CARING FOR LONG NAILS

While long nails and nail art are not always sensible or attractive, everyone has different tastes and lifestyles, and long nails and nail adornment may well fit into yours.

If you choose to have long nails, learn how to use your fingers; get into the habit of using them as if you have just applied a fresh coat of nail polish. Remember that the more knocks your nails suffer, the more likely the tips will break. People are often surprised at how easily nails break, yet few realize that the damage began days - even weeks - earlier.

Long nails are, by nature, weaker than 'normally' shaped nails, and therefore require special attention. Pointed nails have very little support, while oval or square-shaped nails are more likely to survive when long.

Several coats of nail hardener will help to minimize chipping and peeling of the nail enamel. The trick is to find something that protects and moisturizes. Nail hardeners with nylon fibres can be very effective tools in your maintenance plan, but prolonged use of hardener can make nails too brittle. Change to a protection basecoat instead (for instance, a thickening gel) if nails are thin.

GENERAL REMINDERS FOR LONG NAILS

• Avoid using nail tips to untie knots or loosen shoelaces.
• Use the sides of your fingers to open car doors.
• Do not dial the telephone with your fingers; use a pen or pencil.
• Use your knuckles to press buttons, such as in elevators.
• Use a knife or razor to open boxes and packages, not your nails; nails are not designed as screwdrivers, apple corers or hors d'oeuvre utensils.
• Use the pads of your fingers rather than your nails while typing.
• Always use rubber gloves when handling household cleaners or bleach, which quickly dry out your nails, leaving them brittle.
• When putting on tights or pantyhose, keep your index fingers turned under and use the middle portion of the thumb to pull them up. This not only saves your nails, but also increases the life of your pantyhose.