From French tips to shiny Shellac, there’s no doubt a fresh lick of nail varnish can lift our mood and leave us feeling more put-together. Though 21st-century nail salons are packed with nail-perfecting tech (from UV lamps to magnetic polish), the practice of nail art is nothing new. Records show women in ancient India, China and Egypt used plants to dye their nails as far back as 5000BC.
Our nails aren’t purely decorative, however. They protect our fingers from injury and infection, and set us apart from other primates by enabling. Other markers of good health, it notes, are nails free of cracks, peeling or ridges. It’s also good news if you can see a slight curve when looking from the tip of the nail down towards the cuticle. If your nails aren’t quite fitting this bill, however, don’t panic. There’s plenty that can be done to nurture them back to health.
