How to keep your nails shining

If you are constantly bothered by brittle nails that break easily, bad growth, or hygiene problems such as dirt and discolouration, it’s time to try some daily tips. Experts Ragini Mehra and Sapna Bedi-Khaitan lists practical ways to take care of nails.

Practise good nail hygiene: Manicure and pedicure help maintain healthy and shiny nails. Stick to salons that have properly-trained professionals. Wear gloves for better nail care when gardening or housecleaning, to protect the polish and keep dirt out of your nails.

Choose correct nail lacquer and nail care collection: Wearing nail polish does not harm healthy nails, but some nail polishes and acrylics are full of harsh chemicals that cause nail brittleness, dryness, and thinning. Ensure that you use products that are free of parabens, sulphates, toxins, and gluten.

Hydrate your hands: It is advised to wash hands with lukewarm water to help keep the nails soft and smooth. Use a hand cream enriched with fruit extracts. It will also help help keep the hands moisturised.

Coat it up: Bottom and top coat may seem unimportant, but they help to keep our nails from chipping, splitting, cracking and strengthen and protect the nail from being stained. Pick up a top coat which has an external barrier harder than traditional top coats, so it’s more durable against wear and damage.

Nail extension: Those with a nail growth problem should consider beneficial to get nail extension done. Take care of your nail extensions. Make sure that you fix the damaged nails as soon as possible and keep an eye out for dryness, redness and peeling of skin or cuticles.