There are many different types of manicures, each one offering a way to beautify your hands and fingernails.

You can easily give yourself a manicure, or have one done professionally. There are many manicure products on the market for those who chose to do their own nails. You can even buy a manicure kit, with everything you need.

Getting a manicure is a great way to help you feel good about yourself. And it does not matter if your nails are long or short.

The word manicure derives from Latin, meaning hand and care.

A French manicure is a very popular choice, yet can also get quite expensive, if you are always having one done at a salon.

Many women will give themselves one, and with a little bit of practice you will soon be a professional.

First remove any nail polish you may have on. File and shape your nails to a square shape. Next, use a cuticle remover, if you don't have one, you can use olive oil, almond oil or sunflower oil mixed with a little sugar.

Soak your fingernails in warm, soapy water to help soften cuticles, although I would suggest you skip this step if you have thin, brittle fingernails.

Just wash and gently push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher (orange stick). Trim any excess skin off from around your nails with nail clippers.

Clean under each nail with the pointed end of the cuticle pusher, when finished buff your nails to remove any ridges and provide a smooth surface for the nail polish.

Apply a base coat, when dry apply guide strips, you can buy these in a packet, or paint on your own. Using the guide strips makes the whole process easier.

Just peel of a guide strip and apply to the tip of your fingernails, follow the nails natural curve. This strip will help you paint an even white tip to your nail, making sure you don't get any white polish on the nail below the guide.

Allow to dry completely.

When finished, apply nail polish color, this is usually beige, nude or pale pink color, over the entire nail. When dry, apply a top coat, to help your French manicure last longer.

If you have very brittle and thin fingernails, to help strengthen them, soak your nails in warm olive oil for around 10 to 15 minutes. Soak them in warm olive oil before you do your French manicure.