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10 polite habits nail techs actually dislike – and what to do instead

Nail salon etiquette mistakes Repeat after us: Pampering yourself is important. An easy way to do just that? Getting a manicure. Not only is it relatively affordable, but prettily painted nails can also put an extra pep in your step. Of course, the nail tech who does your manicure plays a large role in making you feel so good: From that wonderful hand massage to getting your cuticles in tip-top shape, their skills can make a huge difference. So, it only makes sense that you’d want to treat them really well. But here’s the thing: Certain seemingly polite etiquette rules can actually make a nail tech’s job harder. Plus, while it’s important to be nice, you don’t have to try extra hard to make their life easier. “A manicure is your time off, so you should relax,” says Karina Medrano, a nail technician. So what does that mean? It means there are certain polite habits that are totally a must. And then there are other moves you can (and should) skip so you can focus on your own relaxation. Since it can be hard to identify exactly what most people dislike, we turned to the pros to fill us in on polite moves that are actually etiquette mistakes at the nail salon. Anticipating their next move Over the course of your manicure, your nail tech will likely move your hands around a bit – turning them over to apply lotion and rotating each finger to paint your tips with the best nail polish. If you’ve had a number of manicures, you may even be able to anticipate what they’ll need you to do next and be tempted to save them from having to tell you how to move. Don’t do it. “Many times, clients position themselves in a way that seems to be helpful, but it’s the contrary,” says Medrano. You may make the wrong move and actually mess up their paint job, causing them to have to start over. Do this instead: “It’s best to let your nail tech move you around,” says Medrano. “There is no need to tense up – just relax.” Put simply, wait for them to direct you. One way to make that easier is to pay attention to what’s going on. If you have headphones on and are listening to music or a podcast, keep it at a low enough volume that you can hear your technician if they need you to do something. Keeping the conversation going When you’re getting your nails done, you’re literally face to face with your manicurist. Because of this, you may feel like it’s your job to chat with them and keep them entertained. But there’s no need to rack your brain for conversation starters. This is a job, and there is zero expectation that you should keep your nail tech entertained, says Medrano. If you want to chat, no problem. If you don’t? Well, that’s OK too. Do this instead: If you’d prefer quiet, Medrano says that it’s become totally normal to ask for a “silent appointment”. You can either let the salon know when you book your appointment or you can mention to your tech when you sit down that you are going to use the appointment to relax and have some quiet time. Giving a colour a chance when you don't like it You arrive at the salon and are faced with a wall of nail polish colours. Whether you want the trendiest colour of the season or just what you’re in the mood for, you’ll probably spend some time debating the perfect shade. Fast-forward to the moment your manicurist is slicking it on, and – you’re not so sure about it. But you feel bad and want to give it a chance. Maybe you’ll like it once the second coat is on, right? And you’d hate to make the tech take it off and start over. “For many, the hardest time to speak up during their appointment is when they don’t like the colour,” says Medrano. “But it’s better to tell us the second you start doubting your choice. Applying the colour is the most time-consuming part, and catching the colour change before doing all 10 fingers helps us stay on track with our appointments.” Plus, your nail tech wants you to walk away happy! Do this instead: If you’re not feeling the colour, speak up as soon as possible. You can simply tell them you’re not sure you like it. Then, tell them what you don’t like – maybe the red you chose is too orange or the pink is too sheer. They may be able to suggest another shade that is what you are looking for. After all, they see lots of different colours every day. Removing your own gel If you get gel manicures, you know that removing that type of polish can take a long time. You have to sit with remover on your nails for a while before the gel can be scraped away. But trying to do it at home to save time and work for your nail tech is not advisable. Gel polish needs to be removed in a certain way to minimise damage, warns nail artist Braelinn Frank. If you try to remove it yourself and wreck your nails, your tech will be left trying to get them back into shape to prevent your nails from peeling. Do this instead: When you make your appointment, let them know you have gel polish that will need to be removed. This allows the salon to build in more time for your appointment so the gel can be removed properly by a professional and you don’t make a bigger mess for your manicurist. Deferring to the pro Do you want rounded nails or more of an almond shape? Do you want your cuticles cut, or do you just want your manicurist to use really good cuticle oil before pushing them back? These are all decisions you’ll need to make during your appointment. Don’t just defer to the tech. Yes, they’re pros, but these are your nails. “It’s helpful when someone knows what they want their nails to look like,” says Medrano. Do this instead: If you really aren’t sure what you want, avoid telling the nail tech to do whatever they’d like. A better way to approach it is to ask them for their input on the different options and then make the decision that’s best for you based on what they tell you. Cleaning up There’s always a little bit of a mess when you get your nails done – think nail clippings, dust from filing, used cotton balls from removing polish. Worried that your nail tech is grossed out by all this and annoyed at having to pick up after you? They’re not. Not only that, but if you try to clean up, you might just get in the way. “It’s part of our job to keep up with the mess,” says Medrano. “And we know our way around our station best.” Remember, you can always give yourself a manicure at home, but if you go to the salon, one of the perks is not having to clean up! Do this instead: If you want to help, the best thing you can do is stay out of your nail tech’s way. As they try to wipe down their station, move your hands so they can do that. In other words, pay attention and adjust your positioning when needed – that will be the best way to help. Moving your own stuff to the drying station Your manicure is done, and it’s time to move over to the drying station. You feel bad about making a tech pick up your handbag, so you grab it yourself. While your intention is to be kind, you may smudge your nails and mess up all the hard work they just did. “We are here to help,” says Medrano, who confirms it’s better for them to help than to have you mess up your nails. Plus, even a little chip or smudge is a cardinal sin when it comes to making your manicure last longer. Do this instead: Allow them to move your bag (and any other items you have with you) to the drying station. Be gracious, and say thank you. Also let them pull out the chair or stool for you. Really don’t want someone to pick up your bag? Consider wearing a small crossbody bag so you can keep it on during your appointment. Holding it in Maybe you have to sneeze, or perhaps you are mid-manicure and suddenly have to pee. Holding it in does nobody any favours. While you may not want to interrupt the appointment, your nail tech would rather you be comfortable and enjoy the service. Plus, if you hold in your sneeze, it could backfire and lead to a bigger sneeze where you spray germs everywhere. “Do not be scared to ask if you need to do something,” says Medrano. “Nothing surprises us.” Do this instead: Need to use the bathroom? Let your tech know, and ask when the best time would be for you to do so. Have to sneeze? Say, “I’m going to sneeze.” Then, rather than using your hands to cover your mouth (which your tech then needs to go back to touching), sneeze into the crook of your arm. Trying to shimmy your credit card out of your wallet If the end of your appointment has come and you still haven’t paid, sliding your credit card out of your wallet with wet nails may feel like a Herculean task. But you can’t possibly ask your nail tech to do that, right? That would be rude. Wrong again. It’s actually ruder to smudge the beautiful paint job your nail tech just put a ton of time and energy into. Do this instead: “The amount of times that I have helped take out credit cards? It’s quite often,” says Medrano. “Just ask! Truly, it’s no problem.” Make it easier on your tech by telling them exactly where it is and what colour the card is; that way, they don’t have to fish around for it. Also, there’s no need to apologise – just say thank you! Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/tips/10-polite-habits-nail-techs-actually-dislike-and-what-to-do-instead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Beauty & Style

