon of manicurists, keeps nails looking like new. You can purchase this product in your local equestrian store / shop.
Foot calluses
Always use pumice stone. Razors and other cutters are now illegal for pedicurists to use.
Short life manicures
There are new products in the market that will allow a manicure to last twice as long. One example is Mega Hard by L’Oreal. This hardener contains Kevlar, the same high tech material used in bullet proof vests. Also try One Step by Orly, which contains both Kevlar and raw silk fibbers.
Aching feet
Practice picking up small objects like marbles or tiny balls with your toes. Curl toes under, and hold that position for a few seconds. Repeat several times. Alternate walking on toes (like a ballerina) and heels everyday.
Tips
Let fingers rest at least a day between manicures. This allows the nail a chance to “breathe.”
Add ? teaspoon of sugar to a dollop of hand cream, and massage the entire hand. This smoothes and softens.
Always wash hands thoroughly before a manicure. If it is necessary to clean hands after the nails are done, use a cleansing pad. Soap and water washes away protective creams left over from the manicure.
Use an old eyeliner brush to dip in nail polish remover to clean up a messy manicure.
Look for Teflon, the trademark name that revolutionized the cooking industry, in nail products.
Use a face mask to treat your hands and feet. A hydrating mask works especially well. Gently file nails every other day to keep tips smooth and prevent snags and breaking.