Mirror Mirror on the Wall

with Val Starr

With so much negative and gloomy news we are subjected to these days, our futures sadly seem far from certain.

Of course, our lovely nails do not know this and will keep on growing no matter what; unless with all the worry we start biting them or picking our cuticles – I hope not!

You might be thinking about cutting back on salon manicures and attempting some DIY nail care in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few tips to keep your nails flawless and bring a little cheer to our day in these uncertain times. Why not treat the whole family to a manicure day? Cuticles

If you want lovely nails you must take care of your cuticles. Start by applying a good oil moisturiser daily so they do not become dry and you are tempted to pull at them.

There are, of course, many cuticle oils on the market but you can also use coconut oil, which is effective and inexpensive. If you like the fragrance, it might just transport you back to lovely holidays.

Avocado oil and Vitamin E will also work well. Massage any excess oil onto the hands.

You will notice when your cuticles are well moisturised that it will improve growth and keep your nails looking in good shape for longer. Don’t cut your cuticles, as this will remove a protective seal at the base of the nails which can lead to an infection. Be gentle – as hard as they may appear, your nails are delicate.

Your nails are often an insight into what else is going on with your general health. Dry and brittle nails can be a sign of the natural ageing process, but could also be a sign that you are dehydrated, so remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Washing up without gloves is a no-no, and swimming or long-term use of nail polish can have a detrimental effect. It helps to give our nails a break from polish occasionally.

Filing is another aspect of nail care we frequently do not do correctly, and this can affect the growth and health of our nails. Filing back and forth in a harsh manner can lead to breakage and peeling. The correct way is to file in only one direction, following the grain of your nail.

Tea tree oil is a great tool to have to avoid any infections on your precious fingertips. When stressed, a nice warm bath seems a good place to unwind, but lengthy soaking of the nails tends to weaken them, so less is more here.

At this time of year our ‘tootsies’ are less on display, but hopefully you have been treating them with the same care as your fingernails. Why not consider a break from dark colours which can yellow the nails, and instead opt for a nude or clear polish? Finger nails need a good base coat before applying your choice of colour. If you want a longer lasting manicure, apply thinner coats of varnish – thick coats take forever to dry. Seal the colour with a top coat and top it up after a couple of days. All your hard work will pay off with your ‘at home’ manicure. The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 11