If you use clippers don’t try to trim the nail all in one piece from the centre. This will put stress on the outer edges of the nail and cause it to split. This can be painful!

Instead, clip the nails from one edge to the other, small sections at a time.

Don’t cut too short, then smooth rough edges with a nail file.

When using nail oil or creams make sure you rub it underneath your nails too. Skin under your nails (especially if long nails) can get quite dry too.

Always use a base coat to protect your nails against the pigmentation of the colour polish. It’s the pigmentation that leaves the stain on the nail plate. This can happen even with the palest of colours. Try to leave your nails colour free for at least a week now and then to let them breath. But do keep moisturising them.

The white marks on nails are small bruises, not a form of some vitamin deficiency which you may have been told by your Grandma. You don’t have to catch or bang your finger that hard for a bruise to appear on the nail. The bruise can also show several weeks after the event, so you may not even remember the accident. It won’t take long to grow out.

Paper is our hands and nails worst enemy. It soaks away moisture from our finger tips, nails and cuticles.

So moisturise, moisturise and moisturise again. Especially if you’re daily work involves much paper handling.