Nail Care

[JamieS]

I need tips on nail care. As a teen I was a nail biter. I quit doing that when I started college. But, until now, I have always just clipped and filed my nails all the way down so that it would be longer before I would have to do them again, lol. They are getting quite long now, and I do not know the first thing about taking care of them. I would like to go for a medium length and kind of an oval or round shape. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[AnneK]

I go for a manicure every week.  Just tell 'em what you want.

[Dena]

Shaping nails is pretty easy. The first thing you do is go out and buy a package of disposable nails files. I like the 10 pack so I always have a new one available when I need one. There is one primary rule with nail files and that is always file away from your hand and never toward it. Filing toward your had will damage the nail where as away from your hand will result in nice smooth edges. It this point, it simply becomes a matter of removing what you don't want. Take it slow and easy at first and check your results often. After a few tries you should get it under control and you will be able to shape your nails how you want them.

[JamieS]

Dena, that is something I just recently learned. Before, I would just go any and all directions. And, guess what, I would always end up with like spurs. But, what I need to know is how do I shape them. I have seen where you begin on the sides and then once they are done you round the top.

[Dena]

If my nails are really long, I will take some off the end first. If not, I work as close to the hand as I can then work toward the tip. The first few times you attempt this, you might not get the shape you want but practice makes perfect and you will learn how much to remove. It's better to leave a little extra then come back and do the cleanup than take to much off.