A manicure is a beauty treatment for your hands and fingernails. The most commonly available manicure is the filing, shaping of the nails and the application of nail polish only. There are also manicuring services that are specialties for the hands. Soaking of the hands with a softening substance and application of a lotion is a common specialty. A manicure may also include the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels. In many areas, manicurists are licensed since skin is maneuvered and sometimes it is trimmed; there is a certain risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people and therefore sanitation is a serious concern.



Manicure has a history more than 5000 years old. In India, henna has been used for manicures for ages. Much of the modern revival of henna derives from its popularity in India. One of the empresses of China was said to wear very long artificial nails.

The processes of a manicure uses a variety of tools, creams, oils, waxes and massaging techniques to clean or shape your nails, care for your cuticles, and improves the look as well as feel of your hands. There are various kinds of manicures available for you which may include shaping of the nail, use of different oils and creams, or even massage as part of the treatment. Some of the popular manicure methods are French manicure, American manicure, hot stone manicure, hot oil manicure and standardized manicure.

Whichever process of manicure is being followed there are certain tools and supplies that are essentially required. Some of the tools and supplies are - Bowl of warm water or finger bath, Nail clippers, Cuticle knife and clippers, Cuticle pusher/Hoof stick, Nail file/emery board, buffer, scissors and brush etc. and the supplies commonly required are Cuticle remover, Massage lotion, Nail polish, Base coat polish & ridge filler polish, Color varnish, Top coat or sealant, Nail polish remover, Hand cream, Sanitizing spray, towels, Cotton balls & pads etc.

If you are going to the day spas or salons then always keep in mind to enquire and ensure about the sanitation of the area and proper sterilization of the tools being used. The absence of sterilization many lead to the infections and other contagious dermal diseases.

The standard procedure applied by the salons begins with removal of nail polish. Shaping of the nail is the next step. The fingernails are filed into oval tips. Now softening the cuticles is accomplished by soaking the fingers in a small finger bowl filled with soapy water. After this, hand is carefully washed and dried up by holding a small towel and placing the hand on the towel. Cuticle remover is applied. Cuticle is loosened gently with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher. Free edge under the fingernail is cleaned by dipping a cotton-tipped orangewood stick in soapy water and cleaning under the nail. Cuticle oil or creams are applied at the base of the nail. The nails gently brushed in soapy water with a downward motion. Now the hands and nails are dried thoroughly. Next a very fine emery board is used to give the finishing touch.

Now it is time for the application of nail polish, a base coat is applied using long strokes. After allowing the base coat to dry, Nail polish is applied with light strokes so that excess polish on cuticle or nail can be easily removed with cotton tipped orangewood stick moistened with polish remover. After it is dry the top coat is applied. After that layer of nail polish it is the time for a rejuvenating massage for your hands. Lotions are applied to the hands and the hand is massaged with light rubbing motion.

French manicures use clear or ivory-colored polish on the body of the nail, and white nail tips. American manicure is a very natural-looking manicure. Hot stone manicure features a hand massage using hot stone therapy to soothe and relax your hand. The hands may be dipped in melted paraffin wax. The hand is usually applied with a thicker wax coat, making the coating stay warm for longer and less likely to break too early. After dipping the hands in the wax, they are wrapped in plastic and covered with cloth to retain warmth. Now the hands are left for a few minutes before the paraffin is cooled and dried, after that it is removed. Paraffin waxes are sometimes mixed with various botanical ingredients. Fruit waxes such as peach, apple and strawberry are frequently used in salons.

Hot oil manicure is a specific type of manicure that cleans and softens cuticles with oil. It is very good for dry skin and nails that are brittle. The types of oils used are mineral oil, olive oil.

Other then our feet, our hands do a lot of hard work and are usually the last things hat get pampered. Why not book yourself in for a manicure today.