SANDHYA works at a leading multinational company. Each day spells meetings galore, and just as much embarrassment. For as she sits envying everyone's perfectly shaped and conditioned nails, her own looks chipped and pathetic. Despite a routine manicure, her nails continue to be a cosmetic nightmare.

Meanwhile, Sakshi had happily settled down to a life of complete domesticity - two devilish kids, home and hubby became her preferred universe. And then, suddenly, her nails started peeling. She ignored the problem at first, but it grew worse as the weeks went by. She doesn't know what to do.

Nail Crisis

Your nails can go weak or start peeling because of constant abuse from harsh detergents, cleaning agents, nail glue and acetone removers. Incorrect filing of nails and lack of moisture also damage nails.

Rough cuticles are the result of picking and biting, cuticle clipping or dehydration - so, don't cut cuticles. Soften unruly cuticles with cuticle cream; push them back gently with an orange stick and moisturise regularly.

Use a file that has a sponge centre and keep nails short. If a nail starts to break, clip it. For a quick fix before a party, apply nail glue to the crack. Once it dries, buff till smooth and then apply a couple of coats of polish.

Professional Tips

Before applying nail polish, wipe nails with polish remover to clear any oil. Apply a base and top coat. A base coat aids in the retention of the colour on the nail while the top coat shields the enamel.

Applying a top coat every day could prolong the life of your manicure as well as of your nail colour.

Apply two or three thin coats of polish. A thick coat could chip and flake off quickly. Nail polish could be made thinner by adding a few drops of remover to the bottle. The first coat always looks patchy - the second intensifies the colour and covers any irregularities.

While applying nail polish, leave a hairline gap between the colour and the cuticle. This makes nails appear longer and prevents the colour from bleeding into the nail base.

Leave old polish on when filing nails to prevent breakage.

Keep nails fairly short when wearing strong shades of nail colour and a little longer for lighter shades.

For a short, squarish shape, file nail straight across the top of the nail and carefully round off edges.

Dietary Solutions To Common Nail Problems

Problem: Peeling nails

SOS: Get your much-required dose of Vitamin A from orange and red fruits and vegetables such as apricots, carrots and tomatoes, and oily fish.

Problem: Split nails

SOS: A diet rich in B complex vitamins or amino acids found in sulphur-rich onion and garlic.

Problem: Brittle nails

SOS: Time for omelettes, boiled, poached and any other form of eggs you can lay your hands on. You need Vitamin B complex, and the best sources are milk, egg yolk, wholegrain cereals and fish.

Problem: Ridged or pale nails

SOS: You need loads of iron. Add green vegetables, nuts and beans to your diet.

Perfect Cuticles

Excessive trimming, contrary to popular belief, does not impart good look and health to the nails. In the long run, in fact, it makes your cuticles tougher and more unmanageable. Be careful when you cut tough cuticles. Overzealous manicuring resituates as split and sore nails. Also be aware that diseases like AIDS and hepatitis can be transmitted by unhygienic manicure equipment. Make sure all equipment is properly sterilised at your salon.

Tidy cuticles are the centre of attraction but they do demand regular care and attention. Massage cuticles with a nourishing cream or gel and then soak hands in warm water for a few minutes before easing cuticles back. This softens the cuticles and allows you to manipulate them better. Then clean any skin clinging to the nail with the aid using the flat side of a crystal file.

Prevention's Better Than Cure

Use rubber gloves for household chores Use oil-based polish removers Experiment with a soft-grain nail file and don't file sideways

Gently massage oil or cream into cuticles at night

Stop biting your nails when you're tense. Instead, drink water.

A regular manicure is the best way to keep cuticles tidy

Eat Right

Although long ridges on your nails may be something you inherited, weak, flaky nails could indicate a diet deficient in nutrients, or a thyroid problem. Optimise your nail health by eating the right foods:

Meats rich in Vitamin B and protein

Dairy products

Dark green, orange and yellow vegetables and fish that are rich in Vitamin A

Whole grains

Food stuffs rich in iron and zinc

Oily fish rich in good cholesterol and protein

Supplements of evening primrose oil and a multivitamin pill