Summer is upon us. The time for acrylic nails, pedicures, and nail art is here. Many people rush to the nail salon to have those coveted French tips applied, with little to no maintenance in between visits. What many people don't realize is a regular, natural manicure can have the same effect as acrylic nails without the damage.

Acrylic nails give you instant beauty and strength. The polish, whether lacquer or air brush, lasts until the next fill-in. Many nail technicians can even do such a convincing application that the nails look natural. Acrylics are good for on-the-go women who don't have the time or patience to wait on their own nails to grow.

Having patience does have its advantages, though. The first is cost. Generally, natural manicures are less costly than acrylic nails. The second is wear and tear. Regular, weekly natural manicures actually help strengthen your own nails as they grow. Have you ever tried to remove a set of acrylic nails? The nail plate underneath is left sensitive and paper-thin. The effects of this can take as long as six to eight months to repair. However, after six months of regular natural manicures, your own nails will be strong enough that people will soon be asking if they're real.

No matter which you choose, there are things you can do to enhance your hands and nails in between visits to your nail technician. First, address your cuticles. Keep them pushed back. The best time to do this is immediately after a shower, when they're soft and pliable. Also, use cuticle oil of professional strength. Apply one drop to each cuticle and allow it to soak into your skin and nail. These two things help prevent nail polish from chipping and acrylic nails from lifting.

Second, wear gloves. Doing even regular housework and gardening can be extremely damaging to nails of any kind. Wearing gloves helps you keep your beautiful nails while still doing the gardening you love.

Third, get regular monthly or bi-weekly paraffin dips. This is a process where the hands are lathered in lotion and cuticle oil, dipped in hot wax, and wrapped in a mitten. The heat opens pores, and the wax seals in the moisture, helping the hands and nails soak in as much moisture as possible. This process leaves your hands feeling baby soft. This is a wonderful treat no matter what kind of nails you prefer.

While many people don't think about their feet, pedicures can be very relaxing and beneficial. Pedicures are meant to clean toenails and cuticles, soften any calluses, and increase blood circulation to the feet and legs. The biggest benefits of a pedicure are the relaxing qualities. When massaged, the pressure points in your feet allow your entire body to relax. A good foot massage can even be relaxing to the most ticklish person. Another benefit is improving the look of your feet. We all know summer is the time to put those tootsies on display.

We all come into contact with people we want to impress every day. Put your best foot forward, and reach out a beautifully manicured hand for that handshake. TPW