Measures to keep palms and nails in the pink of health

BEST HAND FORWARD

What good is an impeccable appearance if your palms and nails are a complete letdown? Amin Ali suggests measures to keep them in the pink of health

    HAVE you been working out?” The next time someone makes this comment after greeting you with a handshake, it doesn't necessarily mean that he’s admiring your fab physique. It’s more than likely that he’s commenting on the sorry state of your palms! Rough, uneven, covered with flaky skin and calluses, it’s time you gave your hands a helping hand. As for the turmeric stained nails and cuticles that point to last night’s ‘finger-licious’ fish curry and rice, the less said the better.
Hands on world It’s time you gave your hands a second thought. In this ‘hands on’ world, hands speak loudly about a man’s personality. You can enjoy the most exotic facials and be impeccably dressed, but dirty, stained or ill-kept hands are a sure giveaway of your grooming, or the lack of it.
    Clean hands play a big role in determining one’s positioning on the social hierarchy. According to grooming and etiquette expert Chhaya Momaya, hands have become the new focal points at dinners and parties. “When you sit at the dinner table or order a drink, the focus shifts from the face, apparel or perfume to your hands. People look at the way you hold the glass, fork and knife or simply the way you pass the bread basket. No one likes to dine or drink with a person who has dirty hands,” she comments.
    Men who regularly dine or party out can follow her suggestions:
    Do you have a preconceived notion about women who sport long, red nails? Now turn the tables on yourself. See how you will be judged if you have dirty hands and unkempt nails.
    Dry or worn-out cuticles or nails with food stains are a complete no-no. The market is flooded with hand care items like moisturising gloves, scrubs and hand washes to replenish and rejuvenate your skin. Use them.
Grooming tips Men’s grooming expert Yatan Ahluwalia, who trains young professionals at leading business and hospitality centres says, “You gesture, greet and, at times, talk by gesticulating with your hands. In a professional environment, hands assume greater significance, and any executive, irrespective of his seniority, is a big turn off if he has poorlymaintained hands.” He suggests a few simple tips:
Keep your hands well-moisturised. Use a water-based moisturiser at night to rejuvenate the dry areas and a scrub to get rid of dead skin.
    Well-cut, dirt-free nails are an absolute must. Quite often, people just look at your nails and form an opinion about the importance of hygiene in your life.
    Say no to accessories. If you must, wear a ring. Religious threads or bracelets can be tucked inside the shirt sleeves. Use cufflinks if you like to accessorise.
    A watch is for personal timekeeping, not for the world to look at. Tie it firmly to the wrist and hide it inside the sleeve.
    Shirt or jacket sleeves should never cover the palms. The hands should be clearly visible.

Public figures have to be extra careful. Whether it’s a press conference or an appearance at an event, people’s eyes will inevitably be drawn to their hands, especially if they gesticulate to make their point, like Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor in these photos

Fashion shows, family gettogethers or parties, make sure your palms and nails make the right impression