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Icky toenails

It sounds as though you may have been using nail enamel removers containing acetone, which are very drying - so always remove old nail polish with an oily remover or one with built-in moisturisers. Try not to remove and reapply polish more than once or twice a week, as it will further dry out your nails. Such continual use may have also stained them, especially as it sounds as if you did not use a base coat, which acts as a protective shield against harsh formulas and colours.

You can encourage healthy nail growth with an oil bath. Gently warm some almond oil, then soak your toenails in the oil for about 10 minutes. Push cuticles back with a cotton bud after treatment. Alternatively, polish the nails with cotton wool soaked in olive oil, leaving it on for as long as possible, preferably overnight. To encourage strong and healthy growth, rub Vaseline in at night onto nails and nail bed. Wipe off excess.

Nails are a good indicator of overall general health - changes in the nails may indicate an underlying disease, so check with your doctor if you are worried.

To buy Sidra Shaukat's book Natural Beauty (Chrysalis Books, £5.99) click here

Why not chat to other iVillagers about toenails on the Beauty Talk message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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