It's time to recover with soul-enhancing, pampering manicures and pedicures. Soak those digits in a warm bubbly bath, thenhave them massaged and painted. Inhale the powerful message of how important it is to care for yourself and how good it feels to relax, away from your responsibilities and to-do list with manicures and pedicures.
There's no getting around the fact that people tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet. In addition, taking pride in your appearance and creating good habits builds self-esteem. A recent study found that teenage girls are one of the fastest-growing segments of the spa industry. If you have never had manicures or pedicures, you're in for a treat.
Manicures and pedicures includes shaping, cleaning, and polishing your nails. It can help you overcome nail biting, dry cuticles, and split or brittle nails. First the manicurist will have you soak in warm water to soften the cuticles. Then she'll push them back and shape the nails with an emery board. Buffing the nails smoothes and readies them for the polish to stick. Often a yummy hand massage with moisturizer comes next. The final step is polishing, usually a sticky base coat, two coats of the color you choose, and a high-shine top coat to finish. Next just enjoy watching your hands turn pages, hold pens, eat lunch, throw things, and see the colors flying at the end of your finger tips.
Pedicures begin with a relaxing soak in warm bubbly water. It's wise to bring a pair of thongs or sandals. Cleaning your cuticles with a cuticle trimmer to trim off the dead skin around the toenail edges comes next. Then the rough and thick parts of your feet and toes will be buffed off (beware if you're ticklish!) with a rough piece of rock called a pumice stone or a metal scraper A dot of oil is rubbed into each toe and the foot is returned to the warm water to soak. A soothing cream and leg rub feels great before your feet are patted dry and cotton or foam forms are inserted between your toenails to keep your toes apart. After nail polish is applied, sit for ten minutes, usually in front of a fan, until the manicurist removes the toe dividers. Then carefully ease into your thongs or sandals because it will be at least another hour before the polish is dried fully. Now, enjoy!
