How to Do a Home Manicure/Pedicure

Perfect salon manicures/pedicures look great but can cost anywhere from $15-$25. For people on a tight budget this can be intimidating. Not everyone can afford to get a manicure/pedicure at a salon, but clean healthy looking nails are a great asset to your appearance. However, nice, manicured/pedicured nails don't have to cost a fortune if you follow these tips:

1. Find a good manicure/pedicure kit at your local drugstore.
Many stores carry such kits for about the cost of a manicure/pedicure. Yet they come with everything you need. The most essential things needed are a three-way nail file, a good cuticle trimmer, a cuticle stick, and nail clippers. If you are going to do a pedicure be sure to find a pumice stone to scrub your heels and the bottoms of your feet.

2. Buy a base coat and a top coat polish
These two polishes combined will keep your nail polish from chipping therefore ensuring the color will last longer

3. Hang out the "Do Not Disturb" sign.
Set aside a time you won't be disturbed and get ready to relax. Put on some
music, a DVD, or just light a few candles. Not only will you have nice looking nails in the end but you've just spent some time pampering
yourself.

To begin your manicure first you must set out all the things you will need. Get your kit ready, get some warm towels, a small tub of warm soapy water, and some hand lotion. First soak one hand in the warm water for a few minutes. Take it out and pat it dry. Take the cuticle stick and gently push back the cuticle. Take the cuticle trimmer and trim away all the rough skin around the nail. Be careful not to trim too much and cut yourself. Do the same thing with the other hand. Once that is done apply some lotion to your hands.