6 things your nails reveal about your health

The body has a unique way of giving hints about your health. According to dermatologist John Anthony, a quick glance at your nails can tell you volumes about your whole-body health. Anthony and Bebra Jaliman, author of Skin Rules, spoke to Health.com about the top seven nail symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Clubbing “Clubbing of the nails—when the ends of your fingers swell and the nail becomes curved and rounded—can sometimes be a sign of liver or kidney disease,” says Dr Anthony. Chat to your doctor if you experience this. White spots It’s often said that small white spots on the nails are an indication of calcium deficiency, but Dr Anthony says that’s not always the case. “They’re often the result of minor trauma, such as if you whack your finger against something, and aren’t generally to do with calcium.” Yellow nails Nails can naturally turn a yellow tinge with age, “But it’s also sometimes due to nail lacquers or acrylic nails,” says Dr Anthony. If your nails are usually covered in a thick layer of gloss, try giving them a few days off to recover. Dents If your nails are covered with small dents or pits, speak to a health professional Dr Jaliman says it could be a sign of psoriasis. Dry, cracked or brittle nails According to Dr Jaliman, this is a common problem and there are a few possible causes. “Soft, brittle nails can occur from dryness on the nail plate,” she explains. This could be from swimming, using nail polish remover too often or frequently dishwashing without gloves. Horizontal ridges Bumps or consistent ridges from side-to-side on a nail can be a sign of trauma to the nail. When your body is busy fighting an illness, it tends to allocate energy to the important parts, rather than nail repair. “Your body is literally saying, ‘I’ve got better things to do than make nails’ and pauses their growth,” Dr Anthony tells Health. Concave nails “Spoon nails” are very thin and form a concave shape. Dr Jalimen says if you have this issue, it’s worth consulting a doctor. “This is usually a sign of iron deficiency anaemia,” she explains, which can be treated with iron supplements. Image: Getty

Body

15 winter nail colours and trends you won’t be able to resist

Winter nail colour trends Even if you spend most of the winter bundled up, there are still parts of you worth showing off all year long. And let’s not forget about that moment of pure joy when you slip your hands out of your gloves to show off your favourite new nail polish. So, now that autumn is over, what are the hottest winter nail colours and trends that should be on your radar? From rich, jewel-toned hues to dupes for frosty snowflakes, winter nails aren’t following one set of rules right now. We’re still seeing a lot of nail art, but it’s less cutesy and more architectural. For example, according to celebrity nail artist Brittney Boyce, instead of going with an overt candy-cane look, opt for a “chic, angled half-French in a sultry red, or do a half white nail with a diagonal cut across that looks clean and elevated.” You also won’t find just the typical wintery shades this year – you might see pastels on the chicest nails. If we had to sum up winter 2022 in a word, it would be unexpected or bold. We asked celebrity nail artists and other experts for their take on what’s trending right now so you can take your manicure to the next level. To get salon-quality results, use non-toxic polishes and gel nail polishes. Nail trend: a hint of sparkle Don’t overdo the shimmer on your winter nail designs – a small amount will do the trick for this 2022 trend. Even if you use polish with chunky glitter in it, add only a dab or two. The idea is to catch the light, not pile on the glitter. “Adding a bit of sparkle is a great way to put a classic spin on a French mani and is also perfect for the winter,” says salon marketing manager, Jennifer Bell. Nail trend: browns, taupes, and chocolatey shades Winter is the time of year you can match your mani to your hot drink! “We will continue to see a lot of neutral browns and chestnuts throughout the winter,” Bell predicts. There are so many gorgeous shades in this family that you can take it from nearly nude to deep sueded shades, depending on your mood. Nail trend: a touch of grey Expect to see a lot of steely, slate, silver, or pale grey polish this season. “We [particularly] love a wintertime grey with a shimmery finish,” Bell says. Greys look great on nearly everyone, but a good rule of thumb (as it were) is that if you’re not sure which grey shade to choose, opt for a darker one because it flatters more skin tones. Nail trend: naked nails Believe it or not, one of the hottest winter nail looks is perfectly pampered hands and cuticles with barely any polish. “Nude nails have been a beauty staple for years and are back with a new twist that embraces the barely-there look,” says Patricia Freund, managing director for cuticle oil brand, Cuccio Naturalé. While nude or barely there polish is a classic look, it also makes sense as there’s no need to worry about chipping a nail or ruining your nail art! Freund advises applying cuticle oil daily “to maintain hydrated and healthy nails throughout the winter and keep the ‘less is more’ nude manicure looking fresh all season.” One more tip for your tips: while short nails make sense during glove season, a look that’s gaining traction right now is a slightly longer oval nail with the sheerest polish, perfectly groomed cuticles, and moisturised hands. Nail trend: red hot It wouldn’t be winter without classic red winter nails in every shade from spicy tomato to deep burgundy blacks. “We’ll also continue to see classic deep reds throughout the winter,” notes Bell. If you do plan on painting the town – or at least your nails – red, opt for a chip-proof top coat so you won’t have to keep touching up your mani. Nail trend: black Classic black will be having a moment this winter. “The opposite of the opaque white trend for spring/summer is onyx – shiny patent leather nails,” says celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders. It’s all about high contrast and showing off your sparkly jewellery with this winter nail idea. Think black tie meets high fashion. Saunders says for maximum impact, be sure to use a high-shine top coat. Nail trend: glitter ombré tips If don’t want to go all-out with glitter, try using just a hint of it in your nail art. Boyce’s advice? “Apply a strip of glitter polish on the tip, then gently drag the glitter chunks downward with the brush. This way, most of the glitter is on the tip and you’ll get a nice ombré effect.” You can also experiment with this effect to add a little oomph to your favourite shade. “Do this on a bare nail, a nude nail, a white nail, or even a darker one,” Boyce says. But if you’re going dark, stick to a neutral shade like a dark taupe or dark blue so there aren’t too many competing elements. Nail trend: forest inspired While some trees may be stripped bare, your nails will look amazing in a leafy-green polish. “All kinds of greens are still in the forefront of people’s minds,” Saunders says. And while you’d think deep, lush greens were the only trending verdant hues, you can also go playful and polish your nails any shade of green for an on-trend winter manicure. Nail trend: baby shades Despite light colours usually making an appearance in spring, Saunders says, “we are going to see a ‘pastel winter’ with muted, serene colours on fingertips.” Picture Easter-egg hues on your winter nails. If you’re not sure that light colours are your thing in the winter, opt for colours that are classic, not cutesy. Think shell pink instead of bubblegum, or shimmery apricot instead of a bolder orange. Nail trend: winter blue This winter nail colour can be rocked all season long. “Blue will win the race for this winter,” Saunders says. She’s predicting that everything from baby blue to deep metallic blue will be on all the chic nails this season. “It’s a nod to the ’90s, and super fun to create nail art with,” she adds. Nail trend: rich jewel tones If you love the look of lush nails, get ready to indulge. “Deep gemstone colours are always a classic during wintertime,” Saunders says, “and that isn’t changing anytime soon.” Add some oomph to your LBD with any of these rich colours. Think ruby, emerald, sapphire and amethyst for a super luxe look. Nail trend: gold half moon “Winter is a fun time to play up shimmer and texture,” Boyce says, adding that not all winter nail art needs to be complicated. “A gold half-moon near the cuticle is simple nail art that makes a big statement. You can play up different types of metallic shades for this [trend] depending on your look, from a standard gold to rose gold to even a bright orange bronze shade.” Nail trend: dark meets light Create a bit of drama with mostly sheer nails and a hint of a darker colours. “For winter, I like dark, still shades because it reminds me of just how quiet it gets during the night,” Boyce says. Think muted blues or purples contrasted with barely-there colour. “While black gives a lot of edge, you can soften it up with midnight navy or dark forest green shades,” she adds. How can you create this look at home? “An Angled Half French can be achieved easily by using washi tape as a guide and a dry brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up the edges,” explains Boyce. “You then use a glossy top coat over the entire nail for a finished look.” Nail trend: classic French tips in metallic shades If you can’t get through the winter without a French mani, consider mixing things up. “A classic French tip using a shimmery shade on an oval-shaped nail, either short to medium length, looks really gorgeous for the holidays,” Boyce says, adding that the easiest way to get the perfect French tip is with a silicone nail stamper. Stampers are easy to use, but they come with a bit of a learning curve, so practise before that big event. If you’re not comfortable with a stamper, try dotting on a design with a nail art brush or using a fan brush to create a softened tip. Nail trend: all the winter colours Still can’t decide which winter nail colour or trend is your favourite? You don’t have to choose. Simply paint each nail a different colour for maximum wow. The experts we spoke with for this story all said winter nails this season are more about self-expression rather than sticking to any particular trend. Written by Rachel Weingarten. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/15-winter-nail-colours-and-trends-you-wont-be-able-to-resist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

