Q. I’ve always had quite weak nails but now they’re flaking and splitting half way down the nail bed. Nail varnish lasts a day before chipping at the tips. I’m not bothered about having long nails but I would like them to look good before the party season.

A. You and us are all in this together. Particularly Sarah whose country life of horses and gardening is heaven but really doesn’t help her nails – mud and other assailants creep in despite her wearing gloves all the time. Jo gardens too and is prey to the same nail enemies.

So, yes, you need to do all the usual things like being assiduous about wearing gloves to wash up, garden and groom horses! And massage in oil at night – actually, whenever you think of it during the day is good. Any oil will help but Dr Hauschka Neem Nail Oil Pen is a longtime favourite; it’s £17 but it lasts for ages and is handy (ooops!) to carry round with you.

Good hand cream is essential of course too. See our Beauty Bible Award winners for the best of the best. 

Now supplements. We’ve tried various ones over the years, of which Sun Chlorella A was the most effective. But now! At the recommendation of Sue Peart, our much-loved former Editor at YOU magazine, Sarah is diligently taking Life Extension Bone Restore with Vitamin K2/£23 for 120 capsules. You take four daily – two in the morning, two in the evening is recommended. (And, of course, it doesn't hurt that Bone Restore is, as the name suggests, good for your bones as well…)

Sue told Sarah that it was the only thing that had ever helped her nails grow. And golly gosh! It’s had the same result for Sarah after just four weeks. Her nails are short but not flaking or splitting. And a manicure has lasted seven days to date without chipping! Truly nothing short of a miracle.  

Only fair to mention here blow LTD at Debenhams Manchester where Sarah had a really competent manicure with OPI products – love classic taupe called Berlin There Done That Nail Lacquer/£13.50. (No, we have no idea what that name’s all about….

Lastly, please don't buff your nails with anything except the very softest buffer and certainly don’t have a gel polish. Both are almost guaranteed to remove the top layer of nail and encourage flaking and splitting.

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