The following home-care routine will ensure that your manicure will last well and keep your hands and nails looking their best and in good condition.

• Use hand cream or lotion after washing to lubricate and soften the skin.
• Use a file on rough edges or split nails.
• Use a richer hand cream during the winter months.
• Wear protective gloves when gardening, working with chemicals and in harsh climates.
• Rub cuticle cream into the nails and cuticles at bedtime to keep them soft and moisturized.
• Always apply a base coat under nail polish to protect the nails and prevent them becoming stained.
• Use a good quality top coat to prevent chipping of nails.
• Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. The health and strength of your nails depends on a good supply of protein, iron, calcium, potassium, Vitamin B and iodine. A well-balanced diet contains all the nutrients essential for good health.
• Get a maintenance manicure every two to four weeks.
• Avoid using nail polish remover too often as it has a drying effect.
• Do not use your finger nails as tools.
• Metal files should be avoided; they create heat in the nails which dries out the natural moisture and weakens their structure.
• NEVER file backward and forward as this can weaken or break nails.