Taking Care Of Your Nails In Winter — Dos & Don'ts For Healthy Nails
We love winter for the cute OOTDs, hot cocoa and cosy vibes, but your nails? Not so much. Cold, dry air can leave your nails brittle and peeling.
But don’t stress, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top winter nail care tips to keep your nails healthy, strong and looking gorgeous all season.
DO: Hydrate with cuticle oil daily
Dry outdoor air plus indoor heating can lower humidity levels, leaving your skin and nails seriously dehydrated. A simple nail hydration tip? Use the best cuticle oil for winter to prevent damage. Choose oils that contain antioxidants and other nourishing ingredients, such as jojoba, flaxseed and safflower — your nails will thank you.
DON’T: Use hot water and harsh soaps
If you’re serious about hand and nail care for winter, it’s time to ditch the scorching hot water and harsh soaps. They strip your skin and nails of moisture, leaving them more prone to cracking or peeling. Stick to lukewarm water and gentle soaps to help your nails stay resilient.
DO: Wear gloves
Throwing on gloves every time you head out protects your nails from the harsh elements. It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid brittle nails cold weather can bring. Pop on cotton gloves after hand cream too. They help keep your hands soft and hydrated.
DO: Use hand cream
A little hand cream or nail balm is a must for your winter nail care routine. It melts into your skin and keeps your nails smooth, tough and less likely to snap or peel.
DON’T: Skip your base coat
A good base coat adds a protective layer between your polish and your natural nails. It helps prevent staining and gives your manicure the support it needs to survive longer during the colder season.
DO: Keep your nails at a manageable length
Long nails in winter? A bit risky. Freezing temps make your nails weaker, and the longer they are, the easier they snap. Keeping your nails short or at a medium length means they’re way less likely to break and way easier to manage.
DON’T: Clip your nails
Good nail prep is key if you want your mani to slay. However, clipping can lead to splits or cracks that sneak up on you, especially when your nails are already fragile from the cold. Instead, stick to filing for a gentler approach that also lets you shape your nails with more control.
DO: Use a nail strengthener weekly
Nail strengthening treatments are packed with ingredients that help fix peeling and brittleness. Depending on the formula, they can boost strength, support nail growth and enhance the overall look and structure of your nails. Look for formulas infused with biotin to help reinforce weak nails and improve their durability.
DO: Give your nails a break
Constant polish, gel or acrylics can leave your nails thin and struggling. Rotating between polish days and bare nail days is an important part of your dry nails winter treatment. It gives your nails a chance to breathe and recover, so your next manicure looks even better.
Keep your nails flawless all year round with NSI Australia
Strong and moisturised nails are the base of every cute mani. And knowing how to take care of nails in winter is the first step to keeping them tough and thriving all year.
NSI Australia stocks must-have nail care products, tools and accessories to keep your nails looking and feeling their best. Shop our collection now and show your nails the love they deserve!