14 tips to get healthy, gorgeous nails

Keep nail beds hydrated To keep your nails hydrated, rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into your cuticle and the skin surrounding your nails every evening before you go to bed or whenever your nails feel dry. Keep a jar in your bag, desk drawer, car – anywhere you might need it. Not a fan of petroleum jelly? Substitute castor oil. It’s thick and contains vitamin E, which is great for your cuticles. Or head to your kitchen cupboard and grab the olive oil – it also works to moisturise your nails. Protect nails from wear and tear Wear rubber gloves whenever you do housework or wash dishes. Most household chores from gardening, to scrubbing the bathroom, to washing dishes, are murderous on healthy nails. For extra hand softness, apply hand cream before you put on the rubber gloves. Slipping on some gloves will also protect your manicure. Treat cuticles gently When pushing back your cuticles (it is not necessary to cut them), come in at a 45-degree angle and be very gentle. Otherwise, the cuticle will become damaged, weakening the entire nail, says manicurist, Mariana Diaconescu. Avoid ingrown nails For healthy nails, trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. This is particularly important if you have diabetes. Keep hands dry Dry your hands for at least two minutes after doing the dishes, taking a bath or shower. Also, dry your toes thoroughly after swimming or showering. Leaving them damp increases your risk of fungal infection and ruins healthy nails. Get shoes in top shape Dry your hands for at least two minutes after doing the dishes, taking a bath or shower. Also, dry your toes thoroughly after swimming or showering. Leaving them damp increases your risk of fungal infection and ruins healthy nails. Find high-quality socks Wear 100 per cent cotton socks. They’re best for absorbing dampness, thus preventing fungal infections. You can also use socks to cover up your messed-up DIY toenail art. Make your manicure last longer Stretch out the beauty of a manicure by applying a fresh top coat every day, says Susie Galvez, author of Hello Beautiful: 365 Ways to Be Even More Beautiful. Try these vitamins To make your nails as strong and resilient as a horse’s hooves, take 300 micrograms of the B vitamin biotin four to six times a day. Long ago, veterinarians discovered that biotin strengthened horses’ hooves, which are made from keratin, the same substance in human nails. Swiss researchers found that people who took 2.5 milligrams of biotin a day for 5.5 months had firmer, harder nails. In a US study, 63 per cent of people taking biotin for brittle nails experienced an improvement. Got milk? It’s great for healthy nails! Add a glass of milk and a hard-boiled egg to your daily diet. Rich in zinc, they’ll do wonders for your nails, especially if your nails are spotted with white, a sign of low zinc intake. File your nails correctly To keep your nails at their strongest, avoid filing in a back-and-forth motion – go in only one direction. And never file just after you’ve gotten out of a shower or bath. Wet nails break more easily. Try this finger massage Massage your nails to keep them extra strong and shiny. Nail buffing increases blood supply to the nail, which stimulates the matrix of the nail to grow, says Galvez. Keep 'em polished Polish your nails, even if it’s just with a clear coat. It protects your nails, says manicurist Diaconescu. If you prefer colour, use a base coat, two thin coats of colour, and a top coat. Colour should last at least seven days but should be removed after 10 days. Avoid these polish remover ingredients Avoid polish removers with acetone or formaldehyde. They’re terribly drying to nails, says dermatologist, Dr Andrea Lynn Cambio. Use acetate-based removers instead. Image credit: Shutterstock This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/14-tips-to-get-healthy-gorgeous-nails?pages=1" target="_blank">Reader's Digest</a>.

Beauty & Style

Nail salon workers suffer chemical exposures that can be like working at a garage or a refinery

