At my beauty salon in Maghull, gel polish on toenails is not just a summer booking. Plenty of my clients keep their toes painted right through winter, even when nobody sees them under boots and thick socks. Others take their colour off in October and forget about their feet until May. So which is better for your nails?
There’s no single right answer. In this post I’ll explain how I approach toenails in the colder months, when I’d suggest a break, and why I always look closely at the nail before I paint it.
Should You Keep Gel Polish on Toenails in Winter
For many women, the answer is yes. Tidy, painted toes simply make them feel more put together, even if only they know about it. A pop of colour is a nice thing to see when you peel off wet socks after a damp walk along the canal.
However, winter feet live a very different life from summer feet. They spend long days in boots, tights and slippers, often warm and a little damp. That’s why I treat a winter toenail appointment slightly differently. In particular, I pay more attention to how the nail looks underneath before I add anything new.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Gel polish is cured under a UV/LED lamp, so it’s dry and hard as soon as you leave. That suits winter well, because you can put your socks and boots straight back on. An appointment takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, depending on the design.
First, I check your toenails and the skin around them. Then I shape the nails and tidy the cuticles before I apply any colour. When it’s time to change it, I do the removal myself, carefully, in the salon. That matters, because peeling gel off at home pulls away the top layers of the nail.
Why I Look So Closely at Removal
Removal is the moment I see your bare nail for the first time in weeks. So I always take a proper look before I reapply. I’m checking for colour changes, thickening, crumbling or lifting from the skin underneath.
I’m also a qualified foot-health practitioner. I trained on a two-week residential course with the College of Foot Health Practitioners. As a result, I know what a healthy toenail should look like, and I know when something needs a second opinion.
I Won’t Polish Over a Suspect Nail
If a toenail looks yellow, white, brown or crumbly, I won’t cover it with gel. The same goes for a nail that smells, or one that has started lifting away from the skin. Covering it up only hides what’s happening, and it can make things harder to treat.
Instead, I’ll ask you to speak to a pharmacist or your GP first. The NHS guide to fungal nail infection explains the signs and your options. Once the nail has been checked, we can talk about colour again.
When a Break From Gel Polish on Toenails Makes Sense
Sometimes I’ll suggest a few weeks off. For example, if your nails look dry, flaky or thin at removal, a rest lets them recover. Similarly, if you’ve had colour on continuously since spring, a break gives us a clear view of the nail as it grows.
A break doesn’t mean ignoring your feet. Instead, keep the nails short and filed, and rub a little oil or moisturiser into the skin around them at night. My post on why autumn is when toenails recover best explains why this time of year suits a rest.
Boots, Socks and Damp Feet
Merseyside winters are wet, and feet often stay damp for hours. Think of soggy trainers on the school run, or wellies after a muddy walk. Damp, warm feet in boots all day are not ideal for nails. So change wet socks as soon as you can, and dry carefully between your toes.
Tight boots can also press on the tips of the toenails. If your big toe feels squashed by the end of the day, your boots may be too narrow. Over time, that pressure can make nails sore or thickened. Therefore, give your toes some room, especially in heeled ankle boots.
Christmas Party Sandals
Then December arrives, and suddenly the strappy sandals come out for one night. Many of my clients book gel polish on toenails just for the party season. That works well, as long as the nails underneath are healthy. After all, a pretty colour should never be hiding a problem.
Book a week or so before the party rather than the day before. That gives me time to suggest a different plan if I spot a problem at removal. Festive reds and deep berry shades are always popular. Meanwhile, a soft nude suits women who want something understated with tights or open-toe shoes.
Tidy Toes for the Gym or a Swim
Winter is when many women return to the gym or the pool, especially after the Christmas excess. Changing rooms in Maghull and Formby are busy places in January. Nobody wants to feel self-conscious about her feet in front of other people.
Gel polish copes well with regular swimming. Still, dry your feet properly afterwards, and wear flip-flops in shared changing areas. If you notice anything odd about a nail, mention it at your next visit rather than painting over it at home.
Book Your Toenails in Maghull
I’m the only therapist at the salon, so you’ll see me every time. That means I can spot small changes in your toenails from one visit to the next. In practice, that’s often how problems are caught early.
You can read more about the colours and finishes on my professional gel nail polish page. Then call me on 0151 909 6116 or contact us to book your toes in for the winter.
