Winter is just around the corner, and with November’s chilly temperatures beginning to take hold, it’s time to start thinking about protecting nails in cold weather. Just as our skin requires extra hydration and protection against the elements, our nails also need special attention when temperatures drop.
Dry, brittle nails can be a common complaint in winter, but with the right nail care routine, you can keep your nails looking healthy and strong all season long. In this blog post, we’ll share essential winter nail care tips to help you prepare for the colder weather, maintain moisture, and keep your nails looking beautiful. We’ve put together our 10 best nail care tips for those colder months.
Why Do Nails Need Extra Care in Winter?
As temperatures drop, both indoor heating and the cold outdoor air can lead to dehydration. This can result in nails that are dry, brittle, and prone to splitting or breaking. Additionally, cuticles can become dry and flaky, leading to hangnails and other discomforts.
Nails, like skin, lose moisture more easily in the winter, which means they require extra nourishment to remain healthy. So chuck that hand-cream in your bag, as hand cream for dry skin is perfect!
Dry air, changes in humidity, and frequent exposure to water (think handwashing) can further compromise nail health, leaving them weak and susceptible to damage. By adopting a specialised winter nail care regimen, you can combat these issues and keep your nails resilient against the winter chill.
Top Winter Nail Care Tips
1. Keep Your Nails and Cuticles Hydrated
Tip number 1: remember, hydrated nails in Winter is a MUST. One of the most important tips for maintaining healthy nails in the winter is keeping them hydrated. Cold weather can strip natural oils from your nails and cuticles, leading to dryness and brittleness.
To keep your nails hydrated, use a good quality cuticle oil or cream daily. Massaging cuticle oil into your nails and cuticles helps improve circulation and keeps the nail beds moisturised. We actually offer some gorgeous-smelling cuticle oils when you come on our courses.
Look for products containing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and argan oil, as these are highly effective at locking in moisture. Hydrated cuticles also look healthier and make your manicure last longer. Taking Biotin for nail health is also a great option to look into.
2. Moisturise Your Hands Regularly
The skin on your hands and around your nails is particularly prone to dryness during the winter. Using a rich, nourishing hand cream multiple times a day will help prevent the skin from cracking and keep your hands and nails hydrated. Try to apply a hand cream every time you wash your hands to replenish the lost moisture. If you don’t like carrying around a hand cream, try a moisturising hand mask before you go to bed or when you do your skin care.
Opt for a non-greasy hand cream that absorbs well and provides lasting hydration. Ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and aloe vera are excellent for keeping hands soft and supple.
3. Avoid Overexposure to Water
It’s important to limit the amount of time your nails spend submerged in water. Overexposure can soften and weaken your nails, leading to peeling and splitting. During the winter, use gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect your hands from both water and harsh chemicals.
When showering or washing your hands, keep the water temperature lukewarm rather than hot, as hot water can strip natural oils from both your nails and skin, leading to further dehydration.
4. Don’t Skip the Base Coat
A base coat isn’t just a foundation for your polish—it’s also a protective layer for your nails. During winter, a strengthening base coat can help keep your nails from becoming weak or breaking. Choose a base coat enriched with keratin or calcium, which will help strengthen the nails and prevent them from peeling or chipping.
5. Keep Your Nails at a Manageable Length
While long nails can look glamorous, winter may not be the best time to grow them out. Cold temperatures and dryness can make longer nails more prone to splitting or breaking. Keeping your nails at a medium or short length can help minimise breakage and keep them stronger throughout the winter.
Regular filing is also important to keep nails in good shape and prevent snagging. Use a gentle, fine-grit file and file in one direction rather than sawing back and forth, which can weaken the nail structure.
6. Wear Gloves Outdoors
One of the easiest ways to protect your nails during the colder months is by wearing gloves whenever you step outside. Gloves act as a barrier against the cold air, keeping both your nails and hands protected from the drying effects of winter weather.
Choose gloves that are lined with a soft material and make sure they’re not too tight, as tight gloves can constrict circulation and lead to colder, dryer hands. Wool gloves are excellent for warmth, but if you have sensitive skin, look for gloves with a soft inner lining.
7. Take Biotin Supplements
Healthy nails also start from within. Consider taking a biotin supplement to help strengthen your nails during the winter. Biotin, a B vitamin, has been shown to improve nail thickness and reduce brittleness. You can also increase your intake of foods rich in biotin, such as eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
8. Use a Quality Nail Hardener
A nail hardener can be a useful addition to your winter nail care routine, especially if you find that your nails are becoming more prone to splitting or peeling. Opt for a formula that is free from harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, which can be damaging over time. Look for a nail hardener that also provides moisturising benefits, helping to keep nails both strong and flexible.
9. Avoid Using Acetone-Based Polish Removers
Acetone can be very drying and can strip away essential moisture from your nails and cuticles. During the winter, consider switching to a non-acetone nail polish remover that is gentler and less dehydrating. Your nails will retain more moisture, reducing the likelihood of brittleness.
10. Pamper Yourself with Hand Masks
Hand masks can work wonders for replenishing moisture during the winter months. These masks are specially designed to deliver a boost of hydration to your skin, nails, and cuticles. You can use them weekly as part of your self-care routine to ensure your hands and nails stay nourished throughout the winter.
Look for masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E for deep moisturisation and repair.
Why You Should Avoid Over-Manicuring in Winter
While regular manicures can keep your nails looking neat and well-groomed, over-manicuring can actually do more harm than good in the winter months. Excessive trimming of the cuticles or frequent filing can weaken your nails and leave them more vulnerable to damage. It’s best to keep nail treatments, trimming and filing to a minimum, allowing your nails some time to recover naturally.
Instead, focus on nourishing your nails and cuticles with oils and creams, giving them a chance to grow stronger. If you do opt for a manicure, ensure your nail technician uses gentle techniques and avoids using harsh chemicals or excessive filing.
Nail-Friendly Foods for Winter
A balanced diet can make a significant difference in your nail health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins A and C are great for maintaining strong, healthy nails. Here are a few winter-friendly foods that promote nail health:
- Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps keep your nails hydrated.
- Carrots: Rich in vitamin A, which aids in healthy nail growth.
- Citrus Fruits: Contain vitamin C, which boosts collagen production for stronger nails.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, which help nourish your nails from the inside out.
Taking care of your nails in the winter requires extra attention, but by adopting the right habits and investing in high-quality products, you can maintain healthy, beautiful nails all season long. Hydration is key, both internally and externally, and with a consistent winter nail care routine, your nails can withstand the challenges of the colder weather.
Protect your nails from the elements, nourish them with oils and creams, and ensure you’re feeding your body the nutrients it needs for strong nail growth and watch those nails grow. By following these essential winter nail care tips, you’ll be well-prepared for November’s dropping temperatures and keep your nails looking their best.
