How To Keep Your Nails Healthy In Winter

Every time the temperature drops, we’re quick to change our skincare routines and double up on the lip balms but there’s one important area that is easily forgotten: Your nails. This winter, pay a little more attention to taking care of your hands and a little less time fussing over broken and peeling nails. Here, get 5 genius tips for keeping your manicures looking healthy no matter how cold it gets, courtesy of celebrity nail artist Elle.

Bring It On, Winter

Protect Your Nails

"When you’re spending more time out in the cold, wearing gloves is the most effective way to maintain the health of your nails. Icy temperatures make your nails weak and brittle, causes them to break and split."

Avoid Irritants

"During cold months, switch to non-acetone nail polish remover in order to avoid the extra irritants on your nails. Also, believe it or not, hot water can also be severely damaging to your nails. Keep this in mind when you are tempted to take that extra hot shower or wash the dishes without wearing rubber gloves."

Keep Them Moisturized

"Cuticle oil should be your best friend during winter. Nails are porous and act as a sponge: With a lack of moisture, comes cracking. Keep your favorite oil in your purse, on your desk and on your nightstand so it’s readily available throughout the day. To give your hands a 1-2 punch, start with a cuticle oil (which penetrates deep into the nail to nourish from within) and follow with a hand cream (creates a barrier on the surface to protect from the elements). Just make sure to choose a fragrance-free formula— a dead giveaway that it contains alcohol—to keep nails from drying."

It's What's Inside That Counts

"The health of your nails depends on your diet too. Protein, vegetables, vitamins that contain Vitamin B and Biotin, and Zinc can be beneficial to nails. And as always, be sure to drink plenty of water!"

Customize Your Manicure

"There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re visiting the nail salon in winter. Make sure your nails are filed with the proper grit (nothing too harsh) and that it is done in a single direction to avoid splitting. Also, opt out of soaking your nails because this can actually draw essential moisture out of your nails and make them brittle."