Manicure

I am sure that Americans and Russians will hear me...

London is the worse place to get a manicure. Not only it is expensive but the so-called "beauticians" have no idea what they are doing...

After all those years suffering from bad manis I finally started to do my own without cutting a cuticle. Here is a short story which can hopefully be helpful for some people.

RULE 1:

When you switch from your standard mani to a new one where you don't cut the cuticle it takes time for your fingers to get used to it. You need at least 3-4 months to get used to your new routine. Don't worry, your nails will still look good, just carry on reading the next tips. Also please do not cut your cuticle "just a little bit" because you'll start your 3-4 months adaptation over and over again.

RULE 2:

Use a cuticle remove twice a week. I was given advice of using it once a week only. I do not know and cannot imagine HOW you can have tidy nails while using the cuticle remover only once a week. The good one and relatively inexpensive one is Sally Hanson. It is available at Boots with Sally Hanson stand in it. You can buy it online. The other Sally Hanson removers are not as good as this one is (without going much into details). I have been using some others but this one is a good place to start.

RULE 3:

Always apply your cuticle remover while still having your nail polish on! If you do not follow this rule you may get peeled nails. Push your cuticle remover with a stick which can be bought anywhere at Boots and make sure you thoroughly wash your fingers.

RULE 4:

You can still cut hangnails but remember - you have to use your cuticle oil every single day. You will be shocked by how your nails look with the cuticle oil. Even if you manicure is not fresh the cuticle oil will make it look wonderful! Again I use Sally Hansen pen because it is very convenient to use it on the go. It comes with a brush which is much handier than drops. Although not particularly cheap but it lasts for a long time. OPI is also good but twice expensive. Besides making your cuticle look good the oil will make your nail stronger and they will grow a little bit faster.

RULE 5:

After you removed your cuticle, removed your nail polish and shaped your nail just apply a "tinted" nail polish for a quick mani. It makes life so much easier during a busy week. I personally love Dior which makes my nail look healthy. All in all the mani routine will take 5 minutes of your time max as the Dior dries in appr. 1 minute.

To sum everything up you will still have a little bit of cuticle which is perfectly normal and healthy. Although if you have been "californised" and do not respect nature it might not be for you. I have included some of my good old pictures of nail polishes so you can see how to cuticle looks while you do not cut it.