Give Him Your Perfect Hand in Marriage
by Christal Brinson-Dienne

From the day you put on your engagement ring until after you say “I Do”, your hands will be the center of attention. Here are tips from a professional manicurist on how to make your hands soft, well-groomed and camera- ready on your wedding day.

Step by step “must do’s” before putting your hand in his.

1. Start your nail-grooming regimen at least two months before your wedding date.

One manicure the day before your wedding is just not going to do it. Getting perfect hands and nails is a process that takes time and effort. So you can never begin too early. Over a period of time, consistent hand care can transform rough, unattractive hands into lovely, soft, well-groomed hands that you’ll be proud to show off.

2. Have your nails serviced at an upscale salon/spa.

A spa manicure is preferred because it cares for and conditions your entire hand. A spa manicure exfoliates, hydrates and moisturizes your hands, allowing best conditions for fast, healthy nail growth.
The benefits are plentiful. You will receive an extended manicure/hand treatment with quality, top-of-the-line products along with a personal consultation from a professional nail care expert.

3.Very dry hands? Get a paraffin treatment to help hydrate.

If you haven’t yet tried a paraffin treatment, you must!
Even the driest of hands can benefit. Your hands will be dipped in heated paraffin conditioners which will stimulate your fingers, soften your cuticles and relax your entire hand.

Ask about aroma therapeutic paraffin, mixed with special conditioning oils to further enhance your spa manicure experience.

TIPS FOR ARTIFICIAL NAIL WEARERS!

Your best bet is a thin layer of acrylic shaped with rounded corners (even if the nail is square). With an active nail length, less is best for nail art. To spotlight the wedding ring, nail art or designs should be limited to the ring finger only.

Helpful hint: In order to ensure that you get proper cuticle care, it is recommended that you get your manicure in between your refill, rather than at the time of your artificial nail service.

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE SPA?

If you cannot make it to the salon/spa, try an at-home manicure.
Stop by your local beauty supply store and purchase a nail file, nail brush, cuticle remover, cuticle oil, cuticle cream, protein nail strengthener, three-way buffer file and, don’t forget, the pumice cuticle pusher.

• Use your nail brush while washing your hands thoroughly under running water. Once your nails are dry, file
them to shape (square or round).
• Fill any bowl with warm to hot soapy water.
• Apply and reapply cuticle remover while soaking your hands long enough to allow your cuticles to become soft and pliable.
• Push back cuticles with the pumice pusher.
• Dry your hands and buff your nails with cuticle oil and a soft cloth to a high shine finish. Buffing adds strength to nails.
• Wash your hands again and apply a quality nail polish with protein natural nail strengthener.
• If applying color, remember to purchase a quick-dry, top coat polish to minimize smudges.
• Even with the quick-dry top coat, allow ample time to let nails dry, for a perfect finish.

A certified reflexologist, newlywed Christal Brinson-Dieme is a 16-year veteran of the salon spa business residing in the Philadelphia area.