A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands enjoyed by both sexes. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A standard manicure usually includes filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish. Some specialty manicures, such as the French Manicure, may also be offered. Treatments for hands usually include soaking in a softening substance and application of hand lotion. A similar treatment performed on the feet is a pedicure. The word "manicure" comes from the Latin manus, meaning "hand," and cura meaning "care".

Various services for nails can be provided, such as the application of artificial nails such as nail tips, acrylics and artificial nail gels. A manicurist can also apply treatments to real nails, such as filing, polishing, and painting. Fancier manicures include painting pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels.

In many areas, manicurists are regulated and must be licensed. Because the skin is being manipulated and sometimes trimmed, and because there is a risk of infection when tools are used on multiple people, proper sanitation is critical.

History

It began 5000 years ago. In India,  henna was used for manicure. The term mehendi, used synonymously for henna, derives from the Sanskrit mehandika. Much of the modern revival of henna derives from its popularity in India.

Preparation

A manicurist prepares for a customer by ensuring that the working area and tools are sanitized and conveniently located. This might include sanitizing the working surface, such as a table top, placing clean metal implements into a jar with sanitizing liquid, and having sanitized towels and new tools such as orange sticks and emery boards arranged neatly near the working area. Soaking liquids are not reused, and all water used can be boiled or otherwise sanitized. These preparations prevent the possible spread of disease. Proper lighting is also important.

Common manicure tools and supplies

Tools

    * Bowl of warm water or fingerbath
    * Nail clippers
    * Cuticle clippers
    * Cuticle pusher (either orangewood or metal)
    * Nail file/emery board
    * Nail polishing board
    * Nail scissors
    * Finger brush

Supplies

    * Cuticle remover
    * Cuticle oil
    * Massage lotion
    * Nail polish
          o Base coat polish or ridge filler polish
          o Color polish
          o Top coat or sealant
    * Nail polish remover or nail polish remover wipes
    * Hand lotion
    * Sanitizing spray/towels
    * Cotton balls/pads
    * Hand towels

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