I truly admire the effort that goes into plucking all the wrong knuckles and then fingers out of a nail — yes, it’s a tough job but damn do I respect it. However, it’s not all care and skill. I’m not saying that a short manicure can be done by someone who’s not trained, but it can be done (pun intended) with skill and no help from pins and whatever else was lurking inside your tiny, barely held nails. A.J. Cooper, cofounder of Nail Spa Salon, tells you how to pull off this impossible feat:
1. Proper Intention
It sounds simple, but a short manicure requires you to take extra care to ensure you take it seriously. Cooper recommends starting off with clean nails, have a scale next to the sink for measuring, and even go into a bathroom where there’s no drywall. This ensures no infections will be floating around if you accidentally break one while you’re getting the nails clippings. If you’re worried about burning your fingers, put nail clippers in a sealable plastic bag in the fridge. Remember that a bag inside the fridge is a very practical way to contain bacteria, in case you actually manage to make it through the process.
Image Source: Nail Spa Salon
2. Prep Your Underarms
Next, prep the top of your arms to make sure they will be covered in how many bungee cords you need. (Yes, there are bungee cords.) Nothing’s more gross than slathered in unsightly excess hairs as the glue starts to stick to your hands. Best not to do this by yourself; get a friend to stop by to help you get the job done.
3. Log Off!
Now that you’ve taken care of your shoulders, torsos, and elbow hairs, it’s time to focus on your hands and nails. Find a comfortable bench and do your prep work in a room that’s not too shabby or private, so that you don’t accidentally jump in the shower or slip on a banana peel and cut yourself.
Image Source: Nail Spa Salon
4. Let the Nails ‘Work’
As Cooper says, “Too much care is overused nail-care practices that cause problems in the long run.” This includes the wrong kinds of polish (such as white) or too many nail polish removers, which actually stifles nail growth. Try to use the right amount of peels and balms, and don’t overuse cold wax.
5. Make Contact with the Dr, So You Don’t Catch More Infections
The last trick up your sleeve is contact with your doctor. Once your hands are clean, and each nail is properly counted and removed, it’s time to contact your doctor to have a full physical exam and advice about any other conditions you may have, such as anemia, kidney stones, and bad joints. Cooper uses her doctor on the next step, and suggests that if you happen to smell a lack of structure in your nails, don’t jump to conclusions. It could actually be because your nail has done something more important.
6. Let Them Rise and Fall
Last, do not seal them off. It’s key to keep your nails unpainted, because that allows the skin to break the dead skin from the nail, and it creates opportunities for the nail to work on itself. According to Cooper, it also helps prevent fungus, for one.
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