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It may not sound very manly, but a manicure is an essential part of pre-wedding grooming for the groom whose wedding ring (and hands) will be one of the star attractions ...

Male grooming has come a long way from the days of a quick back and sides in the barber. Today the modern man cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises and his bathroom cabinet is likely to contain as many anti aging creams, eye creams, radiance peels and tanning products as his other half.

In saying that, hands and nails are one element of personal hygiene that is often overlooked, but for a man on his wedding day, it's one of the most important.

Clean, well manicured nails are a wedding day must and you can chose to do the job yourself or go to a beauty salon or spa for some expert pampering.

D-I-Y manicure
Step one: Place your hands in warm water for around five minutes to soften the cuticles
Step two: Dry your hands and nails and rub a quality olive or cuticle oil into the base of your nails. Using a cuticle stick gently push back your cuticles.
Step three: Wipe away any dead skin and use a cuticle clipper to remove any hang nails.
Step four: Using a nail file, file down the nail. Shape your nails with a nail file from the edges to the centre being careful not to apply to much pressure, sweeping the file in one direction.
Step five: Finish off the manicure by buffing your nails with a nail buffer file. A buffer file usually has three sides: the top cleans, the second conditions, and the third shines the nail plate.
Step six: Massage hands with mosituriser,

TOP TIP: Cut a lemon in half and twist your fingers back and forth into the lemon to clean your cuticles and your nails. The bleaching and cleaning properties of the lemon leave your hands and nails smelling fresh and clean.