14 Dec 2017
Been hiding your short nails under gels for months on end? Have yellow nails from a constant covering of polish? Noticed some dry bits around your cuticles now that summer’s come to an end and heatings are starting to be switched on? Don’t worry - we’ve recruited celebrity nail expert Glenis Baptiste in our latest expert column to give a masterclass in nail SOS.
Q: I left my pedicure on all summer and now my nails are a total state and have been stained yellow. I am so tempted to get gels put on top to hide it but is there anything else I can do?
Glenis Baptiste: “This happens quite often, so really do try to resist the urge to hide them away under gels while they recover. To make things look better, use a buffer. First, buff with the coarse side to remove as much yellow staining as possible, then dot some cuticle oil on each nail, massaging it in under it disappears. Final step in nail rehab? Buff with the smooth side to add shine."
Q: My nails are dry and flaky after a summer of gels. I tried massaging oil in but the flakes are still there - what would you recommend?
Glenis Baptiste: "Try using a soft grit file or a soft padded nail block and gently buff or file the flakes away. Once all the flakes have disappeared and the layers of the nail are more even, that’s when you want to massage a few drops of cuticle oil into the nail and buff it. Before you paint again, wipe away excess oil with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover, and remember to apply a base coat to protect your nails!"
Q: My cuticles never, ever look neat. Why is this?
Glenis Baptiste: "Are you applying cuticle oil regularly? If not, start! Cuticle oil or cream will keep your cuticles nourished and elastic, allowing you to push them back gently so they don’t dry, crack or split."
