How to Perform a Hot Oil Manicure

A hot oil manicure has many benefits. Hot oil manicures help treat dry hands and brittle nails, and the hot oil treatment is also a great way to relieve discomfort from arthritis and stiff joints. Best of all, you don't even need to go to a nail salon in order to receive this service, since it can be done at home easily and inexpensively.

In order to perform this service, start by removing any old polish which may be on your nails and then soak your hands in a bowl of warm soapy water for a few minutes. The cleaner the nails are, the easier it will be for the hot oil to penetrate. Once the nails are clean, file them to the desired length and shape.

After the nails are filed, gently push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher. Excess cuticle may be trimmed off using nail clippers, but be careful not to cut into the live skin. Once the cuticles have been pushed back, use a fine-grit buffer to smooth the surface of the nail and to remove the shine from the surface of the nail. This will allow the hot oil to better penetrate into the nail.

Now it is time for the hot oil. Just about any type of oil will work for this service, although many salons and spas use grapeseed, safflower, or almond oils. Olive oil, which is readily available and inexpensive, works quite well for this service. Heat the oil by warming in the microwave for about thirty seconds on medium heat. Oil heats up very quickly when microwaved, and oil that is too hot can cause burns to the skin. To create an aromatherapy experience, add a few drops of essential oils into the olive oil. Peppermint, lavender, or orange oils are all great choices.

Once the oil is heated, massage into the hands and nails. Cover the hands with plastic bags in order to trap in the heat, and then put your hands into mittens and allow the oil to penetrate into the skin and nails for 15-20 minutes.

After the hot oil treatment, wipe off the hands with a towel. It is best not to apply nail polish after a hot oil manicure, since the oil will make it hard for the polish to adhere to the surface of the nail. Instead of polish, I recommend using a 3-way nail buffer in order to make the nails smooth and shiny.

Hot oil manicures are a great way to pamper yourself inexpensively, especially during these tough economic times. Giving yourself a hot oil manicure every two weeks will strengthen your nails and keep your hands looking and feeling their best.