Checklist for a manicure and pedicure, broken down into steps:

Manicure Checklist

Preparation:

• [ ] Gather supplies:
  • [ ] Nail polish remover
  • [ ] Cotton balls or pads
  • [ ] Nail clippers
  • [ ] Nail file
  • [ ] Cuticle pusher or orange stick
  • [ ] Cuticle¹ nippers (optional)
  • [ ] Hand soak bowl or warm water
  • [ ] Hand lotion or cuticle oil
  • [ ] Base coat
  • [ ] Nail polish (color of choice)
  • [ ] Top coat
• [ ] Clean and sanitize tools.
• [ ] Prepare a clean workspace.

Nail Care:

• [ ] Remove old nail polish.
• [ ] Clip nails to desired length.
• [ ] File nails into desired shape.
• [ ] Soak hands in warm, soapy water for 3-5 minutes.
• [ ] Gently push back cuticles.
• [ ] Trim any hangnails or excess cuticle (if necessary and with care).
• [ ] Buff nail surface (optional, for smooth application).
• [ ] Clean under nails.

Polish Application:

• [ ] Apply a thin layer of base coat.
• [ ] Apply 1-2 thin coats of nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely.
• [ ] Apply a top coat for shine and longevity.
• [ ] Clean up any mistakes with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover.
• [ ] Apply cuticle oil or hand lotion.
• [ ] Allow nails to dry completely.

Pedicure Checklist

Preparation:

• [ ] Gather supplies:
  • [ ] Nail polish remover
  • [ ] Cotton balls or pads
  • [ ] Nail clippers
  • [ ] Nail file
  • [ ] Cuticle pusher or orange stick
  • [ ] Cuticle² nippers (optional)
  • [ ] Foot soak basin or warm water
  • [ ] Epsom salts or foot soak solution (optional)
  • [ ] Foot scrub
  • [ ] Pumice stone or foot file
  • [ ] Foot lotion or cuticle oil
  • [ ] Toe separators
  • [ ] Base coat
  • [ ] Nail polish (color of choice)
  • [ ] Top coat
• [ ] Clean and sanitize tools.
• [ ] Prepare a clean workspace.

Foot Care:

• [ ] Remove old nail polish.
• [ ] Clip toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
• [ ] File toenails into desired shape.
• [ ] Soak feet in warm, soapy water (with Epsom salts or foot soak, if desired) for 5-10 minutes.
• [ ] Gently push back cuticles.
• [ ] Trim any hangnails or excess cuticle (if necessary and with care).
• [ ] Exfoliate feet with a foot scrub.
• [ ] Use a pumice stone or foot file to remove calluses and rough skin.
• [ ] Rinse and dry feet thoroughly.
• [ ] Apply foot lotion or cuticle oil.
• [ ] Place toe separators.

Polish Application:

• [ ] Apply a thin layer of base coat.
• [ ] Apply 1-2 thin coats of nail polish, allowing each coat to dry completely.
• [ ] Apply a top coat for shine and longevity.
• [ ] Clean up any mistakes with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover.
• [ ] Allow toenails to dry completely.