What is the first step in performing a manicure?

Sanitizing the hands and tools is the foundational step in performing a manicure. This crucial action helps to ensure a clean and hygienic environment, which is pivotal for avoiding the risk of infections and promoting overall nail health. Proper sanitation minimizes the transfer of bacteria and viruses between clients and ensures that the tools used during the manicure are free of contaminants.

By starting with sanitation, you create a safe atmosphere both for the client receiving the manicure and for yourself as the technician. It establishes a standard of cleanliness that is essential in any beauty treatment, setting the tone for the rest of the procedure. Once this step is completed, the other actions, such as removing old nail polish, filing the nails, and applying base coat, can be performed with confidence that the process is hygienic.