Looking for a manicure kit

April 14, 2005 6:33 PM

I've just recently gotten my fingernails and cuticles under control, but don't know what I should be doing to maintain them. Can anyone recommend a particularly good manicure kit, and a brief description of how to use the manicure tools? Also taking suggestions for general fingernail care, cleaning, etc. (P.S. I am a guy, if that makes a difference.)
posted by Aquaman to health & fitness (4 comments total)

Getting a professional manicure every now and then will help a lot with the upkeep- and then you can see what the professionals do with all those tools. I see men getting them at my place all the time.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:45 PM on April 14, 2005 [1 favorite has favorites]

1) File your nails once a week with an emory board (just buy a cheapo pack from the drugstore). If you do this you should never have to cut them again with clippers.

2) Two options: either use lotion on your hands every couple of days to keep your cuticles (and hands) soft, or use a cuticle oil once or twice a week. Soft cuticles are nice - you don't ever want to cut them because they can get infected.

3) To make your nails super shiny and healthy looking, use this. You can't mess up - use the side labeled "1" first, "2" second, "3" third. :) You buff the tops of your nails and by the end of the 3rd step it looks like you just had a professional manicure. It isn't abrasive at all - the material is peculiar and rubbery, but it makes the nail look awesome.

4) Buy a nail brush to clean under your nails each morning. A couple quick swipes under the faucet will be more than enough if you do this every day.

I'm a girl, but I am a poor student and don't have the time or money to get professional manicures, and I don't have the patience to keep my nails painted. I just do these steps and I often get compliments on my hands.

/shilling for Sephora
posted by gatorae at 7:06 PM on April 14, 2005

In big cities, you can usually go to a nail place for $5 to $10. I'm a girl but never did it until recently and now I love getting manicures. I'm always urging guy friends to try it - so many think it's too girly even though you always see men in there. Try it. It takes 10 minutes and you will not stop admiring your hands.
posted by CunningLinguist at 6:52 AM on April 15, 2005

I think the at-home tools and upkeep are far more time consuming than a quick $8 mani -- and the pro results are always better. And maybe splurge on a pedicure once in a while. Man feet are often terribly neglected!
posted by thinkpiece at 9:47 AM on April 15, 2005