What to know now

Get your hands in shape with these tips, then add polish in your favourite shades for the best hand selfies ever – no filter needed!

1 Moisturise

Apply lotion every time you wash your hands to help prevent dry skin and overgrown cuticles. And use one with citric acid, recommends dermatologist Dr Ellen Marmur: “It revives skin tissue and increases absorption of minerals in the moisturiser,” she says. We love Crabtree & Evelyn Tarocco Orange Ultra-moisturising Hand Therapy (R350).

2 Strengthen

For stronger nails, slather coconut oil from knuckles to fingertips twice a day. Taking biotin supplements, and eating a rainbow of fruits and veggies may also help decrease breakage. “The deeper the food’s colour, the more nutrients it has for growth,” says Dr Marmur.

3 Brighten

Dark polish can seep into the nail and cause discolouration, so always wear a base coat. Our pick: Mavala Super Base Coat (R87). If you’re already dealing with yellowing, a bit of lemon, baking soda or bleach from tooth-whitening strips can help, says manicurist Jin Soon Choi.