manchester

healthy options

general health

Nails

YOUR nails can say much more you than just your choice in nail Mandy Clough, owner of the Advanced Nail Care clinic in John Dalton Street, Manchester, said: ''People are very nail conscious nowadays. Everyone remembers Princess Diana had to hide her nails when she showed off her engagement ring and how she suddenly had painted talons when she got her independence and her confidence!

''Nails can be an indication of person is feeling, not only physically but mentally. Well cared for nails bit of time and effort and people dedicate that time usually feel good about themselves.

''Bitten nails with ragged cuticles often an outward sign of mental stress. But there are lots of things both men and women can do to improve the look of their nails.''

It takes between five to six months, on average, for a nail to grow from root to the tip. The nail, a collection dead cells held together with a tiny amount of water, forms in the matrix root and is pushed out along the bed, guided by parallel ridges.

The nail bed is packed with nerves and blood vessels which is why the bed glows pink through the semi-transparent nail.

The white half-moon, the lunula, is where the nail bed meets the nail root and is pearly in colour because the cells are pushed so closely together that the blood capiliaries cannot be seen.

The surrounds the base of the nail and protects the nail root, from physical damage or invading bacteria. A healthy nail is smooth and pink with clear half moon and slightly curved surface.

Common problems
Thin and flaky
Often caused exposure to harsh detergeants or chemicals, over-use of nail polish remover, nail biting, poor circulation general ill health. Try the latest nail proteins, available from beauty clinics.

The liquid is painted on and thickens up the vulnerable nail edge, stopping it splitting into layers. It costs around £10 for a 1 / 4 oz bottle which will last around 2 months. You will see a difference in two weeks.

Dry and brittle
This can be caused by a bout of serious illness. Being on a very low fat diet can affect nails and hair and make both dry and more brittle.

Over-use of products like varnish remover or acrylic nails can also make nails very dry. Take a supplement like Cod Liver Oil.

Massage nails with almond oil and cut back on the number of times you use caustic chemicals like nail varnish remover.

Too hard
Instead of bending, nails break-off, often painfully low down near to the nail bed. Again, try massaging with almond oil and increasing oily fish in the diet.

Also try the Nail Control System by Alessandro, which has three formulas, one designed to add flexibility to nails. Keep them trimmed shorter.

White spots
Usually a sign of calcium deficiency, spots or marks can also be caused by a knock to the nail while it is forming. Take a calcium supplement.

Ridged nails
Damage to the cuticles, and the nail root, often with an orange stick, can cause ridges.

The skin disease psoriasis can also cause ridging and should be treated by a GP. Stop gouging at cuticles with an orange stick and try buffing nails to improve the surface.

Tips for perfect talons

Always wear lined rubber gloves to do household chores.
Keep a pot of handcream in your bag, by your bed, on your desk, in the car, by the sink - everywhere.
Free trial samples of face cream will do just as well.

If you haven't got handcream use Vaseline. Keep one of those tiny tins in your pocket and massage into cuticles.
Use a tooth whitening treatment to take away stains on nails. Rinse well.
In the shower run a nail brush horizontally over the nails and cuticles to increase circulation.
Ditch the orange sticks and instead gently push cuticles back with a towel or face cloth after a bath or shower.
Always use a strengthening base coat. If it chips during the week don't take off simply add another layer.
Save the nail varnish remover for weekend.
Buff them regularly. It improves circulation and makes varnish slip on much more smoothly.

HELP FOR BITERS

Act as if you have long nails.
Pamper them, lavish them, paint them.
Go for a manicure. Even if they are an embarassment. Places like the Body Shop offer an Express manicure for just £9 and check local salons.
Give them a massage. Try Boots No7 Nail Growth and Cuticle treatment with Vit H, which softens cuticles, exfoliates the nail and encourages them to grow. Or try massaging in Nailoid cream each evening.
Paint them daily. Try the latest protein products or others like Cover Girl's nail strengthener.
Stop picking cuticles as it destroys the protective barrier and makes nails weak and vulnerable to infection.
Try and pinpoint your worst time and take avoiding action. At work, tell your colleagues to nag you, at home, if its while watching the TV, try taking up knitting or slap on handcream and wear cotton gloves!

If all else fails get fairly short acrylic nails fitted. When your own nails have grown to a decent length underneath have them removed, and fibre glass painted on instead to lengthen and strengthen. In another six months your nails should be new and strong and a thing of beauty.
Keep them that way with regular manicures. If Diana could do it, so can you.