Q:My nails grow quite long, but they break off. I've tried nail hardeners, but they don't seem to help.

我的指甲很长，但很容易折断。我试过用一些指甲硬化剂，但是没用。

A:Nail hardeners should be used when nails are bendy and flexible, rather than when they're brittle¹ and prone² to snapping.

最好是在指甲比较柔软的时候用硬化剂，如果指甲很脆弱，易折断，那最好不要用硬化剂。

Q:What's the best type of nail file?

什么样的指甲锉刀比较好用？

A:Some of the best nail files are professional grade files, available in different types or grits³. The grit⁴ is marked on the packaging or file as a number.

最好的指甲锉刀是分级别的那种，有不同型号和粒度(甲锉上数字单位的面积颗粒数，表示甲锉的粗糙程度)。粒度是用数字来表示的。

The higher the number, the finer and less abrasive⁵ the grit, the lower the number, the harsher the grit. The best file to shape artificial nails would be a 180 grit.

粒度越高，指甲锉就越细致，粒度越小，锉刀就越粗糙。美甲之后最好用粒度为180的锉刀打磨指甲。

Q:How can I make my nail varnish⁶ stay put longer?

如何让指甲油保持更长时间？

A:Before painting nails, ensure they're oil-free by wiping clean with nail polish remover to help the polish stick to nails more effectively.

涂指甲油之前，确保指甲是干净的，没有沾染油污。用洗甲油把指甲清理干净。

Q:Do you have any tips on how I should file my nails?

对于打磨指甲你有什么好的建议吗？

A:Too often, we're tempted⁷ to saw at our nails, from side to side. This is the worst thing you can do. Make sure your nails are totally dry before you begin to shape them to avoid splitting or tearing.

我们经常会来回磨指甲，这样不对。在打磨指甲之前，确保指甲是干的，以免打磨时发生断裂。

Position the nail file at a 45-degree angle under the nail, and file the nails from the left hand corner to the centre of the nail for a few long gentle strokes. If necessary, use nail clippers to shorten the nails first. Most people opt⁸ for a "squoval"shape, but this summer is all about round shapes for short nails or almond shapes for long nails.

将锉刀以45度角放置于指甲下方，从指甲的左边慢慢磨到中间，如有必要，先把指甲剪断一点再磨。许多人喜欢由方形过渡到椭圆的指甲形状，但是今夏的潮流是：短指磨成甲圆形，长指甲磨成杏仁形。