Anyone who has walked past a nail salon is familiar with the noxious odors that emanate from acrylic nails, polishes and removers. Customers getting manicures and pedicures endure the smell temporarily, but manicurists who inhale these evaporating chemicals for hours expose themselves to health risks. The smells come from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs – compounds that <a href="https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs">easily become vapors or gases</a>. These substances have been <a href="https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality#Health_Effects">linked to health problems</a> ranging from headaches and respiratory irritation to reproductive complications and cancer. In a normal room-temperature environment, VOCs evaporate and humans breathe them in. Our research team, along with colleagues at Colorado State University, recently investigated <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.086">chemical exposures in six Colorado nail salons</a> and found that employees spent their days exposed to high levels of VOCs. Participating technicians, who had worked in salons for up to 19 years, reported suffering headaches and skin and eye irritation. We measured levels of benzene and formaldehyde in the salons, and determined that exposure to these known human carcinogens was increasing the workers’ lifetime cancer risks above one in one million – the level that <a href="https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/iwachap10.pdf">many U.S. agencies consider acceptable</a> in regulating exposure to harmful substances. Nail salon workers in New York City rally for safer working conditions. Identifying health hazards A 2015 <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/nyregion/at-nail-salons-in-nyc-manicurists-are-underpaid-and-unprotected.html">New York Times exposé</a> highlighted underpayment and poor working conditions in New York nail salons. However, it failed to address chemical exposures that salon workers experience daily. Several research groups have sought to <a href="https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300099">characterize</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2012.755152">quantify</a> VOC exposures <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1353-0">in the nail salon environment</a>, using standard measurement techniques and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-007-9084-4">self-reported health surveys</a>. Their research shows that nail salon workers are exposed to higher levels of VOCs than they would typically be expected to encounter in most homes, occupations or urban environments. As a result, these workers frequently experience work-related health symptoms. Our study measured 10 VOCs, including the carcinogens <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.086">benzene and formaldehyde</a>. We found that VOC levels in the six salons where we monitored regularly exceeded common threshold levels for <a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris_drafts/atoz.cfm?list_type=alpha">odor and inhalation risk</a>. In some cases this posed a significant risk of cancer over a 20-year exposure period. Twenty workers answered questionnaires about their personal health. Among them, 70% reported some form of short-term health symptom related to their employment, while 40% reported multiple related symptoms. We worked closely with salon owners to enlist volunteer nail technicians to participate. Having owners’ support was instrumental, since it allowed salon workers to accurately report on their health and working conditions without fear of reprisal. Workers have participated in making groundbreaking policy change such as passing the SF <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HealthyNailSalon?src=hash">#HealthyNailSalon</a> Program Ordinance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EFCSRchat?src=hash">#EFCSRchat</a> Like working at an oil refinery Many people view cosmetology as a relatively safe profession, but it isn’t. We found that exposures to aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes – collectively referred to as BTEX – resembled those previously reported in studies of <a href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Ambient-Air-Quality-Monitoring-in-Terms-of-Volatile-Singh-Ramteke/7089e7068ccb85bca9d05f36598e2b5fb92ae910">oil refinery workers</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10807031003670071">auto garage technicians</a>. Our results aren’t unique. A 2018 Iranian study found similar concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene, and xylene in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-018-0213-x">Tehran beauty salons</a>. Another study conducted that year in Michigan found concentrations of toluene at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1353-0">over 100 parts per billion</a>, which is roughly 30 times higher than <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/toluene.pdf">reported urban outdoor levels</a>. Regulation of this kind of workplace exposure has not kept pace with science. Many U.S. occupational safety and health exposure limits have not been updated <a href="https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2014/12/01/Can-OSHA-Update-the-PELs.aspx">for nearly 50 years</a>. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, readily acknowledges that many of its permissible exposure limits are “<a href="https://www.osha.gov/dsg/annotated-pels/">outdated and inadequate</a> for ensuring protection of worker health.” OSHA offers only guidance and recommendations for businesses, effectively shifting the burden of worker protection onto private industry. This is especially problematic in the nail salon industry, where over 90% of salons are small businesses that <a href="https://www.labor.ucla.edu/publication/nail-files/">employ fewer than 5 people</a> and do not have safety personnel on staff. Inadequate cosmetic product regulations and labeling requirements make it hard to know which products are actually safe. A 2012 study by the California Environmental Protection Agency found that 10 out of 12 nail products labeled “toluene free” still contained <a href="https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2018/04/DTSC-Summary-of-Data-Findings-from-Testing-a-Limited-Number-of-Nail-Products-April-2012.pdf">up to 17% toluene</a>. Products labeled free of the so-called “toxic three” ingredients – dibutyl phthalate or DBP, toluene and formaldehyde – actually contained <a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/nailsalons/chemicalhazards.html#resources">greater concentrations of DBP</a>, an endocrine-disrupting compound, than products that made no claims at all. Solving the problem Owners often work in nail salons, so they generally support efforts to improve air quality inside their businesses. Those who we interviewed typically had some understanding of the problem and wanted to fix it, but didn’t always know how. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-05/documents/nailsalonguide.pdf">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-112/pdfs/99-112.pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB99112">National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health</a> and <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3542nail-salon-workers-guide.pdf">OSHA</a> all publish healthy nail salon guides. Yet owners in our study had never heard of them – perhaps because the guides are only published in English, while many nail salon workers are Asian and Latino immigrants with limited English language skills. Several grassroots community organizations have published guides to improving salons’ air quality in both <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5783e9b9be6594e480435ffe/t/58f447f903596ebd7ca8f6f3/1492404219566/Nail-Salon-Booklet-FINAL-Vietnamese-March-26-2014-adjusted-for-color-copier-and-single-pages.pdf">Vietnamese</a> and <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5783e9b9be6594e480435ffe/t/58f447e386e6c023e6aff51c/1492404197241/Chinese-FINAL-Version-2-2012.pdf">Chinese</a>. These references discuss ventilation and use of personal protective equipment, which are paramount for mitigating chemical exposures in the workplace. Small changes, such as running ventilation continuously, wearing <a href="http://safety-zone.com/products/nitrile-gloves/">nitrile gloves</a>and utilizing proper <a href="https://www.firstaidglobal.com/product-page/carbon-filter-masks-n95-with-exhalation-valve">charcoal face masks</a>, can significantly reduce worker exposure. Results from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106499">our most recent study</a> also suggest that placing large activated carbon sinks in salons could effectively remove VOCs from the air. We are currently experimenting with embedding these chemical-absorbing materials into <a href="https://cen.acs.org/environment/pollution/Environmental-engineer-Lupita-Montoya-scrutinizes/97/i32">pieces of art</a> that can hang on salon walls. Another priority is conveying information to larger audiences and advocating for more safety training in cosmetology certification programs. Education and training are particularly important for ethnic minority groups. Many workplace standards enforced by OSHA, such as those regulating exposure to toxic and hazardous substances, <a href="https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/nailsalons/standards.html">apply to nail salons</a>. However, cosmetic manufacturers are <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated#Who_is_responsible">not required</a> to obtain federal approval for products or ingredients before they go on the market, or to file product information with the agency. In contrast, California passed a bill in 2018 that will require manufacturers to <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB2775">provide ingredient labels</a> on any professional cosmetic products manufactured after July 1, 2020 and sold in the state. The campaign for this common-sense reform was largely led by advocacy groups like the <a href="https://cahealthynailsalons.org/">California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative</a>. Practical steps like this can improve conditions for workers who receive little attention but are exposed to serious health risks on the job every day. Written by Lupita D. Montoya and Aaron Lamplugh. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/nail-salon-workers-suffer-chemical-exposures-that-can-be-like-working-at-a-garage-or-a-refinery-118152">The Conversation.</a>

