The best way to work out if your nails are healthy or in need of attention is to look at them. The color, thickness, shape and texture of our nails can all tell us something about what is going on inside our bodies.

If you have any concerns about the state of your nails, it’s always best to get a professional opinion from your nail technician or from a doctor. But in the meantime here are three questions that you can ask yourself to help you work out if there is anything you should be worried about:

Are my nails strong?

Strong nails will have a smooth surface and will feel firm when pressed firmly between the thumb and forefinger. Dryness is a common cause of weak brittle nails so try regular moisturizing with cuticle oil or cream if you notice any signs of dryness. If your nails are actively peeling, cracking or splitting then it may be time to take a break from nail enhancements and give them a chance to grow out naturally.

Are my nails showing any signs of infection?

The most common sign of infection is a thickening or lifting of the nail plate away from the nail bed. This condition is called Onycholysis. It can be caused by trauma or injury, frequent use of products containing

Nails can tell a lot about your health. They are an important part of our body, as they help protect and support the fingers and toes from injury. But they also provide clues to our overall wellness, reflecting symptoms of some illnesses.

Take a good look at your nails. Are they healthy? Or do they show signs of disease? If you notice anything unusual, such as white spots or discoloration, this could be a sign of a more serious problem such as psoriasis, diabetes and even heart disease.

One sign that your nails are in need of attention is if you have white spots on your nails. This is very common and usually not serious but could indicate that you need to take better care of them and make sure that they get enough vitamins and nutrients.

Another sign could be that you have brittle nails which may mean that you are not getting enough calcium or protein in your diet. It could also mean that you have low levels of iron in your blood or anemia.

It is important to be aware of the health of your nails for cosmetic purposes and also to check for any worrying signs of a problem.

You will find information on what healthy nails look like, how to care for them, as well as some common nail problems, their symptoms and treatments. You will also find a section on what your nails say about your health.

The way your nails look may indicate good health or a nutritional deficiency. The shape, thickness and strength of the nail can reflect habits such as biting, picking or using the hands in water.

Nails are made up of keratin which is a type of protein found in hair and skin. They consist of several layers that grow from the base (called the matrix) at an average rate of 3mm per month. As new cells are produced they push older cells towards the tip of the nail where they harden into layers that form the visible part of the nail.

Wondering if you need to pay more attention to your nails? Take a read of our nail health check and discover the signs that could indicate that nails need a bit more TLC.

Noticing any of the following? These are signs that your nails need some extra love and care:

White spots or lines

Did you know that by looking at your nails, you can find out if there is something wrong with your general health? I’m not talking about the colors of polish or the different shapes of the nail. I mean by looking at the nails themselves and if they are healthy. The shape, thickness, color and strength of your nails reflect a lot about what is going on inside your body.

Not only that but they are also one of the first things that people notice when they meet you. So, what do your nails say about you?

1. Are my nails thick or thin?

They should be pinkish in color (not red like in many nail polishes) and semitransparent. If they are very white, they are probably too thick and this could be a sign of ingestion too much calcium. If they are yellowish or have dark spots, this could be a sign of fungal infection. If they have ridges or grooves, it could be from physical trauma to the nail bed such as slamming them in a door or typing too much on the computer (yes really).

These days many people choose to have fake nails put on at the salon. However, how do you know if your nails are healthy or not? If you don’t look after them, your nails can dry out and crack. They can also become weak, making them prone to breaking and splitting.

There are a number of reasons why the nails may be dry and brittle. Nails can become dry due to the cold weather. This is because in cold weather, the humidity is lower than usual. In addition, the heaters that are used during the winter months to warm up our homes can also make our nails dry out.

To keep your nails healthy during the winter months, moisturise your hands regularly with a good quality hand cream. Make sure that you don’t wash your hands while they are moist because water will make them dry out even more. Also, use a good base coat before applying nail polish so that it doesn’t soak into your nails and dry them out further.

So you’re not sure about your nails? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Do my nails have ridges?

2. Are my nails peeling or flaking?

3. Are my nails brittle and breaking?

4. Do I bite my nails?

5. Do I use nail polish remover regularly?

6. Is there any discolouration on my nails?

7. If I clip my nails, do they split at the sides?

8. Do I have an allergy to acrylics, gel or glue?

9. Are my cuticles dry and rough?