How To Protect Your Nails This Winter

Brrr… winter has officially arrived! The heating is on, the jumpers are out and our poor nails are feeling the chill. Between cold weather, central heating and all that washing up after hearty Sunday roasts, nails can quickly go from healthy and glossy to dry, brittle and peeling.

If your nails have started to feel a little sad lately, here are my top tips to keep them happy and hydrated all winter long.

1. Moisture, moisture, moisture!

The biggest winter nail struggle is dryness. Cold air outside and central heating indoors strip moisture from your nails and skin.

Pop a nourishing hand cream in your bag or next to the sink and reapply throughout the day especially after washing your hands. A good cuticle oil is your best friend too! A few drops daily will help prevent cracking and peeling and keep your nails flexible instead of brittle.

Top tip: Apply your cuticle oil before bed it works it's magic overnight while you sleep!

2. Gloves are your winter armour

Hands up if you forget to wear gloves when washing up or heading out the door?

Hot water and cleaning products are harsh on nails and skin, so protect them with washing up gloves at home and warm, cosy gloves outside. Your hands will thank you, and you will notice your nails stay stronger and less prone to peeling.

3. Gentle is the way to go

Winter is not the time for harsh filing, buffing or constant soaking. Keep your nails a practical length and file gently. Use a glass or crystal file if you can they seal the nail edge more smoothly and prevent splitting.

4. Treat yourself to regular manicures

Winter is the season for pampering and self care. Regular manicures help keep your nails and cuticles in good condition, removes dry skin and gives your hands a much needed hydration boost.

Opt for a nourishing manicure or a protective gel overlay to keep your nails strong and glossy while shielding them from daily wear and tear. Plus, there is nothing like freshly done nails to lift your mood on a grey winter day!

5. Self care is not just for your face

Your hands work hard every day from cooking to cleaning and caring for others. Taking ten minutes to look after them is not just about beauty, it is about you time. Pop on some hand cream, massage in some oil and take a moment to breathe. Little rituals like that make a big difference.

6. Avoid over buffing or soaking

Too much buffing can thin the nail and long soaks in water swells them, making it weaker once dry. Keep it quick and gentle!

7. Don’t use nails as tools

Tempting, I know to open cans, peel stickers, scratch things off… but nails are jewels, not tools! Every time you use them that way, you risk breaking or bending the natural nail plate.

Winter Nail Survival Kit

Here is what I recommend keeping on hand this season -

• A good quality cuticle oil - daily use = stronger nails

• Nourishing hand cream - Keep one in your handbag and one by the sink

• Gloves - Wear for cleaning and for the cold

• Regular salon manicures or nail treatments

• Gentle nail file - ditch the cheap cardboard ones. 240 grit is best.

• Avoid over buffing or soaking

• Don't use nails as tools.

Whether you are team natural nails or gel polish all the way, a little extra TLC goes a long way during winter. Your hands deserve the same care as your face and trust me, you will notice the difference.

Stay cosy, keep those nails hydrated and remember beautiful nails start with healthy ones.