Introduction
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it’s important to take extra care of your nails. Here are a few simple tips to help keep your nails looking great all winter long:
- Keep them covered: When the temperature drops, make sure to protect your nails by keeping them covered. Wear gloves when you go outside, and apply a thick layer of hand cream or Vaseline before bed.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is always important for healthy nails, but it’s especially crucial in winter when the air is dryer. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip throughout the day.
- Eat healthy: A balanced diet is essential for strong nails (and skin and hair!). Make sure to include plenty of protein, iron, and vitamins A and C in your winter diet.
- Be gentle: When washing your hands or doing any kind of nail care, be sure to be gentle so as not to damage your nails. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard.
- See a doctor: If you have any concerns about your nails or are experiencing any pain, see a doctor right away!
Step 1: Hydrate Your Nails
There are a few key things you can do to keep your nails looking great all winter long. First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re keeping your nails hydrated. Just like your skin, your nails need moisture to stay healthy and look their best.
One way to help keep your nails hydrated is to use a nail oil or cuticle cream on a regular basis. You can also try applying coconut oil or olive oil to your nails and cuticles once or twice a week. Just make sure you’re not using too much, as this can actually lead to dryness.
Another important tip for keeping your nails healthy in winter is to make sure you’re giving them enough time to breathe. If you’re constantly wearing nail polish, give yourself a break every now and then and go au natural for a day or two. This will allow your nails to get the air they need and stay strong all season long.
Step 2: Exfoliate Your Cuticles
If you want your nails to look their best, it’s important to exfoliate your cuticles on a regular basis. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that can build up and make your nails look dull.
There are a few different ways you can exfoliate your cuticles. You can use a store-bought exfoliating product, or you can make your own at home using sugar or salt. Simply mix the sugar or salt with a little bit of water to form a paste, then massage it into your cuticles for a minute or two. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
You should exfoliate your cuticles at least once a week to keep them looking healthy and smooth.
Step 3: Use a Nourishing Hand Cream
If your hands are feeling dry and rough, it’s time to break out the hand cream! Apply a generous amount of nourishing hand cream to your hands and massage it in until it’s fully absorbed. You can do this several times a day, or as needed.
Step 4: Wear Gloves to Protect from the Cold
If you’re going to be spending any time outside in the cold, it’s important to wear gloves to protect your hands and nails from the cold weather. Gloves will help to keep your nails from drying out and breaking, and will also help to keep your hands from getting too cold.
Step 5: Give Yourself a Professional Manicure
Your nails are one of the first places that people look when they shake your hand, so it’s important to keep them looking their best. This can be a challenge in the winter, when the cold, dry air can leave your nails feeling brittle and dry. But with a little bit of care, you can keep your nails looking great all season long. Here are a few tips:
- Start with clean nails. Wash your hands with soap and water, then use a nail brush to remove any dirt or debris from under your nails.
- Apply a cuticle cream or oil to your cuticles and massage it in. This will help to keep them hydrated and prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- Use a nail file to shape your nails into the desired shape. Round or square works well for most people; avoid sharp points, which can snag on clothing or skin.
- Apply a base coat to your nails before painting them. This will help the polish adhere better and prevent staining of your nails.
- Paint your nails with two coats of polish, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Choose a color that you love; dark colors tend to be more forgiving if you make any mistakes!
- Finish with a top coat for extra shine and protection. Allow your nails to dry completely before doing anything else with them; this can take up to an hour depending on
Step 6: Choose the Right Polish for Winter
When it comes to choosing the right polish for winter, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the temperature. If it’s freezing outside, you’ll want to make sure your polish is extra thick and creamy so it doesn’t chip as easily. You might also want to consider a darker shade so your nails don’t look washed out in the cold weather.
Another thing to keep in mind is the amount of time you spend indoors during winter. If you’re like most people, you probably spend more time inside during the colder months. This means your nails are more likely to become dry and brittle. To combat this, look for polishes that contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E. These will help keep your nails healthy and strong all winter long.
Step 7: Invest in Quality Nail Care Products
If you want your nails to look their best all winter long, it’s important to invest in quality nail care products. Here are some of our top picks:
- Nail strengthener: This is a must-have if you want to avoid brittle, chipped nails. We recommend OPI’s Nail Envy nail strengthener.
- Cuticle cream: Keep your cuticles hydrated and healthy with a good quality cuticle cream, like L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand & Nail Cream.
- Nail polish: Of course, you’ll need a great selection of nail polish colors to get you through the season! We love Essie’s winter collection.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have gorgeous nails all winter long!
Conclusion
Taking proper care of your nails in the winter is essential if you want them to look their best all season long. With these seven tips, you can keep your nails looking and feeling strong and beautiful throughout the colder months. Make sure to moisturize daily, use cuticle oil regularly, choose breathable fabrics for gloves when going outside in cold weather, avoid biting or picking at your nails and trimming them as needed with a nail clipper. You’ll be able to enjoy healthy-looking nails that will stay looking great all winter long!
