Try our simple solutions to the top nail nuisances

Brittle Nails
Brittle nails can be caused by over-exposure to the sun, a poor diet or the prolonged use of commercial nail hardeners. Avoid the use of hardeners or varnishes containing formaldehyde – it has a drying effect on nails – try using a waterproof coating that seals moisture in the nail and repels water and dirt. A waxy lip balm can be quite effective at moisturising nails.

Hangnails
Picking and biting your nails, exposing them to detergents and chemicals, and a lack of general nail maintenance are all causes of hangnails. Use a pair of sharp cuticle scissors to remove existing hangnails (dull, cheap ones won’t allow you to effectively cut hangnails and may damage them more). To help prevent hangnails altogether, massage a cuticle oil, lotion or cream into the cuticle at least once a day. If your cuticles are damaged and painful, gently apply a moisturiser twice daily until they heal, then begin regularly applying a cuticle-specific moisturiser.

Ridges
Ridges on the nail are, unfortunately, mostly down to genetic causes. Also though you can't change hereditary factors, you can smooth the ridged nail surface with a buffer and buffing cream. However, if you have only recently developed ridges on your nails, this could be a sign of anaemia, and you may want to consult your doctor. Ridges may also be caused by too much pressure and prodding on the nail during manicures. When grooming your nails, be gentle with them so that they will stay strong and healthy.

White Spots
These can be caused by a blow to the nail, applying too much force to the nail during a manicure, or general wear and tear on the nail caused by daily tasks. Let the spots grow out, and make an effort to be gentle when manicuring your nails – prodding beneath the cuticles, where new growth is generated, can also cause these spots.

Yellow Nails
Yellowing of the nails could be caused by not using a base coat underneath your regular varnish, or it could be a more serious nail fungus that needs treatment. You can lighten discoloured nails with a whitening scrub containing a mild abrasive, or with a remover containing a lemon juice-like ingredient that bleaches out the yellow colour. Ask your local manicurist or chemist for product recommendations.

Nail Biting
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to stop nail biting. One good way to try and stop, however, is to get a professional manicure each week or every other week. When your nails are nicely filed and varnished, you're less likely to bite them. And if your hands look beautiful you’re less likely to want to cover them up (as most nail biters tend do). If nail biting becomes a serious problem, you might want to consider artificial nails.