The prime cause of any irregularity in the nail is damage to the soft. living base. Knocks and rough treatment around the cuticles cause bumps and flecks, while more serious damage (trapping the nail in a door, say) can cause the nail to grow permanently derformed. Ridges are often caused by scraping the nails instead of using polish remover! Again, ill-health can leave its mark-the effects of ‘flu, for example, scarring the nail until it grows out completely, in about three and a half months.

Unfortunately, nothing can remove white flecks. But ridges can be eased by regular buffing and a coating of ridges-filler base to provide a smoother surface for your nail polish. Never attempt to file down ridges as this weakens the nails and may damage them further.