I don’t always have painted nails, but when I do polish my nails, I find it rejuvenating and a (pun intended) polished touch to any outfit. So, when I do an at-home DIY manicure, I want to make sure it lasts.
However, during the winter months, nails are extremely susceptible to chipping and breaking. With temperature variations going from indoors to outdoors and back again and humidity fluctuations, polish can expand and contract, losing its freshly painted sheen. Plus, there’s more hand washing in the midst of cold, flu, RSV, and coronavirus season. Nails are way more absorbent of water than skin and can dry out faster, becoming prone to brittleness, peeling, and breakage. So, as you can imagine, it can be quite the feat to keep polish on your nails, let alone looking fresh in winter. Here is a rundown of some tricks and treatments for healthy winter nails.
To make your manicure last as long in the colder months as it does in warmer seasons, go with a good-quality base coat. In the summer, you can get away with a run-of-the-mill clear polish as a base and topcoat, but nowadays, I’m looking for a product infused with vitamins to give my nails extra strength. Sally Beauty has Morgan Taylor React Breathable 3-in-1 treatment, which boasts renewing vitamin A and moisturizing vitamin E. I like this as a base, a topcoat, or simply a treatment; no polished required. Target has ESSIE All-In-One top and base coat that’s infused with argan oil to strengthen and shields nails and also works as both your base and topcoats. The point of a base coat is to smooth your nail like a pristine blank canvas, so polish goes on smoothly.
Apply two coats of polish, making sure the nail is fully dry before the second round. More than two coats will dry out your nail and your nail bed.
If you’re hoping to have a more vibrant color with multiple coats, chances are you just need a better or newer polish. Old polish will thin out and streak when applied. During the winter months, I prefer a dramatic nail in a bold shade like magenta or cobalt blue. Sally Hensen’s One Step Miracle Gel is my go-to brand for polish, but lately, I’ve been flirting with Londontown Inc.’s Nude Mood Trio in shades of chai, mud, and beige for a more subtle bit of color.
Once polish is applied and dried, then comes the topcoat to seal your manicure. A topcoat helps color last longer, and it can also protect against UV rays and water. If you’ve picked up a 2-in-1 or all-around nail lacquer for your base, that’ll serve you just as well as a top coat.
To maintain your manicure, avoid getting your nails wet by wearing gloves while doing the dishes or any chores involving water. Also, wear gloves outside, as protecting your hands and nails in cold weather will keep polish from chipping and flaking.
Once polish does start to flake, be sure to remove it completely. I tend to give my nails a few weeks to breathe in between manicures. During this break, you can strengthen nails with cuticle oil. I like Olive & June Cuticle Serum from Target. It’s lightweight and features a soft foam tip for controlled application, which you can use daily on bare nails. Or pull out the big guns, and by guns, I mean muscles, and by muscles, I mean protein, with Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula #2. This treatment is packed with corn and soybean protein in addition to soybean oil for a non-harsh formula to combat brittleness. A strong, smooth nail is the best way to preserve your manicure, no matter the season.