Beauty & Style

Woman left $2,500 out of pocket over a broken nail on US holiday

A Sydney woman has been left with a shocking bill that has left insurance companies warning travellers about the costs of getting injured in the United States. Rachael Minaway, 32, arrived with her friend in Honolulu and hadn’t checked into their hotel before breaking her acrylic nail in a glovebox. “We had a late check-in, so we headed straight for the beach, and we were so excited to run out of the car and get into the water,” Ms Minaway told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/travellers-stories/aussie-tourist-forced-to-fork-out-2500-after-breaking-a-nail-on-american-holiday/news-story/513292ca5fe39393de734dfd34117743">news.com.au</a>. “We were packing away the GPS in the glovebox, and I was being too quick and smashed my fingernail between the dashboard and the glovebox, and it cracked. “I didn’t think it was a big deal at all, it’s happened to all of us before.” Her and her friend searched for medical centres to help them out with the issue. “We typed in ‘medical centre’ in the GPS and I guess in Hawaii they call hospitals ‘medical centres’ because it directed us to the closest emergency room,” she said. “At that point my hand was really hurting, and we thought, OK, they’ll just tell us what to do. “We just wanted to get back to our trip. And I was wasting my friend’s time for a fingernail, it was so silly.” The doctor at the hospital said that it would be best to remove the fingernail, which she agreed to if she could undergo a local anaesthetic. “It was so painful, I did not want to feel him ripping it off,” she said. “But we were taking photos and laughing through it, I honestly did not expect it to be a big deal.” It was all fun and games until the pair were presented with the bill of $1,200. “I had to pay it on the spot,” she said. “I told them we’d only just landed, I hadn’t even checked in my luggage at the hotel. But they wouldn’t let us leave without paying it.” However, she was inundated with more bills from the hospital after returning home to Sydney. “I remember emailing them after the first one and saying, ‘No, sorry, I’ve already paid for this’, but the invoices were for different things. They kept finding new things to bill me for. After a few months I regretted giving them my real address. “It was pretty upsetting. I was six months pregnant at that point, and I kept thinking, imagine if didn’t have insurance and actually had to pay for all this myself.” She was telling her story to warn other travellers about heading to the United States. “I’d heard about how in America they don’t have Medicare like us, but I never expected (the cost) to be this outrageous for something this tiny,” she said. “I feel so sorry for those people who go over there (to the US) and wind up with massive medical bills,” she said. “You have no idea what’s going to happen.”

Travel Trouble

“It hurts”: Roger Federer’s crushing admission after nail-biting Wimbledon finals loss

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were on the verge of causing a worldwide meltdown after an intense Wimbledon final that will forever be remembered. After an epic four-hour-and 57-minute-long match, Djokovic emerged as the victor in the longest men’s final the All England Club has ever witnessed. The final set on its own went for two hours with the champions hoping to one up each other with every move they made. In the end, it was the Serbian who came out on top 7-6 1-6 7-6 4-6 13-12 (7-3) as the world watched the first ever fifth set tiebreak at the iconic major. Devastated, Federer was unable to take advantage of two championship points in the fifth set and was the player who fell short on a day that will be considered iconic for tennis fans. Former British star Tim Henman said on the BBC broadcast, it’s a match “the tennis world will reflect on for a long time to come”. And he wasn’t the only one who held those sentiments, as viewers at home took to Twitter to express their disbelief at the game they just witnessed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> Unbelievable scenes. Novak Djokovic saves two match points and breaks. 8-8 in the fifth. Four hours and 13 minutes gone. Utter madness. — George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) <a href="https://twitter.com/BellshawGeorge/status/1150455918984871937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 July 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> Amazing! Djokovic wins his 5th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a>. What a final! <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> played an unbelievably good match but somehow <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> wins after saving multiple match points. There is no limit to the amount of pressure this man can handle. Superhuman stuff! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> — Pat Cash (@TheRealPatCash) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPatCash/status/1150467312694284288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 July 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> I have such huge respect for both <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a>. What a match... wouldn’t have minded to see it go on a little longer 😊 Congrats Novak on another <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wimbledon</a>! — Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) <a href="https://twitter.com/KAndersonATP/status/1150474987687620614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">14 July 2019</a></blockquote> Despite being crowned the winner, Djokovic was too exhausted to celebrate, but he made sure to pay tribute to his opponent during his on-court interview. “I think this was, if not the most exciting and thrilling final I was ever part of, then definitely top two or three in my career against one of the greatest players of all time in Roger, who I respect a lot,” he said. “Unfortunately, in these kind of matches, one of the players has to lose. “It’s quite unreal to be two match points down and come back … and quite strange to play a tie-break at 12-all too. “I know I’ve said this before but when I was a boy … this always has been the tournament for me. It’s where I wanted to participate and where I wanted to win one day.” Federer cemented his nice guy status. Despite being crushed from his loss, he still found time to praise Djokovic for his performance. “It was a great match. It was long, it had everything,” he said. “I had my chances, so did he, we played some great tennis so in a way I’m happy with my performance as well. “But Novak, congratulations man, that was great. That was crazy. “I hope I give people the chance to believe, at 37, it’s not over yet.” In his post-match conference, Federer was visibly down but still tried to remain optimistic for having the opportunity of making history. “I mean, all of us working in this sport, we know what a great sport it is. I don’t think we need matches, per se. Maybe we need them to sometimes cross over to other sports, maybe get to the fans in the streets and so forth. If that’s the case, that this match did something like this, I think that’s great,” said the Swiss champ. “I think it was a great match with wonderful points played. It had everything. Novak played also amazing today. So I hope it resonates in a big way. “You try to take the good things out of this match. There’s just tons of it. “Like similar to 2008 maybe, I will look back and think, ‘Well, it’s not that bad after all’. For now, it hurts, and it should, like every loss does here at Wimbledon. “I think it’s a mindset. I’m very strong at being able to move on because I don’t want to be depressed about actually an amazing tennis match.” His battle against Rafael Nadal in 2008 at the All England Club is widely considered to be one of the greatest games the sport has ever seen, and now, with Sunday's epic final, fans and experts can’t help but draw comparisons. But despite the intensity and power of the two matches, the only thing the 37-year-old can focus on is the end result. “Sure, epic ending, so close, so many moments. Yeah, I mean, sure there’s similarities. But you’ve got to go dig, see what they are,” Federer said. “I’m the loser both times, so that’s the only similarities I see.” And while members of the media snickered after hearing that last line, it’s obvious that behind the smile, Federer is crushed that he couldn’t leave London with the one thing he wanted most.

News

Why you should check your nails for signs of cancer

When you think of skin cancer, you probably think of checking for moles. But did you know your nails can also reveal a sign of melanoma? Manicurist Jean Skinner had first-hand experience catching this stealthy symptom. “I had a walk-in nail client a couple weeks ago,” she wrote in an August 2017 Facebook post. “She had a straight dark vertical stripe down her nail. She said as soon as she sat down – I need a colour dark enough to cover this stripe.” Other salons had speculated that the woman’s mysterious line could be due to a calcium deficiency, a blood blister, or a strange hereditary mark. Yet Skinner knew better than that. She immediately told her customer that the dark line was likely a little-known symptom of melanoma. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7823255/melanoma.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a8f20ad60096495a98eedd593cb9ad1b" /> Don't brush off this easy-to-ignore symptom. Subungual melanoma (aka nail melanoma) is, as its nickname suggests, a skin cancer that occurs under the nail. It affects <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10642684">0.7 to 3.5 percent</a> of people with melanoma. Rare as it is, it’s important to know about its telltale sign: a dark black or brown line across a finger- or toenail, according to the <a href="https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/nail-melanoma">American Academy of Dermatology</a> (AAD). Sadly, Skinner’s hunch was correct – and the prognosis wasn’t good. The client called later to tell her she had aggressive melanoma that had spread to her lymph nodes. (Check these <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/cancer/8-ways-get-fitter-after-cancer-treatment">8 ways to get fitter after cancer treatment</a>). A black band isn’t the only skin cancer symptom that could be hiding under your nail polish. Other signs of nail melanoma include darkened skin around the nail, blood, pus and splits in the nail, according to the AAD. Early diagnosis could be crucial, so see your doctor right away if you happen to notice a dark mark under your fingernail or any other suspicious symptoms. Written by Brooke Nelson. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/cancer/if-you-have-mark-your-nail-you-should-get-checked-cancer">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN87V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>. <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Body

