1. Don’t Clip Your Cuticles 

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Your cuticles serve as a sort of shield against external aggressors, so cutting them means risking all manner of infections, as you’re essentially granting germs, grime and gunk access to the vulnerable underside of your nails.

Instead of slashing your cuticles into submission, what you should do is to softly push them back using nail-specific wooden sticks; this will also lend the illusion of leaner, longer fingers. And be scrupulous about sterilising your clippers – dunk them in soapy scalding water! – and only utilise them on your nails proper.

2. Apply Sunscreen if You Love Gel Manis

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If you know you’ll be rocking gel extensions, prep in advance by slathering on a high SPF body cream – and this is best practice for everyone, nail art addict or otherwise. There’s no shame in being sun-safe!

3. Avoid Using Hand Sanitizer All The Time

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Hand sanitizers are often filled with alcohol and can be relatively dehydrating and hang nail inducing. Be sure to use hand cream and moisturise your hands.

4. Don’t Peel Off Your Nail Polish/Gel or Acrylic Extensions

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Doing so could damage your nails and cause trauma to it. Instead, get them removed professionally.

5. Moisturise Your Nail Beds

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Simply slap on oodles of ointment around each nail-bed, then wipe off any excess after about five minutes or so. This targeted treatment is amazing for alleviating painful hangnails, so feel free to massage any excess product directly onto your digits and the back of your hand.

Text: Eugene Quek/HerWorldPlus

Additional Reporting: Atika Lim