Hey, beauty lovers!
Today, we will be discussing a part of our body that rarely gets that much attention – our nails.
It’s always emphasized on face and lip care and treatments for changes due to the weather, have you considered hands and nails?
Just as we have different skin products for the different seasons, nails also require attention at any one particular season.
It is like changing your clothes, you can’t wear a heavy winter coat during July, do you?
The same goes to your nail.
It would also require a schedule for nail checkups, grooming, and treatments.
If done on a seasonal basis it will help maintain strong healthy nails that look good regardless of what the climate is like.
Well, here’s the breakdown on how to ensure that your nails are well taken care of across the four seasons.
Spring: Renew and Revive
Ah, spring!
The time of love, changes, breakthroughs and, yes, the moment when you can throw away the winter mittens and gloves.
This is the time when nature wakes up to a new life after the harsh winter season.
At this time of the year the idea is to hydrate your nails since your nails have most likely gone through a lot of dryness and cold.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It is very important during the spring to ensure that your nails are well hydrated.
Besides, they may likely have been living in layers under gloves and unfavorable weather conditions.
A good nail oil with vitamin E and jojoba is a real friend.
Indeed, a good nail oil is really a blessing.
The best I have found is to use it in the morning and at night before going to bed.
This also quenches your nails while at the same time tenderizing your cuticles making them appear neat and polished with little effort.
Time to Exfoliate
Exfoliating is not only good for your face, your hands can benefit from it as well!
Even for the simplest manicure, the hand scrub is good in eliminating the dead skin that may be present around the cuticles.
But if you want to go even further, use a certain nail exfoliator to cleanse your nails with, to take away the dead skin coat.
It also serves as the best method of filing the ridges hence making your nails look more polished without the help of the nail tools.
Pastels for a Fresh Look
Bold and brighter colors can have a rest and be replaced by light tones such as baby blue, baby pink, light lavender and the likes.
Although these shades are very fashionable they have that fresh “ready for warm weather” look.
First of all, a base coat is necessary to keep nails from staining and a great topcoat will add shine and durability for your pastel nail color.
Summer: Protect and Strengthen
Summer is associated with having fun at the beach, refreshing cocktails and cold drinks at the pool.
However, you probably didn’t know that the sun and water are some of the worst enemies that your nails could possibly face.
It was found that chlorine from the pool as well as saltwater from the ocean and UV rays could harm your nails if you are not careful enough.
Well, this is the best time to work on the nails to make them stronger and ready for the ravages of the world while at the same time being beautiful.
Sunscreen for Your Nails
Yes, you read that right.
Yes, you heard it right. It is important to note that like the skin your nails can also be affected or damaged by the UV sunlight.
These rays are dangerous since they contribute to the brittleness of nails and make them become dry.
Usually before I go out I apply some sunscreen and where possible add a little to my nails, especially if I expect to spend much time in the sun.
And there are nail polishes that have UV protection as an option which means your manicure will not suffer from the sun.
Keep Nails Short and Sweet
Now for people that spend lots of time in the water swimming, sun tanning, and exploring, nails might have broken because of the length.
For myself, I always choose shorter nail designs in the summer.
It’s just more convenient and let’s be real—it’s a lot less painful when you accidentally catch a nail on something!
Bright, Bold Colors
Colorful and bold nail colors are best worn in summer.
Imagine nails that are as neon as the oranges or as electric as the blues of the corals.
It should also be noted that it’s the time of the year that you can play with your nails and choose those bright colors that are not suitable for winter.
And never leave the house without a gel topcoat if you wish to be able to wear it while swimming, sun tanning or surfing.
Fall: Nourish and Transition
Fall is that period in-between summer and winter which is characterized by cooler temperatures and rainy days.
After a period of sun exposure throughout the summer it is ideal to start with the nourishment of nails.
Now is the perfect time to give your nails some extra love!
Moisturize and Strengthen
Since summer is characterized by dry nails and so the focus in the fall is on hydration.
A good hand cream and cuticle oil must have become your best friend by now.
I also like to start strengthening nail treatment at this time.
Watch out for products that contain keratin or biotin as they will assist in repairing any harm due to summer.
File in One Direction
Always file your nails in one direction only so that they do not split.
Filing back and forth will cause a crack on the surface, which leads to those small splits on the nail that catch on everything!
Deep, Moody Colors
This is when we begin to transition to those dark, rich shades more suitable for fall.
Burgundy, navy, and forest green — these shades look spectacular and minimalist, but at the same time, they are so cozy.
Sometimes I enjoy matching my nails with my fall outfit, the big sweaters, scarves and of course – a beautiful dark nail polish.
Winter: Protect and Repair
Cold season is normally considered to be the worst season for your nails.
Cold air, indoor heating , and washing your hands constantly is detrimental to nails making them brittle and vulnerable to breaking.
But do not despair, with a few tips you can keep your nails in great conditions during cold seasonal periods.
Amp Up the Hydration
Cold air outside and dry heat inside may make your nails become dry.
Winter is the best season to moisturize our nails so my winter nail care routine is majorly about that.
In the winter I use a heavier, more hydrating hand cream and I always put on cuticle oil before going to sleep.
If you want to indulge some more, you can wear cotton gloves while you are sleeping to seal in moisture – you will not regret it!
Avoid Overwashing
Now that flu season has arrived, all of us are becoming frequent hand washers.
As much as it is needed, it is also useful if done in moderation so that you don’t dry your nails and skin.
I have a moisturizing hand sanitizer which I take along every winter.
It keeps my hands clean without making them dry.
Moreover, whenever I wash my hands, I ensure that I use a mild kind of soap which does not affect the texture of my skin and immediately apply some hand cream.
Dark, Rich Hues
Winter is also the right time to wear those dark and rather intense shades of nail polish.
Dark shades of purple, black and even red which are associated with the holiday season are perfect for use during the cooler weather.
These shades do not only appear classy but are also ideal to be worn with any kind of clothing you might be wearing this winter whether it be sweaters or holiday dresses.
Strengthen Your Nails
Winter is the worst season for nails because the air is very dry, so you will need a strengthening treatment to apply to your nails once or twice a week.
Choose products that have keratin and calcium for your nails as they will strengthen them and make them hard to break.
All-Season Tips
As you have read above, always make sure to vary your nail care routine with the season, however, the following tips can be implemented all-year round.
Wear Gloves
This I have to say is a must.
You really should start wearing gloves, especially when washing the dishes or any cleaning that involves water, soap and chemicals.
Also wear gloves outside when it is cold to protect your nails and hands from the weather.
Take a Break from Polish
When it comes to nails, we always want them to be beautifully painted and forget that they too require a little rest now and then.
Skipping polish for a week or two provides opportunity for them to ‘breathe’ and common interferences such as staining and damage can be avoided.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Hands and nails require moisture at any time of the year.
Drink plenty of water and make sure your hands and nails are well moisturized all the time to keep them healthy and good looking.
There you have it then.
The complete guide to looking after your nails for every season of the year.
With little changes now and then, it is possible to achieve strong, healthy and good looking nails throughout the year.
For whether you are painting your nails baby blues in the spring or dark, mysterious tones in the winter, your nails need the same amount of care as the rest of your body.
Go have a mani now you deserve it.
