Looking after your nails and hands as the weather turns cold
Cold mornings and the central heating are hard on hands. Simple ways to stop dry cuticles, peeling and lifting through autumn and winter.
2 min read
Every year, as the mornings get colder and the heating goes on, we see the same thing at the nail desk: dry cuticles, split skin at the edges of the nail and sets that lift sooner than they did in summer. The good news is that a few small habits make a real difference.
Why cold weather is hard on nails
Cold air outside holds less moisture, and central heating dries the air inside too. Your skin and nails lose water, so the skin around the nail gets tight and cracks, and the nail itself can become more brittle. Hot water feels lovely on a cold day, but it strips natural oils from your hands even faster.
Cuticle oil, every day
If you do one thing, make it this. A drop of cuticle oil on each nail, rubbed in, once or twice a day. Keep a bottle by the bed or in your bag. Hydrated cuticles do not split, and they help a gel, BIAB or acrylic set stay sealed at the edges.
Gloves, inside and out
- Outside: warm gloves protect your hands from wind and cold, which is what makes skin crack.
- Inside: rubber gloves for washing up and cleaning. Hot water and cleaning sprays are the biggest cause of lifting all year round.
Hand cream, at the right time
Use a rich hand cream after washing your hands and before bed. Just skip it on the morning of your nail appointment, because cream on the nail can stop the product gripping.
Feet need it too
Feet spend the winter in boots and thick socks, and they tend to get forgotten until the first sunny day. A gel pedicure through the colder months keeps skin soft and toenails tidy, so you are not starting from scratch in spring.
Colours for the season
Autumn and winter are when deep shades come out: burgundy, chocolate, forest green, plum and navy, plus chrome and a bit of glitter for the party season. If you want something more subtle, a milky nude or a soft rose looks smart with everything. Bring a picture of anything you like and we will talk it through.
Book ahead for the busy months
The run-up to Christmas and New Year is the busiest time for most nail bars. If you want your nails done for a party, a night out or the big day itself, it is worth booking your appointment early. You can see our treatments and prices and book online at any time.
Treat your hands and feet
Gel polish, BIAB and gel pedicures, with every price on one page.
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