By Aysha Ibtasam
New York, USA

 APR 28, 2009: As much as I want to say summer will arrive soon, I can’t, given the unpredictable weather of this country. You wear a winter coat one day and the next you are stripping it. But nonetheless summer will arrive, I hope, which means, it’s time to show feet and hands. It’s very important to take care of your feet and hands in the summer time since they are exposed to the sun, dirt, and whatever the wind might throw in your direction. Manicures and Pedicures twice a week or even monthly are beneficial to healthy skin and nails.

In the summer time, it’s best to paint your nail in lighter shades to keep it soft and easy or if you want to be daring and have never tried a bright color before, summer is the best time to do so. A French manicure is classic and always look great. It works with all skin tones. If you are opting for solid color nails make sure the color compliments your skin tone. If your hands have too many lines and wrinkles it’s best to go for lighter shades, that way you don’t draw unwanted attention to your hands. People with medium skin tone can pretty much try all the colors, even green! However, fair or light skin tone individuals should opt for darker shades of pinks, beige or bright shades; they should stay away from very light shades which will only make their hands paler. Those of you with a darker skin tone should try colors that are lighter on the hands and should stay away from reds, orange or shocking pink, unless you have impeccable smooth radiant skin.

Nail salons offer designs and embellishments to further enhance nails. I would recommend getting simple floral designs or studs for decoration, anything too complicated or busy just looks tacky. In the summer time, it’s best to keep nail designs simple for a fresh clean look. Getting one nail decorated instead of all five is rather chic and trendy.

Also, taking good care of your hands is important. Keeping nails clean and trim; using a good moisturizer to keep hands smooth and dry free. I will share a few tips on how to keep your hands looking clean and smooth. Clean and trim nails tell a lot about a persons hygiene. Personally, females should not grow their nails past 3/8″ to ½” length, otherwise they start to turn a yellowish or brown color if you don’t keep them clean on a daily basis.

Depending on your fingers and preference you can either file your nails round or square. Then, in a small container, squeeze few drops of lemon and few drops of water, dip Q-tip into the solution you have created and rub the inside and outside of the nails. This will instantly clean your nails and polish them removing discoloration and any dirt you might have collected on the surface of the nail or underneath. Using a good buffer, rub the outside of the nails, 10-15 seconds per nail. A good buffer should be able to shine your nails, revealing natural oils to the surface. The shine literally lasts a couple of days and even up to weeks if you rub long enough. The buffer is great if you don’t want to wear clear polish but get the same result. If your hands are dry then use a quality moisturizer. Don’t wash your hands with very hot water since this only looses natural oil from the skin. Wash your hands with lukewarm or cold water. Always wear rubber gloves when washing dishes. Here is a tip: apply oil or lotion to your hands before slipping on washing gloves; this will give your hands a massage when you wash dishes with hot water.

However, I must say, that when getting a Mani or Pedi from a salon be sure to take your own tools. It’s very easy to come into contact with Hepatitis, nail fungal or any other skin diseases if you are not careful. I always take my own kit, whether the nail salon ladies like it or not. This is no joke, I honestly, once went to a nail salon and saw the worker giving herself a pedicure and she had discolored nails and it looked like a serious nail infection. She was using the same tools she would use for the customers! I never went there again. Mind you, this was the woman who was laughing and muttering something to her co-worker due to the fact that I brought my own nail kit to get a Mani and Pedi. Go figure!

Do yourself a favor and buy the following items and make your own kit. This will give you a peace of mind, disease free Mani / Pedi and healthy nails.
Nail cutter

Nail filer

Cuticle remover/ nipper

Buffer

Metal cuticle pusher

Branchwood sticks

Pumice stone

Callous shaver

Foot Brush

Cuticle gel or cream

Some salons welcome your own kit and even store it if you are a regular customer. So next time you visit a nail salon be sure to take your own kit. Be smart!