Winter Nail Care Tips: Protect Your Hands and Nails This Season
Cold weather can be harsh on your skin and nails, leading to dryness, brittleness, and lifting – especially if you wear gel polish or builder gel. But with a few simple changes to your routine, you can keep your hands and nails healthy and hydrated all winter long.
Here are six expert-backed tips from Paintbrush Nails to help protect your nails through the colder months:
1. Moisturise Regularly
Apply moisturiser daily to keep your hands soft and your nails flexible. A travel-size tube is ideal to keep in your bag or at your desk, so you can reapply throughout the day – especially after handwashing or sanitising. Choose a rich hand cream and don’t forget to massage it around your nails and cuticles too.
2. Avoid Long Soaks in Hot Water
Hot baths or soaking your hands in warm water might feel nice in winter, but they actually soften the nail plate and surrounding skin too much. This can make your nails weaker and increase the risk of gel polish lifting. If you’re having a bath, try to keep your hands resting on the edge, out of the water entirely. Stick to shorter showers when possible and wear gloves when washing up.
3. Wear Warm Gloves
When you’re outside, wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from cold temperatures and harsh wind. Exposure to cold air can make nails dry, brittle, and more prone to cracking. This is especially important for anyone with gel or builder gel overlays, as cold weather can impact product flexibility and adhesion.
4. Use Cuticle Oil Twice a Day
Cuticle oil isn’t just for appointment days – it should be part of your everyday routine in winter. Apply it at least twice a day, focusing around the cuticle area and under the free edge of the nail. This helps nourish the nail matrix, prevent painful hangnails, and maintain flexibility in both the natural nail and any product overlays.
5. Keep Nails a Bit Shorter
Long nails are more likely to crack, split or snap in cold weather. If you find your nails are breaking more often in winter, consider keeping them slightly shorter than usual. This can help reduce pressure and prevent damage – especially when wearing gloves or doing everyday tasks.
6. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes
Extreme temperature changes can be stressful for both skin and nails. Try to avoid going from freezing outdoor temperatures straight into hot water or very warm indoor heating or car. Let your body acclimatise gradually. Central heating at home or in the workplace can also dry out the air, so consider using a humidifier if your environment feels very dry.
Final Thought
Winter is a great time to treat your hands and nails with a little extra care. These small daily habits can make a big difference in keeping your nails strong, healthy, and beautiful – whether you wear gel, builder gel, or regular polish. If you’re due a manicure, don’t forget to book your appointment early – winter slots fill up fast!
Want nails that stay strong and beautiful all year round?
Book your appointment at Paintbrush Nails for expert manicures and tailored nail care.