Some simple steps and homemade recipes to give your self a wonderfully pampering manicure.

Here are the basics of creating a pampering manicure at home, without paying the salon price (Just a small word of warning: If you are uncertain of allergies or other contraindications consult your doctor prior to using recipes on this page.):

Nail whitener1 : Ingredients: White Vinegar; Method: Simply rub the nails with white vinegar.

Nail whitener2 : Ingredients: Lemon Juice; Method: Simply rub the nails with the lemon juice.

2. Shape your nails

File nails to a natural looking length, filing from each side into the centre. Try to avoid a see-saw action as this can make nails weaker. Also best to avoid over-filing the sides, again another nail weakener. Choose your nail shape that best suits your fingers - square, round, oval or pointed. Oval works best for most people.

3. Soak

Soften skin by soaking hands in warm, soapy water. A little body wash works nicely. Try adding a few drops of essential oil as a special treat, or olive oil which strengthens your nails.

4. Moisturize your hands

You can use your favourite moisturizer or oil and rub it thoroughly into your hands and around the nails. Give your hands a quickie massage - squeezing the palms and massaging each finger - to improve circulation and relieve fatigue. 

Nail Hardening Oil Treatment: Ingredients: 1/4 olive oil,1 capsule of Vitamin E; Method: Heat the oil but let it cool down until it is warm to the touch, then add the Vitamin E and gently rub the cuticles, nails and hands. Olive oil enhances the strength and flexibility, while Vitamin E oil nourishes the nails.

Nail Hardening Milk Treatment: Ingredients: Warm milk; Method: Dip fingertips in warm milk for 5-10 minutes. Milk is full of calcium and potassium, like honey, which fortifies the nails.

5. Neaten

Tidy up unruly cuticles. Your cuticles help protect the nail and skin underneath from infections and should not be cut. Cuticle care should only consist of gently pushing them back once they have been soaked or softened.

For cuticles try:

Cuticle Softener: Ingredients: 1 tsp. olive oil, 1 tsp. vitamin E oil; Method: Rub into cuticles, wait for five minutes and then push back cuticles gently.

6. Polish

Apply a clear base coat to keep your nails from absorbing pigments from the polish. Then apply two thin coats of colour and a clear top coat to help your manicure last longer. When polishing use three strokes - one down the centre of the nail, and one down either side. If you accidentally apply too much or get extra polish on skin around nails, use a cotton bud dipped lightly in nail polish remover to correct your mistake.


7. Wait!

Wait for 5 minutes before you do anything. You can also try using a blow-dryer on the warm/cool setting to help the drying process and to ensure all your efforts and beautiful manicure last.