Nail Care Tips

To keep your nails in the best condition, follow these tips.

• Unless due to a health issue such as iron deficiency, slow growth can just be part of the ageing process. Brittleness can be countered with a nail oil, applied several times a day. Lack of water intake can also also be associated with peeling and breaking nails, so don't forget to drink enough.
• A powdery finish on nails might be a sign of dehydration. Massage in a cuticle oil, moisturise after washing hands and use a heavy-duty night balm. Products that contain alcohol cause dryness, so reserve hand sanitisers for emergencies.
• Incorrect removal of gels can damage nails, so never pick off the colour as you will take off a layer of the natural nail plate. Acetone remover is also very drying. Having regular gels weakens nails over time, no matter how carefully removed. 
• Ridged nails are caused by several things, including age and nail damage. Use cuticle oil regularly at base of nail to revive the nail plate, and help protect from further ridges developing.
• Over-exposure to water (e.g. frequent hand washing) can cause nails to peel. Ask for a soak-free manicure. Always wear gloves when washing up.
• If you are not a polish wearer: massage a cuticle oil in a backwards motion; never cut the cuticles, as it only makes the cuticle grow back thicker; then use a three-way buffer for natural shine, but don't overbuff as this will make nails thinner.
• File it right. The goal is to shape the nail rather than trim it down (always use a clipper for that). Apply gently pressure when filing; don't use a see-saw motion as this cause all the layers of the nail to lift and peel. For the same reason, always bevel down in one direction.
• Use an emery board. Glass files are softer but you risk overdoing it as it takes longer to see results.
• When trimming nails, use the sides of the clipper to nibble across the nails as this puts less pressure on them.
• A 'squoval' shape (round at the sides and straight at the top) gives the most natural strength to your nails. Round nails tend to have a weaker tip, while perfectly square nails can catch at the sides.

Source: Feature in Good Housekeeping, October 2019