Winterizing Your Nails

I'm kind of obsessive about my nails. I go to the salon religiously every three weeks. On Tuesday. At 1:00. I get a little bent out of shape if I have to go on a different day or time. Not really. Well, yes, really. I adapt, but I don't like it. I like my life to be neat and coordinated - like my nails.

I've gone through the entire cycle of nail care routines. Back in the old days, when I was in high school, no one went to salons. We all did our own nails, and so that's what I did, too. Then I got married and started going to the salon monthly to have acrylic applied over my own nails. I still did all of my own manicures and polish changes.

Then I had kids. So for about 18 years, I pretty much ignored the fact that I even had nails.

Fast-forward to about 4 years ago, when I had my first gel manicure. It was with CND Shellac, and I was hooked. It lasted 3 full weeks for me, and my nails grew like crazy. So now that my kids are grown, I'm making up for lost time I enjoy being able to go to the salon to get my nails done.

But no matter what method you use for your manicures, one thing is universal - if you live in an area where the weather is cold in the winter, your hands/nails are going to suffer and you'll need to make some changes in order to protect them. Julep was kind enough to send me this lovely infographic with tips on winterizing your nails:



Now I admit, I don't do that first tip. I like my long nails, and I keep them year round. But nail growth does slow in winter, and my nails are definitely more brittle and prone to cracking, so I have to be more careful with them. It's a really good thing that I lead a life of leisure. (That was sarcasm in case you didn't recognize it.)

But some of the things that I do like to do in the winter to take care of my hands and nails (disclaimer: some of these links are affiliate links):

• I like to switch to a moisturizing shower product (I love L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil). I also switch out the hand soaps to a more moisturizing product.
• I keep hand lotion on my desk and in my purse so that it's always handy. (pun intended!) My favorite is Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer!
• I try to apply oil to my cuticles at least once a day. I have a lot of different oils (sweet almond, jojoba, sunflower) available that I use for I Feel Pretty Products, and I don't have a favorite for my nails - I just switch it up and use whatever is handy. I keep it in a little pump bottle for easy application.
• I also keep emery boards and nail clippers in my desk and in my master bathroom so that if I have a rough spot or hangnail, I can take care of it right away before it turns into something worse.
• I don't use my nails to pick at or open things. I know the temptation is strong, but how many times have you succumbed and then broken a nail? Don't do it!!
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water - it makes a difference.

And I had to share some of my favorite winter nail colors with you!! You can find these shades in just about any line of polish (you can check out Julep's line here), but since I only use CND Shellac at the salon, that's what I'm showing you:


If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I always post a Mani-Day picture!! If you don't follow me on Instagram, you need to go do that right now!!