Nourish Your Nails with Nature’s Best

A manicure isn’t just a beauty treatment; it’s a moment of self-care. Using shea oil, renowned for its moisturising and healing properties, you can achieve a salon-quality manicure at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfecting your nails with shea oil.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before starting your manicure, make sure you have the following items:

• Nail polish remover
• Cotton pads
• Nail clipper
• Nail file
• Cuticle pusher
• Bowl of warm water
• Shea oil
• Base coat
• Nail polish (optional)
• Top coat

2. Remove Old Nail Polish

Start by removing any existing nail polish using a gentle, acetone-free remover to avoid drying out your nails. Soak a cotton pad with the remover and wipe each nail until all polish is gone.

3. Trim and Shape Your Nails

Using a nail clipper, trim your nails to your desired length. Then, take a nail file and shape your nails. For a natural look, opt for a soft, rounded shape. File in one direction to prevent splitting.

4. Soak Your Hands

Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of shea oil. Soak your hands for about 5-10 minutes. This step softens your cuticles and preps your nails for the next steps.

5. Push Back Cuticles

After soaking, gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher. Be careful not to cut your cuticles, as they protect your nails from infection.

6. Exfoliate and Moisturize

Gently exfoliate your hands with a scrub to remove dead skin cells. Rinse and pat dry. Then, massage a generous amount of shea oil into your hands, focusing on your cuticles and nails. Shea oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which promote healthy nail growth and keep your skin hydrated.

7. Apply Base Coat

Apply a thin layer of base coat to each nail. A base coat protects your nails from staining and helps your polish adhere better.

8. (Optional) Apply Nail Polish

If you choose to apply nail polish, select your desired colour and apply two thin coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next to avoid smudging.

9. Apply Top Coat

Finish with a top coat to seal in the colour and add shine. A topcoat also extends the life of your manicure by preventing chips.

10. Final Touch

Once your nails are dry, apply a final drop of shea oil to each nail and massage it in. This last step adds an extra layer of hydration and ensures your nails and cuticles remain nourished.

Tips for Maintaining Your Manicure

• Moisturize daily: Apply shea oil to your nails and cuticles daily to keep them hydrated and healthy.
• Protect your nails: Wear gloves when doing household chores to prevent damage to your manicure.
• Touch up: If you notice any chips, apply a small amount of polish to the affected area and seal with a top coat.

With this guide, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy nails using the natural benefits of shea oil. Regular care and hydration are key to maintaining the strength and appearance of your nails. Happy manicuring!