7 Winter Nail Care Tips To Keep Your Fingers Strong And Healthy

As we journey deeper into winter, it becomes nearly impossible to escape the frigid temperatures and parched air that come with the season. These dreary conditions can pose serious challenges for your body, and it's not uncommon for many of us to be left with crackling and brittle nails.

However, your fingertips don't need to suffer, regardless of how brisk it gets outside. Taking proper care of your nails in the winter doesn't need to be difficult as long as you know where to start!

Key takeaways

1. Keep your hands moisturized with a soothing lotion
2. Always apply a base coat before your nail polish
3. Avoid keeping your nails wet for long periods at a time
4. Wear gloves, even if you're inside!
5. Use an air humidifier in your personal space
6. Follow proper nail care practices, like regular filing and cuticle care
7. Always eat a well-balanced, healthy diet

Keep reading, and we'll share seven simple yet effective tips for keeping your fingers healthy and protected in the winter months.

See Related: 7 Best Fall Nail Colors For Pale Skin

#1. Keep your hands moisturized with a soothing lotion

Your winter nail care routine should start with keeping your skin moisturized. A thick hand cream will help nourish your cuticles while encouraging better nail health and hydration.

Healthy nails start with healthy skin!

Be sure to use nourishing, natural ingredients to keep your nails moisturized

Ingredients like shea butter, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and even olive oil, can help keep your nails protected against cold air and nail breakage.

Don't forget to apply cuticle oil to your nail beds to further lock in that much-needed moisture.

#2. Always apply a base coat before your polish

It's important to avoid harsh chemicals if you want to encourage strong nails and prevent splitting or breakage. Harsh soaps, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and acrylic nails can all have damaging effects on your nail health, especially during the cold weather.

Nail polish removers and nail-hardening products can also damage your nails, as they are full of harsh chemicals.

But regardless of the weather outside, you deserve to have the chance to explore your creativity and emotions through your nail art. So, to properly protect and nourish your nails, be sure to start any artistic masterpiece with a base coat!

The right base coat creates the foundation for healthy nails

A full manicure with a great base coat can help keep your nails protected and healthy without leading to rigid, brittle nails.

Maniology's "Barely There Base Duo Set" comes with two iconic base coat polishes - the "Brightening" base coat for a clean, whitened appearance, and the "Concealing" coat for removing stains and discoloration.

The right base nail coat can also easily replace a nail strengthener. Don't forget to seal your beautiful nail designs with a trusty top coat.

#3. Avoid keeping your nails wet for long periods at a time

You might first think that dry skin and nails are the result of a lack of water. But that's not the driving force behind nail splitting and breakage.

Even too much water can lead to weakened nails.

If you keep your nails wet for long periods of time, they'll lose their natural strength. Keeping your hands dry (but still moisturized with a hand lotion) will help promote nail growth and encourage healthy skin.

#4. Wear gloves, even if you're inside!

Especially if you'll be doing a lot of household chores or you work as a hairdresser, you'll likely have wet hands a lot. And that's a great way to damage your nails.

Whether you're washing dishes or cleaning your living space, be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your nails from excess water.

Bonus: 9 Thanksgiving Color Combinations To Incorporate Into Your Nail Art

#5. Use an air humidifier in your personal space

The winter months bring about barren, dry air. And this moisture loss in your surrounding environment can greatly contribute to brittle, cracking nails.

To combat this, it's a good idea to bring an air humidifier into your home. Whether you set it up in your bedroom or home office, introducing some extra moisture into the air can make a world of difference!

#6. Follow proper nail care practices, like regular filing and cuticle care

The best way to keep your nails healthy and nourished in the colder season is to regularly indulge in a well-rounded winter nail care routine.

Take time to regularly file nails and keep them groomed. This will help reduce cracks, breaks, and cracks that can get worse if left unattended.

This is the key to making your brittle nails healthy

Just be sure to avoid biting, aggressive filing, and excessive buffing. This will help keep your nails strong and healthy all year round.

To maintain nails in tip-top shape, don't forget to always take care of your cuticles as well. A cuticle oil can help your nails stay hydrated, protected, and nourished in the colder months. Plus, excellent nail care will help your cute seasonal nails pop!

#7. Always eat a well-balanced, healthy diet

A well-balanced diet is key to improving your overall health, and that includes your nail health. A diet rich in vitamin B and biotin will help promote nail growth from the inside out.

Foods like nuts, whole grains, eggs, and leafy greens will give you plenty of biotin. Otherwise, vitamin supplements that target nail growth will also help!

Final thoughts

Maintaining healthy, strong, and lively nails in the winter months can be challenging, but it's far from impossible. With these nail care tips in mind, your fingertips will be healthier and happier than ever!

Keep Reading: 11 Holiday Nail Art Ideas For A Festive Manicure

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At Maniology, we believe your nails are opportunities for adventure, fun, and unrestrained artistic expression. Our nail stamping plates and nail accessories are here to help foster your self-expression in the hopes of building a community of individuality. For more nail tutorials, subscription box updates, and designs, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.