Monday, February 23, 2009

COPING WITH FLAKY NAILS


While some women have naturally strong nails, others search endlessly for the solution to stronger nails. Weak, flaky nails are the most common nail complaint. While there is no guaranteed formula that can transform fragile nails into tough talons, here are a few pointers to help you grow more beautiful nails.

  • Always wear rubber gloves when washing up; soaking your nails in water is one sure way to weaken them. Detergents strip the natural oils your nails need for strength. If your hands get too sweaty inside the gloves, wear thin cotton ones underneath to help absorb the moisture and further protect your hands. Also wear gloves for gardening chores to prevent damage.
  • Acetone-free nail polish removers are essential as acetone is very drying and serves to further weaken already fragile nails.
  • Most reputable nail-care ranges offer a nail strengthener to help prevent splitting and flaking. Apply it underneath your basecoat. Avoid nail strengtheners that contain extremely drying ingredients like formaldehyde, which temporarily toughens the nail but also make it more brittle. Formaldehyde goes by other names in ingredient lists, so watch out for words such as toluene, toluene sulphonamide and toluene sulphonic acid.
  • Avoid using your nails as tools; even the toughest nails will not take kindly to being used as screwdrivers, scrapers and levers.
  • Get into the habit of applying hand cream each time you have washed your hands to help boost moisture levels and minimize brittle and dry nails.
  • Keep your nails short; sensible lengths are less likely to break. Short nails are not only in fashion, but are more practical and attractive.

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