Doctors issue warning: How your gel and acrylic nails may be affecting your health

With nail salons around the country advertising their services at affordable prices, the popularity of gel and acrylic nails have hit its peak. More long-wearing than your standard manicure, it’s the most convenient option for women on the go. But as the saying goes: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. New research has shown that a certain chemical found in both treatments can cause adverse reactions if not applied properly. Dermatologists in both the UK and Ireland have officially issued a health warning about the methacrylate chemical – a substance that is found in almost all gel and acrylic nails, which is causing an “allergy epidemic” across the two countries. Allergy tests of 4,931 patients across 13 dermatology units were assessed to come to this outcome, as results showed that at least 2.4 per cent of those people could be suffering from this allergy. Another study conducted in 2017 by the British Association of Dermatologists discovered that the chemical was most likely to cause a reaction when it touches the skin, with side effects including loosening nails or a red and itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body. Those affected the most were nail technicians who come into regular contact with the chemical and those who attempt to do their own manicures at home rather than seeing a professional. The moral of the story? Go see a qualified nail technician and dump the at-home nail kits in the bin. Do you prefer to do your own nails or get someone else to do it for you? Let us know in the comments.

Body

6 tips to make your nails healthier and stronger

As we age, our nails can become weaker and more brittle, making the little everyday things in life a struggle – not to mention causing a hefty amount of pain when they break. If that sounds like you, you’ll be happy to learn you don’t need to fork out for expensive treatments or put up with that gross chemical smell that often comes with many nail products. Here are six natural solutions that will leave you with healthier, stronger nails in no time. 1. Olive oil This miracle ingredient has uses well beyond the kitchen. For an inexpensive remedy for damaged, weak or peeling nails, simply soak them in extra virgin olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes each day for a month, then two times a week after that. 2. Vitamin E cream Choose a natural cuticle cream containing vitamin E and massage it into your nails and around the nail beds every night before bed. This will nourish your dry cuticles, improving the overall health of your nails. 3. Gloves Dishwashing liquid, detergent, cleaners and other substances used during housework can wreak havoc on already damaged nails. The simplest way to prevent further harm is by wearing gloves while completing chores, then washing, cleansing and moisturising your hands and nails afterwards. 4. Biotin Biotin is a B complex vitamin which helps keep your skin, hair, nails, eyes, liver and nervous system healthy. To increase your intake, ensure your diet includes biotin-rich foods such as avocado, cooked eggs, whole grains and cauliflower. Supplements are also available. 5. Avoid nail polish remover This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but most (if not all) nail polish removers will cause damage of some kind. If you can’t resist a manicure, try to avoid using nail polish remover more than once or twice a month, and never use one containing acetone. 6. Drink water It seems like most of our health complaints can be solved with those two words, but it’s true – staying hydrated on the inside will keep your outside (including your nails) hydrated, too. Tell us in the comments below, have you successfully treated brittle nails before? We’d love to hear your tips!

Beauty & Style

5 over-60 celebs who have nailed their brows

Brows can become bolder and more beautiful with age. Here, brow expert and microblade technician Rachael Pietruszka from The Signature Brow in Sydney, reveals five iconic women who show us how. 1. Helen Mirren, 72 Dame Helen wears a darker, bolder brow against a stark platinum short bob. I wouldn’t normally recommend the everyday woman try a look that’s this dramatic, but for Mirren, who’s renowned for her confidence and age-defying attitude, it really works. I think the trick is to keep everything on point – to team that bold brow with strong lashes, a bold lip and a killer outfit, as well as a big serving of chutzpah. She is a great example of someone who has become even more comfortable in her skin – and her status as a theatrical icon – with each passing year. 2. Ellen Barkin, 63 <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7266789/2_498x245.jpg" alt="2 (49)"/> Barkin proves time and again that age is no barrier to beauty and sex appeal. Her darker brows stand out beautifully against her blonde hair, but they aren’t overdone. She has quite a strong jaw and angular cheekbones, but the slightly rounder arch curve of her brow offsets this and keeps her look soft and sultry. 3. Ellen Burstyn, 84 <img width="350" height="525" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7266790/3.jpg" alt="3 (24)"/> Burstyn looks soft and stunning with a fuller brow that is lighter in colour. The straighter arch that tapers off to a slightly elevated tail frames her heart shape face gorgeously. The entire brow shape, length and colour brighten her eyes and make them appear happy and awake. 4. Jane Fonda, 79 <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7266791/4_498x245.jpg" alt="4 (14)"/> Fonda has kept everything together beautifully her entire life and she just keeps getting better. Her brows are the perfect width apart, the ideal length and width and the tail does all it’s meant to do in terms of thickness and elevation. Her brow colour isn’t too far off her hair hue, which creates a beautifully soft, natural and bright-eyed appearance. 5. Annie Lennox, 63 <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7266792/5_498x245.jpg" alt="5 (15)"/> Style icon Lennox could probably get away with any look she wanted, but I love that she stays true to her platinum short crop and darker grey-brown brows. With her pixie face and hair-do, her angular brows create even more character and suggest a sharp wit and intellect. While her brows are on the thinner side, they frame her face well and add freshness to a look she has carried beautifully for many decades now.

Beauty & Style

7 tips to stop biting your nails (from people who beat the habit)

Biting your nails one of the most common bad habits around, and if you’ve ever tried to quit, you’ll know just how difficult it can be. However, the old saying really is true in this case – where there’s a will, there’s a way. So, <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/ailbhemalone/useful-tips-that-will-help-you-stop-biting-your-nails?utm_term=.isLbYeE1mX#.nq6rX0z8Nd" target="_blank">BuzzFeed</a> asked its readers to share the one tip that helped them break the habit, and we’ve rounded up some of our favourites here. Feel free to add yours in the comments! 1. Nail polish and acrylics Whether you’re getting acrylic nails professionally done at a salon, simply painting them at home or experimenting with nail art, many former biters discovered that taking pride in their nails was the solution to their problem. By making them look good, many found they couldn’t bear to ruin their manicure. 2. Glue-on nails Sometimes all you need is a barrier between you and the thing you’re trying to avoid – and press-on nails do just that. They’re cheap, will help your nails heal, and if you use good quality glue, can stay on for about a week. Simply keep replacing them until you’ve kicked the habit. 3. Anti-biting treatments They don’t work for everyone, but these treatments are cheap, easy to find and very effective for some. How do they work? A bit of negative reinforcement – they make your nails taste so disgusting, you’ll never want to bite them again. 4. Switch up the impulse The next time you get that powerful urge to nibble, do something proactive instead. Some biters have found that using the impulse as a chance to do something good to their nails (like applying a healthy oil or cream) helped ease them out of the habit. 5. Reward yourself If you need more incentive than just healthy nails (although that’s a pretty damn good reason, if you ask us!) set up a rewards system for yourself. Each hour, day or week (or whatever other interval you want to set for yourself) that you don’t bite, treat yourself to something nice. Whether it’s small, like a bar of your favourite chocolate, or a bit more indulgent like a facial or massage. 6. Keep your hands or mouth occupied Fidget spinners aren’t just for kids! The next time you get the urge to bite, keep your hands occupied with a fidget toy – there are tons out there, and they’re all super affordable. As for your mouth, chew some gum or suck on a long-lasting lolly. It’ll distract you from going straight for the nails. 7. Get your hands dirty Spend a few hours gardening, browse a magazine at your GP, clean the house – with all this dirt, germs and chemicals lurking under your nails, you definitely won’t want to get them anywhere near your mouth.

