Every Theresa, Sharon and Tracy has false nails and don't they look ridiculous? Having attractive, real nails has become a quiet status symbol but how do you get such nails? Here are Wilma Proops' Top Tips for growing and maintaining healthy, attractive, natural nails. Wilma Proops is the Agony Aunt to the Stars and is celebrated for her immaculate, manicured, nails.
Don't Bite Your Nails and Don't Have an Overly Stressful Life
Don't bite your nails and certainly don't bite the skin around them - lots of people do. Some people use Stop n Grow - a foul tasting ointment that is applied to the nails by way of a revulsion therapy. I'm not overly keen on such preparations. If you are biting your nails it is likely that this is a sign that you need to change something in your life or admit you are under too much stress and do something to change it. If you start biting your nails it is likely a sign that you're life has changed for the worse so take steps to reverse the change. Some people seem to bite their nails to relieve stress - I did once - I took up knitting but any hobby that involves quick movements of the hands in the sitting position will do as a replacement therapy. Knitting is very rewarding as you end up with something pretty and useful - scarves, jumpers and hats make wonderful accessories and highly appreciated presents.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Pig out on fruit and vegetables and eat as much raw produce as possible. I'm amazed that people still don't equate eating junk food and swilling it down with coffee and coke with ill health - including unhealthy nails. I also take vitamin B1 in the Brewers' Yeast form. I'm sure that starting this course improved the strength of my nails - I'm under the impression that taking this in the evenings assists good sleep too. Please ensure you are not allergic or consult with a doctor before starting any course of vitamin supplements.
Manicure and Moisturise
Healthy nails respond well to daily care. Use a nail brush daily to clean your nails and apply nail and hand cream every morning and every evening before bed. Invest in a proper nail kit with a stone emery board. Always file your nails in one direction.
White Cotton Gloves and Aloe Vera
I do this once a week and really enjoy doing it. Squeeze Aloe Vera into each finger of both gloves and then put the gloves on. If possible wear them over night but for at least an hour. This is good for the nails but also for the hands in general. I use Aloe Vera everywhere it's the best natural substance available in my opinion.
Beauti-cle Cuticles
Keep cuticles moisturised. Every time you wash your hands you should push cuticles back. Some people use cuticle remover but I do not hold with this. If you care for your cuticles they are hardly visible and I can't help thinking that you need them to be there and healthy to have good nails - it works for me anyway.
What's Your Shape? What's Your Style?
Nails don't have to be long to be attractive nut they do need to be manicured. Similarly, nails don't have to be painted with nail varnish. Healthy, short and buffed nails (you'll get a nail buffer in any manicure kit) look attractive and they are practical. I myself keep my nails about 3-5 mm over the end of my finger length. I also file them to a square end. I like nail polish and have a range for daywear - normally beige colours - and evening wear - my favourite at the moment is a Channel pink polish which looks very nice with a golden tan.
Advise to False Nail Wearers
In many cases perpetual wearers of false nails are stuck like that because their real nails' health has deteriorated. Whereas before they started wearing the false nails they might have bitten their nails, after wearing false nails for a few weeks, their real nails are perhaps wafer thin now and bend on contact with surfaces. These people are stuck wearing falsies unless they are prepared to remove them once and for all and commence a programme of nail care. I should think if they follow my tip for attractive, healthy real nails they should see a dramatic change after 3-4 weeks.
