In winter, our nails are exposed to low temperatures, wind, cold and dry air. All of these factors can have a negative impact on their condition, making them brittle, dry and prone to splitting. However, with the right care, you can keep your nails healthy and beautiful even during the harshest winter months. In this article, we've compiled the best winter nail care tips to minimise damage and keep your nails in great shape.

The air gets dry in winter, which can lead to dehydrated skin and nails. To prevent dryness and brittleness, moisturising is the foundation of care.

- Use moisturising creams for hands and nails. Look out for products with oils, such as shea butter or argan oil, which deeply nourish and moisturise skin and nails.

- Apply cuticle oils. Cuticle oil helps retain moisture in and around the nail plate, preventing cracks and dryness.

- Drink more water. Moisturising from the inside out is just as important as external care. Make sure you're drinking enough water to keep your body properly hydrated.

In winter, it is important to protect your nails from direct exposure to cold, frost, and wind, as this can lead to damage.

- Wear gloves. In winter, hands are exposed to low temperatures, which can cause the skin to dry out and nails to become brittle. Wearing gloves, especially in cold weather, helps protect your hands and nails from damage.
- Use protective creams. If you have to go outside frequently, a thick-textured hand cream will create a barrier to protect against the cold. 

Proper manicure technique also plays an important role in the health of nails, especially during the winter period.

- Do not cut the cuticle too much. Aggressive removal of the cuticle can lead to microcracks and damage. Instead of cutting, use special oils to soften the cuticle and orange sticks to push it back.
- Use files of medium abrasiveness. Abrasive files can damage the nails, especially when they become brittle in winter. It is better to use files of medium hardness and file the nails in one direction.

- Do not bite your nails. This habit can cause damage not only to the nail plate but also to the skin around the nails, making them more susceptible to infections. 

To strengthen nails, it's important to provide them with the necessary vitamins and minerals. Nutrition plays a key role in their condition.

- Include biotin-rich foods in your diet. Biotin helps strengthen nails and prevents them from becoming brittle. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, nuts, avocados, and fish.

- Don't forget about vitamin E. Vitamin E helps maintain nail health by improving blood circulation in the nail beds. It is found in vegetable oils, nuts, and leafy greens.
- Take nail supplements. Special vitamins and supplements, such as biotin and collagen, can strengthen nails and promote their growth. 

In winter, nails become more fragile and prone to breakage, so they need to be strengthened.

- When using nail polish, choose strengthening coatings. Polishes with added calcium and vitamins help strengthen nails and prevent breakage. Use special strengthening bases that give nails extra durability.
- Pay attention to gel coatings. If you want your nails to be strong and not break, you can try gel coatings or gel polish. They protect the nail plate from external damage, keeping it in excellent condition. 

Like any part of our body, nails require regular care and attention.

- Do regular manicures. Even if you don’t want to apply nail polish regularly, it’s worth moisturizing the cuticles and nails at least once a week to prevent dirt buildup and damage.
- Don’t forget about nighttime care. Apply nourishing nail oil or hand cream at night to ensure maximum hydration and nourishment while you sleep. 

We often use various cleaning and laundry chemicals that can damage nails. To avoid this:

- Wear gloves when cleaning. Even if you're not affected by the cold, chemicals can damage the nail structure. Protect them with rubber or silicone gloves.

- Avoid prolonged contact with water. Spending too much time in water can weaken the nail plate and lead to splitting. If your hands often come into contact with water, use moisturizing creams and oils. 

Nail care in winter requires a bit more attention, but with the right approach, your nails can stay healthy and beautiful even in the cold months. Hydration, protection, nourishment, and regular care are the key elements of winter nail care. By following these simple tips, you can avoid damage and keep your nails in great condition.

Read also: Foot skin care: how to avoid dry and cracked feet?