Body

Why you’ll never see Kate wearing red nail polish

Nail polish is always a fun way to brighten up an outfit, but for the Duchess of Cambridge, bright-coloured varnish is a no-go – and the same goes for the Queen. Why? According to Marie Claire, only natural-looking nails are allowed at official royal events. As we’ve <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/05/the-nine-dollar-nail-polish-queen-elizabeth-wears/" target="_blank">reported before</a>, Her Majesty’s favourite shade is Ballet Slippers by Essie, and it seems Kate is also a fan. However, the magazine says Kate also likes to mix two shades together. It’s believed she learnt the trick from Camilla’s manicurist Marina Sandoval, who created a signature blend for the Duchess of Cambridge ahead of her 2011 wedding – a mixture of Bourjois no. 28 Rose Lounge and Essie 423 Allure. “Catherine wanted something very natural looking and I felt these matched her skin colour beautifully,” Sandoval explained. “She wanted something off-white and bridal, so these were absolutely perfect. She was very pleased with the result and told me that it looked beautiful and elegant." What’s your go-to nail polish colour? Let us know in the comments below!

Beauty & Style

7 tips for stronger, healthier nails

If your nails are prone to breaking, are weak or just won’t grow – we can help. We’ve got some quick and easy tips for improving the strength and overall health of your nails. 1. Protect your fingernails Think about how much our hands are exposed to each day – washing up water, food from cooking and eating, soap, dust, grime and more. It’s no wonder our poor nails aren’t feeling their best. When you can, protect your nails by wearing gloves when you are using harsh chemicals. You can also use a barrier cream to keep moisture in around the delicate nail area. A clear polish is also a good idea as it strengthens the nail and protects them from damage. 2. Bless your cotton socks At night before bed, slather some moisturiser onto your toes and really rub it into your nails. Pop some cotton socks on to sleep in, as this will stop the cream rubbing off in the night. In the morning your feet will be noticeably softer and your nails will have had a good moisture soak all night. 3. Trim after a bath The best time to cut your nails is after they’ve been soaking in warm water. So get into the habit of only cutting them after you’ve had a soak in a bath, as this will mean you’ll be less likely to break or chip them compared to when they are bone dry. 4. Be kind to your feet We’re probably all guilty of being a slave to fashion at some point. But if you’re still forcing your feet into too-small or too-tall shoes, it can be causing pain and damage to your toenails. Try to get fitted by a professional, and remember not to wear the same shoes over and over. 5. Consider a supplement Whether it’s a general multivitamin, omega-3 fish oils, vitamin E or a combination, there are many supplements available from the chemist that can help strengthen your nails and encourage growth. The other benefit is that many will also benefit your skin and hair too. You can also find specific products at the chemist that are designed to strengthen your nails. 6. Just add oil A lack of moisture is the enemy of healthy nails, so try rubbing oil (such as coconut oil) into your fingernails and cuticles. It will be rapidly absorbed and will help keep your skin and nails supple and strong. 7. Watch out for chemicals Every day we are exposed to chemicals which can damage our hands and nails, but it’s worth noting that there are often less harsh varieties of each of them. For instance choose a natural hand sanitiser rather than one loaded with alcohol, choose fragrance free baby wipes, natural sun creams and homemade or low-tox cleaning products. Have you tried any of these remedies and did they work for you? We would love to hear your point of view (or your own tips) in the comments.

Beauty & Style

The $9 nail polish Queen Elizabeth wears

Queen Elizabeth has proven that she has a specific taste that she likes to keep to. She owns more than 200 versions of the same purse, finishes each night with a glass of bubbly and won’t travel without her favourite dessert. This behaviour extends to her nail care as the Queen will only wear one shade of nail polish from the Essie collection. <img width="498" height="325" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37047/essie_498x325.jpg" alt="Essie"/> The Queen uses the “Ballet Slippers” nail polish which is a favourite shade of beauty bloggers and celebrities. The tone won’t clash with any of the Queen’s bright outfits and it is subtle enough to remain unnoticeable beneath white gloves. According to Essie, the Queen was a fan of this pink polish before 1989 when her hairdresser sent the company a letter requesting a bottle of “the only colour Her Majesty would wear." At least this nail polish preference isn’t as expensive as her purse taste. This nail polish can be purchased on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/essie-nail-polish-ballet-slippers/dp/B0030IMVZ6?tag=geo02a9-20&SubscriptionId=AKIAIIO45QSTAA4R2Q6Q&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0030IMVZ6&th=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for $9 (USD).

Beauty & Style

Why nail polish lasts so much longer on toenails than fingernails

It’s a question that’s plagued women for centuries (ok, slight exaggeration but who knows maybe Cleopatra had this issue) – why is it that nail polish lasts barely days on our fingernails but seemingly forever on our toenails? Well, wonder no more. According to Smith & Cult Beauty Ambassador Sarah Bland, it’s all about wear and tear. “Polish lasts longer on toes than fingers because we use our hands as tools and they’re in water much more often than toes,” she tells <a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/why-does-nail-polish-last-longer-on-your-toes-plus-4-tips-to-extend-the-life-of-your-manicure-45495" target="_blank">Bustle</a>. That’s all well and good, but how can we make our manicures go the distance? Here are her top tips. 1. Clean your nails Before applying any varnish, Bland suggests using rubbing alcohol or pure acetone to clean the nails and nail beds. This will get rid of any oils that may prevent the polish drying properly, making your mani last longer. And, prior to applying any varnish, always apply a base coat. 2. Be generous with top coat When you think your nail polish is about to chip, give it another go-over with top coat. “The best thing to do to extend your manicure is to add an extra top coat a couple of days into your mani,” says Bland. Extra top coat will extend the life of your varnish beyond those first few chip-prone days. 3. Paint outside the lines Forget everything you learnt as a child about colouring within the lines! According to Bland, being a bit messy with your top coat will ensure it lasts longer – at least, if you apply some to the top edge of your nail. This will act as a sort of seal, preventing any big chips. 4. Stay hydrated Not only will cuticle oil keep your nails hydrated, but it will make your polish last longer. Just make sure you only apply it after painting your nails, otherwise you’ll find it difficult to make your manicure last through the day. How do you make your manicure or pedicure last longer? Share your tips with us in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

