Beautiful You by Suzanne Edmonds

So many of us are guilty of using our nails as tools – levering open jars, scratching off stickers, and even using them to clean things.

We subject our hands and nails to harsh detergents and cleaning solutions which strip them of their natural health.

So it’s no surprise that dry skin and brittle nails are common complaints.

Fortunately, there are ways to nurture your nails and hands back to their natural perfection.

My first piece of advice is to always remember the following mantra: your nails are jewels, not tools! That means wearing gloves for household chores – you’ll reap the benefits in your hands and nails.

Now for your secret weapon for good-looking nails – oil. Oil for nails is like conditioner for hair- it hydrates, nourishes and shines.

Just a tiny drop on each nail, massaged into the nail bed and cuticle, encourages healthy nail health. Oil will also reduce those nasty hangnails – the bits of loose skin or cuticle at the sides of your nails.

Oil is the cheat’s way of looking freshly manicured, even when you don’t have time to paint your nails.

Another common complaint is nail staining. The best way to avoid this is to use a quality base coat before applying your colour polish.

It’s worth investing in quality nail polish if you can afford it – it lasts longer, protects your nails better and will stain less. Applying a good topcoat is the secret for a shiny and long-lasting finish.

It’s important to check the ingredients of your nail products. These are the five “nasties” to avoid: the chemicals Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor. Also make sure your nail products are free of “TPO” (Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide) - a toxic product now banned in Europe.

Nail enhancements often get a bad rap for ruining nails. It’s certainly important to be cautious and choose a reputable salon with qualified nail technicians and a very high level of hygiene standards.

Done the right way, a good nail enhancement – high quality gel or acrylic - won’t ruin your nails. The risk is actually the removal of the product – if you pick it off, layers of your own nail will come off with it.

If your nails have been damaged in this way, it’s important to see a nail expert to nurture your nails back to their former glory. The best course of action is often simply plenty of oil for a week or so, to allow the nails chance to recover. A high quality gel product will help strong nails grow back.

Suzanne Edmonds is owner of De Lux salon in Cherrywood, Tauranga.

Giveaway!

We're excited to be giving away a gel nail manicure. To enter to, just email us at delux.beauty@xtra.com with why you'd like to win this prize. We'd love to hear from you!