Figuring Out How to Use That Manicure Tool Kit You Got for Christmas
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Thursday 14th October 2010- What’s in a manicure kit?
- Using your new tools.
- Easy day-to-day care.
So you still haven’t figured out what to do with that manicure kit you got for Christmas? Turns out that manicures aren’t just for women anymore. More and more men are getting hip to the importance of good nail care. Whether it’s to impress the ladies, create a more professional image at work or to boost confidence, there’s no wrong reason to spruce up those fingertips. Read on for the SharpGrooming scoop:
What’s in a Manicure Kit?
So, someone’s gift turned out to be a manicure kit. Now what do you do with it? Instead of allowing it to collect dust in your medicine cabinet, use your tools. The basic manicure kit should include:
- Nail clipper
- Nail file and buffer
- Cuticle pusher
- Cuticle nipper
- Nail brush
Here’s your 411 breakdown on what you’ve got:
Nail clipper. The nail clipper should only be used when your nails are too long to file them down. What’s too long? As a general rule, if your nails are more than one-eighth of an inch long, use your clipper. Make a point of clipping the tips, not the sides of your nails, so they look square. Hang tight; you’ll be using another tool to round them out in a minute. By cutting corners and rounding out your nails with your clippers, you run the risk of creating a hangnail — which looks bad and defeats your whole manicuring-your-hands-to look-more-professional point, right?
Nail file and buffer. The nail file and buffer are found on opposite sides of the same tool. The nail file is the side with the sandpaper-like texture, while the buffer side is smoother. The file is used to file your nails down to your desired length. The buffer is used to smooth out the nails and create sheen. When your have shortened your nails to the length you are comfortable with, tilt the nail file under the nail. Stroke the file in one direction, from the sides of your nail to its center (not back and forth) into a rounded square shape. Follow by rubbing the nail buffer very gently across the top of your nail to give it a nice shine — sort of like a shoe shine for your fingernails.
Cuticle pusher and nipper. Your cuticle is the buildup of dead skin around your nail — the site of hangnails. The cuticle pusher is the small rounded stick that comes to a peak at the end. The cuticle nipper is in the shape of a wishbone, with little blades at the top. To use your cuticle pusher and nipper, rub oil on your nails and surrounding areas (use baby oil or mineral oil found at your local drugstore, or olive oil from the kitchen) and take a nice hot shower. Once you’re out and dried off, take your cuticle pusher and gently push back your cuticles. Use your cuticle nippers to carefully trim off the tops of your excess cuticle skin. Avoid cutting too low and thrashing your fingers. Finally, rinse your hands and apply a bit of hand lotion to moisturize the new cuticle skin you’ve exposed.
Nail brush. A nail brush, similar to a buffer, helps your nails gleam. You can use it instead of a buffer by rubbing it from side to side over your nails, or at the end for added shine. Again, think "shoe shine" to understand the purpose of this tool.
Easy Day-to-Day Care
Giving your fingernails a once-over every week or so is just one way to help improve the appearance of your nails. On a daily basis, it’s important to keep your nails clean and well-filed. For example, the space directly under your nails commonly attracts dirt. Keep a pointed nail file in your desk at work to quickly remove this dirt when you’re on the phone. In a pinch, your can also use a mail opener. And, if you manage to thrash your fingernail so that your nail rips into a jagged edge, your file will be available for a quick file down — ensuring that your next handshake doesn’t scar the person you’re meeting.
This article last updated on Thursday 14th October 2010