Hair and Beauty Introduction/Nail Art

Nails: Care, Manicure and Art

Definition A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands. Preknowledge Prior knowledge of manicure theory application and practical capabilities have been determined prior to your participation. You have had a general introduction to manicures including practical learning activities and theory sessions. For example, step by step teacher demonstrations in class.  You are currently practicing in class; you will continue to do so, as you will complete manicure and nail care activities in class. You will need to take front view and side view photographs in class of your work in progress and upload into your Student Central with a heading: Manicure and nail care activities on the Millennium Hair and Beauty Wiki web site.

Nail Art Image courtesy of pumpkincat210

Outcomes

At the end of this session you should / will be able to:  Select and apply basic nail care techniques using the manicare resource as a guide, performing a manicure on a model. Apply your creativity using Nail polish application techniques you have acquired, or would like to try. Have an understanding of the nail care basic manicure application for your model, practicing in class, learning about manicare and sterilization of nail files and how to store and use products and hand creams.

Manicures can be performed either at home or in a nail salon by a licensed professional nail technician or manicurist. A manicure treatment is not only a treatment for the natural nails but also for the hands. A manicure consists of filing, shaping of the free edge, cuticle treatments, and massage of the hand and the application of polish. There are also manicure services that are specialties for the hands and feet. For the hands, the soaking of a softening substance and the application of a lotion is a common speciality. This procedure can be applied to the toenails and feet, this treatment is referred to as a Pedicure. The word "manicure" derives from Latin: manus for "hand," cura for "care."

Other nail treatments may include the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels.

In many areas, manicurists are licensed and follow regulation. Since skin is manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is a certain risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people and, therefore, sanitation is a serious issue.