Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the one tucked inside your boots: your toenails have been neglected since approximately the last day you wore sandals. It’s fine. We don’t judge. But as the season turns and skin dries and calluses quietly stage a comeback, it’s time to talk about what your feet actually need – not the Pinterest version, the real one.
We sat down with Emma Poynton, Podiatrist at Dr Scholl’s, for a masterclass in the unglamorous truths behind glamorous nails.
First, What Are We Even Aiming For?
Forget the filters. A nail worth showing off is a functional one. “A healthy toenail should be smooth, strong and have a consistent pinkish colour, with no significant ridges, thickening or discolouration,” Emma explains. “It should lie flat against the nail bed, grow steadily, and be free from pain or tenderness.” Radical concept: health is the aesthetic.
Unfortunately, most of us are sabotaging it daily. “At home mistakes include cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, which can increase the risk of ingrown toenails, using blunt or unsuitable nail tools, and attempting to remove thickened or damaged nails without professional advice,” Emma warns. And the cardinal sin? Ignoring the early red flags. “Many people also ignore early signs of infection, such as discolouration, thickening or lifting of the nail, assuming they’ll resolve on their own.”
The Technique Nobody Taught You
Trimming frequency is less mysterious than you’d think: “For most people, trimming them every six to eight weeks is sufficient.” The shape, however, is where most of us go rogue. “One of the simplest ways to help prevent ingrown toenails is to trim your nails straight across, rather than rounding the corners or cutting them too short.” As for tools, “good-quality toenail clippers are the easiest option because they’re designed to cut through the thicker nail plate cleanly.”
And the cuticle? Leave it be. “No you shouldn’t cut your cuticles as part of your regular nail care routine,” Emma says. “The cuticle acts as a natural protective barrier… removing it can increase the risk of irritation, infection and inflammation.” Consider your cuticle less an inconvenience, more a bouncer.
The Polish Question, Answered Once and For All
Is nail polish secretly ruining your life? Not quite. “Wearing nail polish regularly doesn’t automatically damage your toenails, it’s more about how you apply, remove and maintain it.” The real villain is impatience: “problems can arise when polish is left on for long periods without allowing the nails to be checked, or when harsh removers are used frequently.” And that seductive dark red? “Darker colours may also temporarily stain the nail surface, making it harder to notice changes in nail colour or texture that could indicate an underlying issue.”
Gel devotees, take note: “the biggest mistake people make is peeling, picking or scraping off gel polish, as this can remove layers of the natural nail and leave it thin, weak and more prone to splitting.” Instead, “gently file away the shiny top layer of the gel to help the remover penetrate, then soak a cotton pad in an appropriate gel remover… once the product has softened, it should lift away gently, never force it.”
Beauty From the Inside, Obviously
Yes, diet matters. “Nails are made from keratin, a protein that requires a range of nutrients to support normal growth and strength.” Emma’s shortlist: “protein, which supports keratin production, as well as iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids.” Hydration counts too – “dry nails and surrounding skin can be more susceptible to cracking.”
Pause for Thought
Here’s the plot twist most people miss – the real damage isn’t done in summer, it’s brewing right now. “Healthy feet start with regular care at home, and winter is the ideal time to establish a consistent foot care routine,” says Emma. “While many people only think about their feet as summer approaches, the colder months are when dry skin and calluses tend to develop.” Blame biology: “the skin on the soles of the feet is naturally much thicker than the rest of the body, and because feet produce very little natural oil, they are more susceptible to dryness, roughness and cracked heels during winter.”
Enter the Pedi Pause – a deliberate, unhurried beat in your shower routine to actually attend to your feet before spring makes it non-negotiable. “Regularly removing hard, built-up skin can help keep feet feeling smooth and comfortable, particularly when combined with daily moisturising and supportive footwear,” Emma recommends “an electronic foot file, such as the Dr. Scholl’s Pedi Perfect,” for managing hard skin “at home between podiatry appointments.” As she puts it, “incorporating foot care into your regular shower routine can make it easier to maintain healthy, well-cared-for feet throughout winter, so they’re in great condition by the time warmer weather arrives.”
The Myth We’re Finally Retiring
Please, for the love of all things elegant, stop cutting a V into your toenail. “The biggest nail care myth I’d love to bust is that cutting a V-shape into the middle of the toenail will help prevent or fix an ingrown nail,” Emma says. “This is a common belief, but it doesn’t address the actual cause of the problem.” And no, your nails don’t need to “breathe” – “nails are made of keratin and don’t breathe in the same way skin does.”
The Non-Negotiables
If nothing else sticks, let this: “trim toenails straight across, avoid cutting them too short. Apply moisturiser to nails and surrounding skin. Don’t ignore changes in colour, texture or discomfort. Consistent care is the key to keeping nails healthy all year round.”
Take the pause. Your future sandals will thank you.