Repeat this until your nail is the desired shape. Then do the same on the other side, working out from the opposite edge to the center. Maintain the uni-direction theme until your nails are the shape you desire. Also, side growth makes the nail look longer. You can add a bit of scented oil to the water to make your hands even softer.
Some manicurists add salt to keep the hands from becoming too pruney.
Again, this is one of your many creative nail decisions. Keep your hands in the water for a few minutes, or until they just start to wrinkle. When you're done soaking, take your hands out of the water and gently dry them on a towel. Now it's time to push back your cuticles. Never ever ever ever cut living tissue from the cuticle.