Video:How to Do a French Manicure

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Transcript:How to Do a French Manicure

Hi, I'm Kathy Yan, owner of Ohm Spa in New York City, here for About.com. We're going to show you how a French Manicure is done.

Tools for a French Manicure

For a French Manicure, the following tools will be needed: Nail clipper, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, two files, an orange stick, rubbing alcohol, polish remover, cotton balls, sanitizer, nail buffer, hot damp towel, soaking bowl, cuticle removal cream and cuticle moisturizer, hand lotion, base coat, top coat, nail lacquer, and paper towel.

Clean the Hands and Nails

Ask the client to take off the watch and jewelry from his or her hands and place them in a small container. Sanitize the client's hands using an astringent or sanitizer, to remove contaminants, and rub briskly until absorbed. Remove existing nail enamel using a low-acetone or acetone-free polish remover and cotton balls.

Trim the Nails

Apply a small amount of cuticle remover cream and massage evenly around the cuticle of each nail, using a circular motion. Inspect the nails. Ask the client regarding their preference for nail length and shape. If necessary, trim the nail from the sides to prevent splitting.

File and Buff the Nail

File the nail in one direction, in a 45 degree angle to the nail base. Then gently buff the nail plate with a buffing cube in the direction of nail growth and smooth the nail edges. Buff the fingernail until you are satisfied with its overall smoothness, but be careful to buff the nails gently.

Clean Up Cuticles

If necessary, soak the fingertips in warm water for five minutes to soften the hard and dry cuticles. Remove fingers from bowl and pat dry with a towel. Gently slide a cuticle pusher along the nail plate toward the cuticle area in a small, circular motion. Wipe off the dead skin with a lint-free pad and rubbing alcohol. If necessary, use a cuticle nipper to carefully remove the loosened cuticle as well as any loose pieces of non-living tissue.

Massage Lotion into Hands

Add a generous amount of hand lotion onto both the hands and arms, and massage until completely absorbed, always with an upward motion. This can help blood flow for healthier and younger looking hands. Lastly, wrap a hot towel around the hands and then reapply a little lotion afterward if needed.

Apply a Base Coat

Gently clean beneath free nail edges with an orange stick and rubbing alcohol. Remove nail residue on the nail bed with polish remover. For a French Manicure, apply one thin coat of base coat or strengthening base coat for those who have weaker or chipping nails. Make sure to paint slightly beneath free nail edges to prevent color chipping.

Paint Nails in French Manicure

Once polishing is complete, wipe off any polish mistakes on the surrounding skin precisely. Great job, Ada, on the French Manicure! It really does add an air of sophistication.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.