An Essex Wedding - Mar/Apr 2017 (Issue 79)

Globally renowned Margaret Dabbs reveals her top tips to nail your manicure or pedicure Interview by Ivana Sidey FORWARD Best foot M argaret Dabbs is passionate about hands and feet. She’s the celebrated podiatrist who founded her first foot clinic in 1998 in private consulting rooms in the Harley Street area and went on to create the Margaret Dabbs London brand to include foot clinics with nails spas across the UK and internationally. She pioneered the now world-renowned Medical Pedicure and went on to craft her own line of award-winning products and treatments for use in her clinics. What’s more, Margaret now has seven clinics, a growing product range and has successfully managed to place hands and feet at the forefront of the beauty industry. Here, she takes time out of her busy schedule to answer some of your questions… I consider myself to have a fairly good diet – why are my nails so brittle? The main cause of splitting, peeling or brittle nails is dehydration. This is more apparent with fair skin, which has less keratin that in turn gives a weaker softer nail. Nails can be damaged by over using harsh chemicals found in gels, acrylics and many household items. Try the Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum twice a day and you’ll be astounded by the speed of repair – great to wean yourself off gels. It’s important that the nail bed and cuticles are kept moisturised too as this will keep them looking healthy and will in turn promote strong nails, reduce ridging, dehydration and tatty cuticles. Why has my nail colour changed? Colour changes in nails can occur when nail polish has leaked into the nail plate – this is especially noticeable with a deeper shade or even fake tan. Also, as we get older, the nails can become thicker and this can give rise to slight yellowing as the opaque layers of nail thicken. Why am I getting ingrown nails? ♥ Ill-fitting footwear can be a culprit, so make sure to wear shoes that aren’t too pointed or squashed at the toes. ♥ It’s very important that toenails are cut properly – so not too long or short, always straight across and never pick the big toe nails or perform home treatments on sore nails – you can do more damage than good. ♥ Ensure that socks and tights fit properly and they aren’t pulled too tight as this restriction can lead to ingrown toenails. My nail varnish always seems to chip after a frustratingly short time. How can I make it last? Ensure you moisturise beforehand as brittle nails will cause the polish to flake off. I love to use the Intensive 102