Strong and Healthy Nails in Winter
Our nailcare expert Lynn Mason, shares her top tips on how to keep your nails strong and healthy during the winter months.
Lynn says; “With the change in weather, the winter season can be harsh on nails. The exposure to cold weather can cause nails to dry out and become brittle. Due to the lack of moisture, nails can become too hard and cause them to break easily.”
Here are 5 tips to protect and care for the nails during the colder season:
Use a Cuticle Oil
With the cold weather, nails need to be kept hydrated, just like our skin. Use a cuticle oil to hydrate the cuticle, skin and nail area. The oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and provide a moisture boost. Cuticle oil is more topical so will keep the cuticle area hydrated, by massaging in the oil daily not only will the cuticle area look and feel better but the massage movement will help stimulate nail growth bringing blood and nutrients to maintain healthy nails.
Product recommendation: Mavala Cuticle Oil £10.76, Look Fantastic
Use an acetone free nail polish remover
When swapping your manicure over, make sure to use a acetone-free nail polish remover. Ones which contain acetone can be harsh on the nails and cause them to dry out. Instead, by choosing a remover which is acetone-free, this is gentler on the nails and helps to prevent peeling and breakage.
Product recommendation: Mavala Crystal Nail Varnish Remover £4.13, Look Fantastic
Be gentle with your nail file
To lessen the risk of nails breaking during winter months, it is better to keep nails at a reasonable length. A good quality nail file will help to seal the edges of the nails therefore preventing peeling. However, it is important to file the correct way. Use long sweeping strokes from side to centre, then the other side to centre to lightly shape the nails. Avoid filing deep into the corners as this tends to weaken the nails.
Product recommendation: Mavala Emery Boards £4.75, Nail Polish Direct
Strengthen your nails
Without any nailcare treatments, nails can be weak especially after gel manicures. You should use a keratin nail hardener which will penetrate into the nail plate and bond the layers together. Over a short time, this will help to strengthen the nails, helping them to stay strong without breaking.
Product recommendation: Mavala Scientifique K+ £12.38, Look Fantastic
Wear Gloves
Not only will gloves keep your hands nice and toasty on a cold Winter’s morning, but they will provide a layer of protection to your nails. Nails will become brittle and dried out when exposed to the cold so where possible, wear gloves outdoors. Over-exposure to water can also have a negative effect on nails so wearing gloves when washing or cleaning up will help to protect nails.
