Caring for your nails in winter
You might notice that your nails are more fragile in winter and prone to
chips. Here are tips to ensure they remain strong and healthy.
South Africa is experiencing the cold weather conditions. Sadly, the winter season can affect how one’s nails look.
However, the good news is that there are ways you can maintain your nails and still have them looking good and strong.
Let's look at the tips:
Keep your nails short
Because your nails break easily in winter, it might help to cut them shorter than usual.
Keep your nails hydrated
The cold winter air dehydrates your nails and makes them harder because the cold air strips the nail’s moisture. In order to keep your nails hydrated, you will need to use hand lotion.
Watch: Woman shows off her 30cm long nails
Care for your cuticles
The dry, cold weather can make your cuticles and skin around your nails dry. Use a hydrating oil or cuticle pen to restore the moisture and hydrate the nails. Also hydrate the part where the fingernails meet the fingertip. Another tip is to not immediately wash your hands after applying the oil. Wait for at least 30 minutes and let the oil sink into the skin. The oil helps to keep your nails strong.
Pushing your cuticles back is a great tip to make your natural nails look longer. It also helps clear away dead skin cells from the surface.
Exfoliate your nails
Exfoliate your cuticles at least once a week. This will clear away the build-up of dead skin.
Moisturise after washing your hands
The last tip to keeping your nails healthy and moisturised in winter is to make sure that after sanitising or washing your hands, you put on moisturiser.
Image courtesy of iStock/ @DevMarya