Who’s excited to walk in a winter wonderland? It’s about time to embrace the sweater weather! But here’s a gentle reminder–a colder temperature means one thing for your hands and nails: moisture loss. Your nails will require extra love as the cold weather can wreak havoc, leaving them dry, brittle, and prone to chipping. But fear not, because we've got you covered with 10 winter nail care tips that will keep your nails looking healthy and gorgeous all season! 1. Moisturize using oil-based lotions Winter can be harsh on your nails, so combat this by moisturizing your hands and nails regularly with oil-based lotions. iGel Beauty Nails by Alexis recommends Vitamin E and Glycerin for your nails and staying away from heavily scented products as they can dry out your hands more, especially if you have sensitive skin. Not only will lotions keep your skin soft and supple, but they will also provide much-needed hydration to your nails, preventing them from becoming weak and prone to breakage. 2. Apply base coat Before applying your favorite holiday nail polish, make sure to use a good base coat such as iGel Gel Base Coat 0.5 oz. Base coats will help your nail polish to adhere better and act as a protective barrier between your nails and the polish, providing durable and longer-lasting beautiful nails. Remember, proper nail prep is the key! 3. Drop some nourish/cuticle oil The revitalization that your nails need! Drop an amount of nourish/cuticle oil onto each nail to rejuvenate your cuticles. iGel Beauty Jody Crocker loves our Dip & Dap - 5 Nourish Oil as it leaves a very soft feeling after use. Cuticle oil encourages nail growth and enhances the overall health and appearance of your dear nails! 4. Hydrate from the inside out Remember to hydrate yourself from the inside out! Drink plenty of water throughout the winter days to keep your nails (and the rest of your body) hydrated. We all know how crucial water is in regulating our body temperature and protecting our immune system. While it can be tempting to sip hot cocoa or coffee alone, drinking a glass of water after your favorite drink will help you maintain a healthy balance! 5. Opt for lukewarm water When washing your hands, taking a shower, or doing any activity that involves water, try to use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water can strip your nails of their natural oils, which can cause extreme dryness and chapped skin. Lukewarm water is gentler on your nails and will help maintain their moisture. The ideal way is to always go for the middle ground! 6. Exfoliate your hands Exfoliating your hands once or twice a week can do wonders for your nails. Use a gentle scrub like a sugar scrub, as recommended by iGel Beauty Ares Dayton, or a sea salt scrub to remove dead skin cells and promote blood circulation. If you’re new to hand exfoliation, you can try mixing the scrub first with any essential oil of your choice and then doing it in a circular motion. This routine will leave your hands feeling smooth and squeaky clean! 7. Seal the deal with top coat After applying your nail polish, don't forget to seal the deal with a top coat. This will give your nails a glossy or matte finish (depending on your preference), protect your polish from chipping, and extend its longevity. Our best-selling iGel No Cleanse Top Coat 0.5 oz is a glossy no-wipe top coat that brings the durable protection you need for your nails to last. From the name itself, there’s no need to wipe it with alcohol! Plus, it adds an extra layer of strength to your nails. 8. Try hydrating masks Masks are not just for the face–you can use them for your hands too! Pamper your nails with a hydrating mask once or twice a week. There are plenty of nail masks available that are specifically designed to nourish and moisturize your nails such as collagen or aloe vera masks, which were recommended by iGel Beauty Nails by Alexis. Apply the mask on your skin and let it work its magic. Your nails will surely thank you! 9. Wear gloves When venturing out into the cold winter air, remember to protect your hands by wearing your cute little gloves. The cold weather can be cruel to your nails and cause them to become brittle and sensitive. Gloves will not only keep your hands warm but will also provide a breathable barrier against the cold, helping you avoid that freezing bite of winter. 10. Give your nails a break Lastly, give your nails a break from time to time–by this, we mean to keep them short as much as you can (only if you are willing to, of course!). During the winter season, short nails are easier to maintain since there’s less pressure on them. Additionally, they feel more comfortable inside your winter gloves, too! If you still prefer a long set of nails, make sure to practice the above nail care tips as they will allow your nails to recover easily and grow stronger after. Winter nail care might take a tiny bit of your time, but the benefits of good nail care will be worth it! You'll be able to wear your gorgeous manicures for much longer without the season being a worry. Follow these tips to rock your beautiful nails all winter long! For more inspiration and tips on nail care, we invite you to join our iGel Beauty Facebook Community. Feel the love this holiday season from our iGel Beauties!
