Whilst your kitchen shears may be handier, it’s important to use the proper tool for the job. Always cut your nails after a bath or shower when they’re slightly softer than normal. Cut in an arc, following the natural line of your fingertip.
Invest in a nail file
Yes it looks girly having one in your bathroom cabinet, but you need it so get over yourself! Keeping your nails rounded and smooth prevents all kinds of misshapen defects from occurring (“Hello, Mr. Hangnail”), as well as encouraging even and consistent growth.
Keep nails clean
Make sure you give your nails a good wash every day. Nothing looks more unprofessional than dirty nails; use a scrubbing brush to remove that stubborn filth that builds up around the nail bed, not a knife tip or safety pin – let’s face it: both are guaranteed to go awry at some point.
Eliminate funky fingers
If you find your nails are turning a nasty shade of green, it’s probably a bacterial or fungal growth. Stop it in its tracks with a good quality antibacterial agent and specialist soap. If you’re still having concerns, go and see your doctor!
Don’t kill your cuticles
The area of skin that connects your nail to your finger is meant to be there – don’t start picking at it and making yourself bleed. If you’re getting an intense build up around the cuticle area, use the tool from a manicure set to gently push back the skin after having a bath or shower.
Don’t cut too finely
Always leave a little bit of white when trimming down your nails. If you trim too much you’ll be leaving yourself open to the risk of all kinds of nasty infections. That, and increased difficulty in peeling back sticky labels and oranges.
Stop chewing
If you’re hungry, tuck into a nice hot snack – not your poor fingertips. Stop biting and tearing your nails; If you’re really stuck on the habit, there are special varnishes you can apply to stop them from tasting as good as they are currently are.
Never Buff
Gentlemen, please leave this one to the ladies; nothing screams “I’m wearing nail polish” quite like a pair of hands that have recently been under the buffing machine at the local nail salon. You’ve been warned!
