Nail Care Tips for Winter

Nail care is important all year round, but especially so during winter. Cold weather can dry the skin, cuticles and nails. In addition, the fact that we spend time nipping between the chilly outdoors and centrally heated buildings impacts our nails’ moisture levels. All of this means that the winter can lead to brittle nails that are prone to breaking and splitting.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your nails in tip-top shape. Massage in a cuticle cream and nail oil to keep your nails and the skin around your nails moisturised and protected. Always wear gloves when going outside and use a quality hand cream several times a day. Keep your nails a little shorter to prevent breakages and, even if you don’t regularly apply polish, consider using at least a clear base coat to add a layer of protection. Also, don’t neglect your toenails – they need love too!

Occasionally, brittle nails can indicate an underlying health issue. So, seek professional advice if you have any concerns.

Are your nails more brittle in winter?

To help you avoid or repair those dry, brittle winter nails, in this guide, we take a look at the different types of manicures and other professional nail treatments available.

Types of manicures for winter

If you’re new to professional nail care, winter is a great time to start your journey to improved nail health that you can enjoy (and show off!) into spring and beyond. Whether you opt for a full manicure or pedicure, an elegant French manicure or polish, or an express file and polish, your nails will no doubt thank you!

You can book a standalone nail treatment or enjoy some much-needed nail care as part of a spa package. Indeed, many of our great spa day deals feature the option of a nail treatment.

Manicure

A full manicure is the optimal treatment to improve and maintain the health and condition of your nails and hands throughout the winter months. There are lots of different types of manicure available, but the basic steps remain the same. The treatment involves firstly filing and shaping your nails and cleansing your hands. The therapist will then apply a cuticle cream and provide a soothing hand massage. The final step is to apply a nail polish in the colour of your choice, with the addition of a basecoat and protective topcoat.

French Manicure

The French manicure offers an elegant twist on the traditional manicure. The treatment includes the steps described above, with the addition of a French polish. This consists of a base coat, followed by a natural pink, beige or nude polish. The therapist will then apply a pure white tip to each nail and finish with a protective topcoat. The treatment offers all the hand and nail care benefits that you enjoy with a traditional manicure and is a great option if you want to give your nails a subtle, timeless look that is hard (if not impossible!) to achieve at home.

File and Polish 

Offered for the fingers or toes, a file and polish is a shortened version of a full manicure or pedicure. It is a great choice if you are short on time or simply want to give your nails a little tlc ahead of a special occasion. When it comes to winter nail health, the file and polish is perfect for shortening your fingernails to reduce the chances of breakages and for some welcome cuticle care. The therapist will first shape your nails and tidy up your cuticles. Sometimes, a lotion will be applied to your hands or feet, targeting the cuticle area. Finally, the polish will be applied, consisting of a base coat, your choice of colour, and a transparent topcoat.

French Polish 

The French polish includes the steps described above for the traditional file and polish. As with the French manicure, the treatment concludes with the application of a base coat, natural pink, beige or nude polish, a pure white tip, and a protective topcoat. This treatment is a great option if you want to keep your nails a little shorter during the winter, while keeping them looking their very best. It’s also the perfect top-up treatment if you want to maintain the clean, professional French manicure look in between full manicure treatments and to keep your cuticles cared for throughout the winter months.

Pedicure

Hidden away under thick socks, boots and slippers throughout the cold winter months, your feet and toenails can often become neglected at this time of year. A pedicure is a great way to restore and maintain great foot and toenail health throughout the season. The treatment is similar to a fingernail manicure. A pedicure usually begins by soaking your feet in a warm foot bath. The therapist will then work to shape your toenails, apply cuticle cream, and exfoliate your feet to remove dry skin. You will then enjoy a soothing foot massage before a nail polish in your choice of colour is applied.

Please note that inclusions and procedures can vary between spas. Always check with us or your chosen spa to confirm exactly what you can expect from your nail treatment.