Quick and Easy Nail Care

If you've ever had a professional manicure or pedicure, you know how expensive it can be. While visiting a salon in preparation for a special event leaves you feeling pampered, it also costs time and money. Did you know that you can develop your own nail care routine at home for less time and a lot less money? All you need are a few simple tools available at any grocery or drugstore, a little know-how, and your nails will be healthy and look great in between those rare visits to the salon.

The tools you need for quick and easy nail are:

• Cuticle oil
• Q-Tip cotton swabs
• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• Orange stick
• Nail buffer

While many people pay great attention to their fingernails because they are seen more often than toenails, both sets of nails require the same attention to maintain health and hygiene. For fingernails, follow this ten-minute routine once weekly:

1. Prepare your cuticles by applying a bit of cuticle oil with a Q-Tip on each cuticle.
2. Using nail clippers, trim your nails straight across to whatever length you prefer.
3. File your nails either oval or square, without filing into the sides of your nails.
4. Since the cuticle oil you applied earlier has softened your cuticles, push back your cuticles gently with your orange stick flat against your nail.
5. Buff your nails with your nail buffer with quick, even strokes using the rough side. Then, using the smooth side, buff your nails until they shine.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly, making sure you remove all of the cuticle oil since it can be caustic and irritating to other skin areas.

Use hand cream each day, making sure to rub some into your cuticles to keep them supple and soft.

For quick and easy toenail care, follow this routine once weekly:

1. Soak your feet in hot water for about 10 minutes, and then dry your toes thoroughly.
2. Apply cuticle oil to your cuticles with a Q-Tip and massage into the cuticle area.
3. Use your orange stick to gently push back the cuticle.
4. Clip your nails with your nail clippers straight across and just above the tip of your toe. To avoid ingrown toenails, never clip your nails into the nail bed.
5. File your toenails with your nail file, removing all rough edges.
6. Wash your feet and toes with hot water and soap, and then dry them.
7. Massage your feet and toes with moisturizing cream.

Whether you're a man or woman, following these quick and easy steps once weekly can ensure nail health.