Maintaining a good nail care routine is important all year round, but especially in winter.
Whether dreamy or dramatic, winter nails are one of our favorite things about the season. Winter can also be one of the toughest times on your hands though. Getting exposed to harsh weather, cold temperatures, and drier air all hurt their condition, leading to damaged and splitting nails.
A good care routine is essential to avoiding breakage and keeping your nails looking good through to spring. Just like you change up your skincare routine when the temperatures drop, follow these winter nail care tips and you’ll get hands that look their best all year round!
RELATED: 10 Tips That Show You How to Beat the Winter Blues
- Ease back on the gel or artificial nails in favor of regular polish
Because of dehydration from dry air and artificial heating, winter is the time to allow more time between getting gel manicures or artificial nail applications. Don’t worry though, your nails don’t have to go naked.You can still use regular nail polish, and in fact, this will help to protect them from daily damage more than wearing nothing.
We love Essie’s Treat, Love, and Color polish.
Remember to use a basecoat for a longer-lasting finish that will also help to protect your nails.
- Use a moisturizing nail polish remover
A lot of damage is down to the way nail colors are removed rather than the nail products themselves. Avoid using pure acetone nail polish remover, which will leave your nails stripped of nutrients for weeks.The best moisturizing removers contain natural oils like flaxseed or lavender to help them retain moisture.
Try this one which is acetone-free and non-toxic too.
- Lose the harsh soaps and shower products
At the same time as avoiding drying soaps in the bathroom to wash your hands, pay attention to what you use in the shower on your hair and body to make sure they aren’t stripping your nails of their natural protection, especially if your nails are prone to dryness. - Step up your hand cream routine
Although you should use dedicated nail products, increasing the frequency of hand cream will also help your nails to stay moisturized and strong. Keep tubes by the bathroom sink so you can moisturize as soon as you wash your hands, plus keep some on your nightstand, by the kitchen sink, in your car, and anywhere else.
This is the hand cream I use and would recommed
- Use an overnight treatment
Night-time is when our bodies do important processes that help them to regenerate and recover from damage, so use an overnight treatment for stronger nails by morning. At the least, use a thick, heavy-duty, deep moisturizing hand dream followed by a nail and cuticle oil.Take things a step further with a pair of moisturizing gloves and a mask that’s made for nails, like this one from Nails Inc.
- Use cuticle oil often
A healthy nail bed is important for growing strong nails. You might already apply cuticle oil before bed, but remember you can apply it anytime you have a few minutes for it to sink in. Try it while you’re binge-watching your favorite show, relaxing in the bath, or even next time you’re stuck on hold.We swear by CND’s Solar Oil as part of our everyday beauty routine.
You can also use simple castor oil, or make your own bespoke mix. Try these DIY cuticle oil recipes for some easy homemade inspiration.
RELATED: 12 Ways to Use Castor Oil That Will Make You Look Amazing
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