Here are a few tips to ensure that your nails remain picture perfect in-between those professional manicures:

• Regular use of a special moisturiser to ensure that your cuticles don’t crack and peel.

• Please try to wear gloves when doing your housework and gardening.

• Apply hand cream frequently throughout the day, especially after washing your hands and make sure that in the Winter months you use one designed for bad weather.

• When choosing a hand cream try to find one that has a built-in sunscreen.

• Ensure that all your nail equipment is thoroughly clean.

• If you have a cut or tear in your cuticle I recommend the use of Lavender Essential Oil, to disinfect the area, prevent any bacteria from growing and it will promote a faster recovery (smells nice too).

• Don’t soak nails for long periods, and never use any kind of soap or detergent when soaking (do not believe adverts from soap manufacturers who recommend this).

• Try to limit the amount of nail polish remover that you use – less is more.

• Don’t pull or bite hangnails (however annoying or tempting), these should be carefully cut away without damaging the cuticle.

• Be gentle with your cuticles and don’t push them too far – I personally leave my cuticle care to a nail professional, I’ve tried to trim my own cuticles in the past and ended up in pain.

• Treat ingrown nails and infections as soon as possible as they can cause lasting damage to the nail – ask at your pharmacy for advice on a suitable antibacterial ointment.

• If you notice some nail or cuticle inflammation go to a specialist as soon as possible, if you can’t get to one the same day then disinfect the skin until you can get an appointment.