NAIL CARE HACKS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

The cost of going to the salon every few weeks adds up. Here's how to achieve perfect nails in the comfort of your own home

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Having fabulous nails is all about the length, the colour, the polish and the nail art, right? If we have artificial nails, it’s easy to forget about the maintenance and health of our real nails underneath. But it is possible to have gorgeous, well-groomed nails without resorting to falsies (which damage nails) or spending a fortune. Get back to basics with these nail-care hacks:

MOISTURISE
You use face cream religiously, but your nails and cuticles need moisturiser too, which helps keep them healthy and prevents dryness and brittleness. Apply a nourishing cuticle oil or hand lotion regularly to keep your nails and surrounding skin replenished. This also helps prevent cracks, peeling and hangnails (a small flap of skin hanging loose next to your nail).

PROTECT
Prolonged dishwashing or household cleaning with harsh detergents can weaken nails. Protect them (and the skin on your hands) by wearing rubber gloves while doing chores that involve water, and moisturise your nails and hands afterwards.

TRIM
Regular trimming is essential to maintain the neat shape of your nails and prevent breakage. Use a quality nail clipper (no biting!) and trim your nails straight across, slightly rounding the edges. Avoid cutting them too short to prevent ingrown nails. Always have a nail file at hand to fix snags, chips or rough edges from day to day. Tip: if you have weak nails, keeping them short for a period of time also helps strengthen them.

CUTICLE CARE
Cuticles act as a protective barrier for the nail bed, preventing infections. Instead of cutting them, gently push them back after showering or soaking your hands in warm water, using a wooden cuticle stick or a soft face cloth. If you have a hangnail, carefully trim it using a pair of nail scissors (again, don’t bite it off!), then soak in warm water and disinfect the area.

FEED YOUR NAILS
A good diet builds strong, healthy nails. Eat protein-rich foods (lean meats, salmon, eggs, beans), lots of fruit, leafy greens and nuts, and use supplements containing vitamins E and B (especially biotin or B7), magnesium and iron.

STRENGTHEN
Before applying nail polish, always use a good-quality base coat. It not only extends the life of your nail polish but also provides a protective layer that prevents staining and damage to the nail bed. If you have weak or brittle nails, try a nail hardener with ingredients such as keratin and calcium to reinforce the nails and prevent them from breaking easily.

BE KIND
Use an acetone-free polish remover. Acetone is harsh and drying, causing nails to become brittle and weak. Look for removers that contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or glycerin to minimise damage. Also, let your nails ‘breathe’ and give them a break from the polish every so often.



HEY, HYGIENE!
– If fingernails are not dried properly, they may split, especially if they’re long. The leftover moisture under the nails can also encourage infections. 

– Clean your manicure tools and disinfect them before and after each use. 

– Keep the area under your nails clean by removing grime daily and after ‘dirty’ jobs around the house. A nail brush or old toothbrush is the perfect tool for the job.

BEAUTY
Use natural disinfectants like tea tree oil, which can help kill bacteria.

Words by: Charndre Emma Kippie
Photographs: Gallo/Getty Images, Stockphoto