IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NAILS

We all want beautiful nails. But a little effort is required to get them. Here’re a few tips on nail care.

You know the drill – trim file and keep the cuticles at bay.

The base coat follows suit of course.

Mark a horizontal line on the cuticle, with a fine nail brush, 3mm away.

Apply a bright red paint, to add some sheen.

And there you go happy red nails, nice and clean!

1. Trim and file your nails every fortnight

This is the first step towards having beautiful nails.

Tip to remember: You may be doing wrong by filing your nails backwards and forwards, causing splits in the nails. Use a one way stroking action and make sure you do not file the corners. Before you start filing make sure they are completely dry.

Use a glass file instead of a metal one. Sephora Collection Crystal Nail File is one which you can try.

2. Apply a coat of nail polish

Many of us commit the biggest beauty sin by biting our nails. Apply a coat of nail lacquer to avoid chewing your nails.

However, one should not let the nail paint on for more than 5 days as the lacquer contains drying ingredients that strip moisture, making them weak. Giving your nails a break from time to time is important too.

Tip to remember: While removing the paint off your nails, one should avoid using acetone-based removers as they cause severe damage to the nail plate. They remove natural oils from your nails making them dry.

Try acetone-free removers like Inglot Nail Enamel Remover.

3. Moisturising is important too

Just as it is important to moisturise our face, it is equally vital to moisturise your hands and nails.

Bach Flower therapist, Jhelum Biswas Bose recommends, “Mix a drop of sesame and vetiver essential oil each, and massage to keep your cuticles and nails hydrated.”

4. Consider your diet

Our nails are made up of a protein called keratin. So, weak and fragile nails are caused by deficiency of protein.

Renowned aesthetician and makeup expert, Ruby Biswas suggests, “Add sufficient amounts of proteins like nuts, beans and freshwater fish along with vitamin E and biotin supplements, to your diet for strong and healthy nails.”

5. Sterilise your tools from time to time

It is as important to sterilise your nail care tools, as your makeup brushes. Skipping this step allows microbes and germs to build up on your instruments, which is not at all hygienic for your nails.

Keep your tools infection- free by washing them with soap and water, and rubbing them clean with alcohol.

So, there you are! Swear by these steps for strong and beautiful nails.

Experts consulted: Flower therapist, Jhelum Biswas Bose and aesthetician, Ruby Biswas.