Nail Care

Nail Care

Filing
File your finger nails using good quality emery boards. Use long strokes from the corner of the nail to the centre rather than backwards and forwards strokes which can cause splitting. Aim for oval shaped or slighty square nail tips. Toe nails are best cut using nail clippers which are stronger than scissors.

Cuticle Treatment
Soak your hands in warm soapy water to soften the cuticles. You can use cuticle trimmers to remove overgrown and unsightly cuticles but this is only recommended if you have learnt the correct technique. Cuticles serve a purpose in keeping bacteria from entering where the nail bed meets the skin and should not be trimmed away completely. Cuticle trimming is normally best left to the professional manicurist. After soaking your nails, use wooden or rubber tipped cuticle sticks to push back the cuticles. This improves the appearance of your nails.

Nail Polish
For best results use a clear base coat before applying the top coat of varnish. Avoid inexpensive, poor quality nail varnishes which can chip easily. If you rarely have the time to let your nail polish dry and harden naturally, consider purchasing an electical dryer. Available from on-line stores.

Removing Nail Polish
Use an acetone-free nail varnish remover. Acetone has a very drying effect on the nails causing them to become brittle. Removers are available in liquid form or in pads.

Weak and Brittle Nails
Use a nail strengthening product available as a cream that you massage into your nails or a clear liquid that you apply with a brush. You may also need Vitamin B and Vitamin C supplements which help to strengthen nails. See our page on vitamins and minerals. There are many nail repair kits available which contain fibre strips and adhesive for emergency repairs to broken nails.

Nail Extensions & Nail Art
Nail extensions have become very popular in recent years with some shops set up around the country devoted exclusively to providing manicures, pedicures and nail extensions. Can provide glamourous nails if your own nails are weak and prone to breaking but require regular maintenance with return trips to the salon every 2-4 weeks for nail growth infills. Expect to pay in the region of £10-£20 for manicures and pedicures and £35-£50 for a full set of nail extensions.

Nail Art
Also gaining in popularity is nail art. Offered by many nail salons using the latest digital nail printers with a huge variety of designs available to match any outfit and suit any occasion.

Nail Art 3D stickers
You can also consider doing your own using 3D self-adhesive nail stickers. Available in a variety of designs from on-line stores at approximately £2.00 per page of assorted stickers.

Caring for your hands, feet and nails
Apply hand cream and moisturising cream to the feet daily. Wear gloves when you are washing up or hand washing clothes, cleaning work surfaces, basins, etc. Constant immersion in water or exposure to cleaning chemicals is bad for the skin and weakens the nails. Toe nails can be prone to fungal infections. If your toe nails are very hard, discoloured/yellow in colour and have ridges, then you may have a fungal infection. Anti-fungal creams are available at chemists and on-line stores.

Nail Care Products

Emery Boards

Clippers

Cuticle Trimmers

Cuticle Sticks

Cuticle Creams/Softeners

Nail Buffers/Polishing Files

Toe Separators

Manicure/Pedicure Sets