What causes them? These lines often appear with age or from pushing cuticles too aggressively with a wooden stick.
How to fix them: Apply an anti-ridge base coat and gently polish the nail surface with a four-sided buffer—avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damage.
Recommended products: Express Anti-Aging Smoothing Manicure, Gemey Maybelline, €7.60. Nail Buffer, e.l.f., €1.
What causes it? Nails absorb pigments from polish (lingering even after removal), household products, and tobacco.
How to fix it: Always start with a base coat. To remove yellowing, soak nails in a bowl of water plus one capful of hydrogen peroxide.
Recommended products: Double Duty Base & Top Coat, Sally Hansen c/o Sephora, €8. Base Coat, Revlon, €10.90.
What causes it? Dry, soft nails have keratin layers that lift and separate.
How to fix it: Soak bare nails in warm olive oil for 5 to 10 minutes, then rub with half a lemon. Use a moisturizing base for dry nails or a hardener for soft ones.
Recommended products: First Base, Essie, €13. Lime Alessandro, €4.95.
Expert advice from Elsa Deslandes, Gemey-Maybelline manicurist.
