Apparently, I have really good nail beds. Nail technicians tell me this. It’s when the shape of your fingernail is long and a wide enough canvas to paint on a long stroke of nail polish. As someone who’s hated her hands her whole life, I take it as a compliment and wear it proudly by always having my nails professionally done in a plethora of colours. I’ve pretty much tried it all—gel extensions, SNS powder and acrylics—in a bid to show off my nail beds. And because of this, my nails have been through it. After my last spell of gels, my natural nails took a beating. I opted for an IBX treatment, which is essentially like Olaplex for your nails, helping to strengthen them over time. “Professional IBX treatments have become very popular,” says nail artist Michelle Humphrey. “This is a strengthening treatment that penetrates the nail plate and is proven to work. This is something you would need to book in with your nail professional.” They were so thin that I could actually feel the heat from the nail lamp through them. That’s when I knew I needed to up my nailcare game.
