What's in your manicure kit?

clippers and a nail file. My nails are made of something resembling steel, so I never have trouble with them. Keep my finger nails short as I started playing the piano when I was seven, and I cannot bear long nails because of that. (On myself, I mean. I admire them on others). I keep my toe nails fairly short too, but they are becoming harder to attend to - they seem to be further away these days!

Morgana, I had an aunt who had never married, a real career woman, and was always immaculately turned out. As she grew older her hands became crippled with arthritis but always had her nails manicured and painted weekly. She lived to a ripe old age and I can still remember her beautiful nails.

My nails have ridges and are prone to splitting/breaking at any time, so I always carry a small file and clippers with me. At home I have those plus one of those multi sided emery boards that has one section specifically for getting rid of ridges. Also many bottles of Rimmel nail nurse, which I cant't get any more [it has formaldehyde in it ] so I bought a job lot on ebay. It's the only thing that stops my nails breaking completely. Oh and various nail/cuticle creams. I only put the varnish on the tip of the nail and try to nourish the rest of it. Nails used to be so strong until a few years ago . And always wear rubber gloves for any sort of washing up.

Oh yes, and lots of different hand creams but currently using Burts Bees which has lavender etc in it and I find it helps with the arthritis in my hand [I bought it originally for the dog's corns!]. And each night I put ibuprofen gel onto the worst arthtritic bits [tips of gingers and thumb joint] and then; after applying hand cream wear thin cotton gloves. I'd love one of those hot wax thingys; the physio at the hospital said they are very good for arthritic hands....

fingers not gingers...

There used to be a product called NAIL MAGIC which was simply brushed over the nail. Not sure if it's still available but it was magic, especially good for weak nails ....

As a folllow on to gtJE65's jocular statement about her feet being further away (very good!) I genuinely believe podiatry of even the simplest kind is an item very much overlooked in those of us who are less able either physically or mentally. I recently encountered someone who was limping rather badly and the problem was a simple case of an elongated toenail sticking into the toe next door. All sorts of other theories were tested and finally the issue was spotted. Troublesome feet can lead to so much other discomfort and yet many local NHS services are scant and private treatment can be expensive for many. Wish this was a more recognised problem area.

My nails used to be really strong but now I can’t even use clippers as they’ve split, cracked and frayed away long before they can be cut. I’ve tried all sorts of nail strengthening paints and creams and am now taking pills. All to no avail. I also have emery boards in every room, in my handbag and in the car to stop any catchy bits as they appear. I find several coats of nail varnish the best protection.

I have a pretty box that holds nail polishes, polish remover, cotton balls, emery boards (didn't know there were glass ones), pusher, cuticle clippers, one of those 4-sided things that removes ridges and smooths and shines the nails, clippers, and a small scissors.

I try very hard to look after my nails but they are prone to flaking and splitting.
I take vitamin D regularly, but doesn't make any difference.
Always use gloves and hand cream.
Only when I use clear varnish, they seem to look and last a little bit longer.
I try not to buff too much as I read that can weaken nails
Also use a glass nail file. It is better than an emery board I think

My nails were awful. splitting and bendy, so now I keep a jar of "Healthy Hoof" by my chair which has improved them no end. Originally designed for horses, it's just as good for humans! You can get it from Beauty Originals. ( At least, I think that's what it's called.) I also massage in Argan oil at frequent intervals, especially in this cold weather, so there's always a little bottle of that by my chair as well.

Does anyone else find their toe nails have got tougher with age? I used to have long soaks in the bath, then trim my nails. Now I have showers and my nails have become really brittle. What to do?

I have strong no fuss nails. I keep them short with nail clippers and emery boards and paint them for occasions. I hate to see long painted false finger nails on women of my age, it looks cheap.

A tip for gardeners which a beauty therapist gave me.
Before going out and putting your gardening gloves on, scrape your nails along a soft-ish block of soap.
The soap stops dirt getting under your nails & just washes out when you come in from the garden.

My neighbour gave me that same piece of advice. Trouble is, it feels horrible having clogged nails so I just get dirty (though wear gloves for protection from dirt and cold for many garden jobs) and then do some washing up to get clean again. That system seems to work very well.

I'm amazed so many people get splits in their nails. What is supposed to cause that?

Re ridges, if it's vertical ridges aren't those an indication of strength or at least there to give strength, i.e. normal?

I use my dear Mum's nail clippers to clip nails (obviously!) and it has a little nail file which I use to clean under my nails every day when I think of her. I think of her too when I use same clippers on DGC. I make a very big effort when flying to put them in my case-sentimental I know.
I, too, have one of those glass nail files-not VERY expensive, about £6/£7.
My MIL told me about the soap under nails trick before gardening. As I no longer have bars of soap I drag nails across a blob of hand cream instead.

It's where the vertical ridge is that my nail splits; it will break horizontal to the vertical line [if that makes sense]. I do like the sound of Healthy Hoof, though. Would hoof oil be as good? I've probably got some of that somewhere!

I have an old fashioned manicure set. All I use are the scissors and the implement to take dirt out from under one's nails. They live in the bedroom. I have dry skin so use a lot of handcream.

I have a large manicure set
But I rarely use it
My nails are strong and grow well,
If I feel they aren't looking too good then I eat a daily cube of jelly.
They seem to naturally break off at a certain length.
I then file. (& try to shape)

Instead of having hand cream all over the house (although still Nivea in the car),
I now use Zero Cream, it has a convenient pump, and was prescribed by doctor for dry itchy legs
I found that it acted as a barrier cream on my hands and nails even after washing or gardening.
(Gloves when I remember)
My hands seen to be in better condition except for age spots!
I regret not applying a daily sun screen
When I remember I apply either foundation or BB cream on the back of my hands to try to and disguise the aged look

Interesting that so many of us suffer from split nails - I am going to look into getting some Hoof Oil sounds as if it should really work with a name like that.

I was at my GP the other day and noticed that they have started a toenail cutting service. It’s not something I need yet! But I think it’s an excellent service for anyone unable to reach their toes.

I think all the nutrients my finger nails need have drained down to my toe nails. I have to soak them in the bath for half an hour before I stand a chance of trimming them without a hammer and chisel.

I can't stand long nails. Now, when I say long, I mean showing over the tip of my fingers! Having been a Nurse all my adult life, I suppose I got used to having them very short. My manicure set consists of nail clippers, scissors and Emery boards. I did have a really good nail file, but I've lost it somewhere and am cross with myself!

I have always had awful nails, flaky and splitting, never able to grow them. About 12 months ago GP prescribed a cream for cracked and dry heels. Since using it not only are heels looking good but as I rubbed surplus into my nails they have transformed. They are now long and healthy, I have even had to cut them! Over Christmas I had gold glittering gel on and felt like a princess. Cream is called Dermatonics Once heel balm and is available on internet.

Scissors!

I'll get some of that Fiona.