How to get your nails in shape

Made for manicures?

We love them too, so we asked Sally Hansen manicurist Allison Bowil to clear up a thing or two about those manicure myths and update us on the current trends.

What you didn’t know…

White marks
‘It’s an old wives’ tale that they mean you must be lacking calcium or vitamins,’ reveals Allison.

‘It’s actually a nail condition called leukonychia. It’s harmless, caused from a minor injury to the nail. There is no treatment – they just need to grow out.’

Garnier Hand Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream, $4.25.

Yellowing nails
This is caused by staining from polish, ‘usually because a base coat was not applied,’ Allison says, before adding it’s also part of the ageing process.

Ideally, you should remove polish every few weeks to allow your nails to breathe and she suggests: ‘If you have really bad yellowing, soak them in lemon juice and clean with whitening toothpaste.’

Flaking nails
‘The most likely cause is dehydration,’ Allison says. ‘Poor health, stress or medication may also be a factor, as is washing your hands frequently or using harsh chemicals.’

Delta's digits are always buffed and camera-ready!

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Get on trend

Colour
‘It’s all about bling this season,’ Allison says. ‘It’s mysterious, it’s dark, it’s shiny. Glitz, glamour and razzle-dazzle.

From left: Colour by TBN in Stevealicious, $2.50; Revlon Nail Enamel in No Shrinking Violet, $13.95; Avon Nail Experts UV Gloss Guard Top Coat, $10.99; OPI Nail Lacquer in Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous, $19.95.

"Nails have become a jewellery accessory now – you can’t get dressed without doing your nails!’

Shape
‘It’s back to a neat, short, square nail again,’ Allison explains.

‘You can achieve this by filing straight across the nail and creating a slight curve at each side to avoid splitting.’

Sally Hansen Everyday Strength nail boards, $9.95 (pack of two); Manicare Aloe Cuticle Softener, $14.50.