Are you back in your boots yet? I am, but actually, I packed my summer shoes away in mid-August.
Why? I’ve been on a polish break since returning from holiday, so anything open-toed has been off the menu. Not that I don’t love a nude nail but, having ignored my pedicurist’s advice for months, my bare toes were not fit to be seen.
I’d scorned suggestions to remove the colour and let my nails breathe, and refused to ditch the pointy kitten heels I’d worn on repeat since May. Result? Parched nails and cracks on the toes where the shoes pinched.
I’m now on a strict routine of flats and round-toed shoes plus an intensive foot-moisturising plan.
I was surprised my therapist could tell I was still wearing The Shoes against her instructions, but it turns out the person who looks after your nails knows a lot more about you than you might like to think.
From hormone levels to thyroid function, I asked Britain’s top nail experts what they can spot as they paint. Here are their tips to make your nails look healthy and youthful.
From hormone levels to thyroid function, your nails can tell your pedicurist a lot about your health
Rebecca Crawforth is the founder of Navy Professional, which is stocked in Space NK and used in thousands of spas and salons. She says: ‘Brittle or peeling nails can suggest vitamin deficiencies or thyroid imbalances, while slow nail growth, bluish nail beds or clients with cold hands can sometimes point to circulation problems or, in rare cases, early signs of diabetes.
‘If anything unusual like this crops up, I would always advise seeking medical advice.
‘More common problems include yellow discolouration, often from wearing dark reds or strong polishes without a base coat, and nails lifting from the bed (onycholysis), which can be caused by acetone overuse, allergies to gel products or poor removal technique.
‘How to get youthful-looking nails on older hands? Well-nourished cuticles and skin instantly make nails look fresher.
‘I always recommend massaging our Hand & Cuticle Serum (£16.95, navyprofessional.com) daily, and a gentle exfoliation once or twice a week with L’Occitane One Minute Hand Scrub (£10, uk.loccitane.com), keeps hands smooth and bright.’
Award-winning brand founder, Leighton Denny MBE, says: ‘Vertical nail ridges – furrows in the nail that run from tip to cuticle – are like wrinkles, part of the natural ageing process that deepen with age due to slower cell turnover and lack of oil.
‘They become more prominent in menopause due to a drop in oestrogen which can weaken the nail keratin.
‘It’s rare to see spoon-shaped nails, which curve upwards and inwards, but when I do, I always recommend clients see a health professional – it can be a sign of iron deficiency and anaemia.
‘Having beautiful nails is not about length, it’s about health. Nourish nails back to health with my Nail Rebirth Intensive Nail Repair Capsules (£17.50 for 20 capsules, leightondenny.com and marksandspencer.com).’
Leading luxury beauty expert, Margaret Dabbs, says: ‘Changes in the colour, shape, thickness, or texture of toenails can be signs of underlying health conditions.
‘The most common is a fungal nail. This can present as yellow, thick, crumbly nails with possible odour or debris underneath and is common in people with sweaty feet, poor foot hygiene, diabetes, or a weak immune system.
‘We’ve just launched the Nail Fungus Laser Device (£95, margaretdabbs.co.uk) and the results have been positive in patients following treatments prescribed by podiatrists (which may include antifungal medication) along with the 3-In-1 Shoe Freshener (£55) and Foot Hygiene Cream (£22, johnlewis.com).
‘Watch out for dark or black streaks which are usually from knocks, but, if persistent, could indicate melanoma. Blue or purple nails can be a sign of poor circulation, Raynaud’s disease or low oxygen levels, while pitting (small dents in the nail) can indicate psoriasis or eczema.’
Claire Aggarwal, the CEO of Bio Sculpture UK, says: ‘Dark lines on nails may suggest low Vitamin D, but not every nail change signals something serious. White marks are often mistaken for calcium deficiency but are mostly caused by trauma to the nail plate from small knocks, improper gel removal, picking at cuticles or splitting edges from over-filing.
‘As we age, nails can lose strength and natural shine, but the right treatments make a difference. Our Lavender Base (£15.50, biosculpture.co.uk) helps restore weak or damaged nails and encourages healthy growth. Pair with a glossy pinky-nude such as Sheer Admiration (£15.50) for that effortless your-nails-but-better finish.’
