At one time or another, we’ve all suffered from weak, brittle, ridged and chipped nails. Unfortunately, not many of us have the time for a regular salon manicure. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to keep your skin looking healthy, strong and even shiny for weeks on end.
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Follow these 7 essential tips to keep your clippers in check:
Most of us don’t realise just how much healthy cuticles go hand in hand with heathy nails,” says Sally Hansen nail expert, Alison Bowhill-Hayes. “Cuticles are important because it’s the piece of skin that connects your nails. It’s also a protective barrier, covering the cells that help to grow and build your nails,” she explains. “Poor cuticle care can lead to unhealthy nails and even infection.”
Manicurist Jessica Diez recommends pushing the cuticles back instead of cutting them. “To keep cuticles in tiptop condition, apply a few drops of cuticle remover and push the excess skin back in a gentle circular motion using an orangewood stick,” she advises. “To finish, apply and massage cuticle oil into the nail bed. This will help prevent painful hangnails and make for a clean smooth surface for nail polish.”
Always use nail polish removers with strengthening or conditioning agents in them. “Try to use products with a small percentage of acetone, but over-using nail polish remover dehydrates the nail plate, causing flaking,” advises Alison.
Then, moisturise with hand masks or creams. “They ensure that any fine cracks on dry hands or cuticles are sealed and become less visible, making your hands look younger and more plumped up, as though you’ve been moisturising daily,” says Alysia.
Get rid of dirt and dead skin on your knuckles and in-between your fingers by using an exfoliator or creating your own at-home scrub. Manicurist Alysia Wong, from Lacquer & Spa, says, “Simply combine sugar with your favourite moisturiser, making sure there is more sugar than moisturiser to clean away any impurities on your hands.”
Just as you would trim your hair regularly to get rid of split ends, your nails need similar TLC. Make sure to clip them every fortnightly or so, depending on your nail growth. Try to soak your nails in water before cutting to soften them, making them easier to work with.
Keeping a nail file in your handbag is useful for smoothening any rough edges from daily wear and tear.
What you eat is as important for your hair and teeth as it is for your nails, so watch your diet, especially if you have weak and brittle nails. Fill up on protein-rich foods like fish and nuts, as well as biotin supplements and Vitamin E daily.
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Text: Bauer / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew
Photo: Pixabay