4 clever tips for healthy nails

Oh, the luxury of a weekly manicure. This rates as highly in my beauty book as an in-salon blow dry. Great hair, groomed nails, what more could you ask for? The beauty of nail polish is that you can update your look regularly and take big risks with colour. I remember a flirtation with lettuce green on my toes that didn't quite make muster and with a swipe of nail polish remover it was gone. However, there are a few golden rules to keeping nails from running amok: 1. Cuticles Don't cut them, always push them back. You can do this in the shower using a facecloth or washer. 2. Filing A file is the only thing you should use to shape your nails. If you cut them, you run the risk of trimming off too much length and leaving little room for fine-tuning the shape. Always file your nails in one direction starting at the outer and working your way around. Using a sawing motion – back and forth – will fray your nails and cause them to peel at the tip. 3. Paint prepping Your nails should be squeaky clean with no residue, including hand cream. Nails need to be clean so the polish will adhere. Use a tissue with acetone nail polish remover to erase any oil. 4. Pro tip "Don't forget to paint the tip," says <a href="http://www.jocelynpetroni.com/" target="_blank">manicure guru Jocelyn Petroni</a>. If you don't the manicure will start to chip. And always reapply a long-lasting topcoat to get the greatest longevity out of your polish. Do you have a tip for perfectly groomed nails that works for you? Share it with the community in the comments below. Written by Stephanie Darling. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/10-things-your-nails-reveals-about-your-health/">10 things your nails reveal about your health</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/how-to-do-a-natural-pedicure-at-home/">How to do a natural pedicure at home</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/05/top-ways-to-strengthen-weak-nails/">4 top ways to strengthen weak nails</a>

Beauty & Style

10 things your nails reveals about your health

Nails are an extension of our body, and can tell us a lot about our general state of health and wellbeing. Even the rate of growth can be an indicator that all is not well – 3.5mm a month is a healthy amount of nail growth, less than this can indicate poor nutrition, an underlying physical disease or can simply be due to advancing age. So take a peek at your hands every now and then, and visit your GP if you notice any substantial changes in your nails shape, colour or texture. Here are 10 of the more common changes you might notice, and what they might mean. 1. Yellow nails If you are a smoker, yellow nails can be "normal". However, for others, yellowing of the nails can signify a fungal infection. Other symptoms of a fungal nail infection, known as onchomycosis, can include thickening, irregularity or crumbling of the nails. These infections can be difficult to treat, and often will require quite prolonged courses of oral anti-fungal tablets. 2. Pale nails Very pale nails can indicate a serious underlying medical condition such as anaemia, congestive heart disease or malnutrition. If your nails are pale, but with a darker pink or red rim at the top, this can be a sign of liver disease. 3. Dry and cracked This may be simply due to lifestyle or "environmental" factors, such as over-washing of your hands, frequent exposure to chemicals such as detergents, nail polish remover, or chlorine. However, it may also indicate nutritional deficiencies including low levels of vitamin A and C, or thyroid disease. 4. Ridges It is important to differentiate what type of ridge you have on your nail: vertical ridges are far more likely to be a normal part of the ageing process, whereas horizontal ridges can indicate trauma, a serious illness with fever, psoriasis, poorly controlled diabetes or zinc deficiency. 5. “Clubbing” Clubbing of the fingers leads to very curved nails, and rounded, bulbous fingertips. Although it can be a normal variant, and can run in families quite harmlessly, it can also be a sign of low blood oxygen levels. This is most commonly associated with chronic lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis in the liver or polycythaemia (a blood condition). 6. Spooning If your nails start to curve up at the edges, and have the appearance of a spoon, the medical term for this is koilonychia. This can signify iron deficiency, haemochromatosis (iron overload), Raynaud's disease or lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune condition). 7. Pitting The most common reason for having lots of "pits" or dents in your nails is psoriasis. However rarer things can cause this too, including autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata. 8. Bitten Nail biting is common especially in childhood and adolescence. Sometimes it is nothing more than a bad habit, but in others it can signify underlying anxiety and stress. Breaking this habit is a great idea as chronic biting increases your chances of infection and damage to the nail bed. 9. Streaky nails If you can see little red or brown streaks running underneath your nails, it may be nothing to worry about. However, if they are new, or you have lots of them, they could be a sign of damage to the small blood vessels. This can result from a variety of medical conditions including lupus, psoriasis or endocarditis (an infection of the heart valves). If the streak or patch is very dark or black, get this looked at urgently – sometimes this can be the first indicator of potentially fatal malignant melanoma. 10. Puffy If you develop red, puffy, tender skin around the base of the nail, the chances are you have "paronychia", or inflammation of the nailbed. This is usually due to either infection, trauma (including nail biting) or an underlying skin condition such as eczema. If not treated, it can become quite persistent and difficult to cure. Written by Cathy Stephenson. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/05/top-ways-to-strengthen-weak-nails/">4 top ways to strengthen weak nails</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/03/a-brief-history-of-nails/">A brief history of nails</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/beauty-foods-for-skin-and-hair/">10 beauty foods for skin and hair</a>

Beauty & Style

Mum writes moving note for her son who wears nail polish

A mother in the US has taken a stand against bullies and bigots in a powerful Facebook post about her 6-year-old son. Devon Berryann shared this sweet photo with one of the most heart-felt pleas for love and acceptance we’ve ever seen. <img width="500" height="909" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/22934/13466329_10154232144747930_6479316103709728256_n_500x909.jpg" alt="13466329_10154232144747930_6479316103709728256_n"/> “My six-year-old son likes to wear nail polish,” she writes. “He likes to wear girls’ clothes and tutus. He tells me about the boys he likes at school. He says he will marry them and adopt babies. Maybe he will outgrow it. Maybe not. I love and accept him for who he is. I always thought that doing that would protect him from the pain of hurtful words and bullies, and I didn’t worry.” After returning home from school one day, Silas told his mum about the teasing and bullying he experienced from his classmates. While she admits she is afraid for what the future may hold for her son, simply because he is different, she realised none of it matters as long as her son is happy. “As scared as I am, I know that this world is not going to change with more fear. It has plenty of that. What it needs is more love and acceptance. “So yesterday, we went out and bought more nail polish, and today we wore tutus,” she concluded. “So here he is world. See my boy for the amazing person he is. Show him love. Show him acceptance. Help us change the world into one that deserves him.” <a href="https://www.facebook.com/devon.berryann/posts/10154232144767930">Click here</a> to read the entire post. Warning – it may bring a tear or two to your eyes. What do you think can be done to deter bullying in schools? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/06/9-year-old-is-worlds-youngest-wedding-photographer/">9-year-old is world’s youngest wedding photographer</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/teacher-donates-kidney-to-student/">Teacher donates kidney to her student</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/boy-is-overwhelmed-at-toy-store/">Adorable little boy can’t contain himself at the toy store</a>

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10 polite habits nail techs actually dislike – and what to do instead

6 things your nails reveal about your health