The Chicago Girl’s Guide to Surviving Winter With Great Manicures

February in Chicago is… a vibe.

Cold winds. Dry heat. Static everywhere. And somehow, it’s still dark at 5PM.

By now, winter has officially overstayed its welcome—and your hands are definitely feeling it.

That’s exactly why February has become peak season for manicures at Forbici Salon and Spa. When skin is dry, cuticles are stressed, and nails feel fragile, professional nail care stops being “extra” and starts being necessary self-care.

Think of it as winter survival—but make it stylish.

Winter Dryness and your Guide for Professional Nail Care

Chicago winters create the perfect storm for nail damage. Between freezing temperatures and indoor heating, hands are constantly losing moisture. This leads to:

• Brittle or peeling nails

• Cracked cuticles

• Rough texture

• Dull polish finishes

• Increased breakage

Who Benefits Most From a Paraffin Treatment—and Why It’s Worth Adding

If your hands feel tight, rough, or uncomfortable the moment you step outside in winter, a paraffin treatment is for you. This warm, moisture-sealing therapy is especially beneficial for:

• Clients with chronically dry or cracked hands

• Anyone who washes their hands frequently

• Professionals who work with paper, products, or tools all day

• Clients experiencing seasonal sensitivity or stiffness

• Anyone whose cuticles never seem to stay hydrated

• People who simply want their manicure to last longer

In short: if Chicago winter has been unkind to your hands, paraffin is your reset button.

The warmth of the wax opens pores and allows hydration to penetrate deeper into the skin. Once it cools, it seals in moisture, creating a protective barrier that continues working long after your appointment ends. The result is hands that feel noticeably softer, smoother, and more comfortable—often for days.

Adding a Paraffin Treatment to your Forbici or Rejuvenating Manicure transforms your service from “nice” to “next-level.” It’s the difference between temporary softness and lasting relief. Between cold winds, indoor heating, and constant sanitizing, this small upgrade delivers major payoff.

And beyond the physical benefits, there’s the feeling.

Warm. Relaxing. Quietly luxurious.

It’s a moment where everything slows down and you’re fully taken care of. That’s why clients who try paraffin once rarely skip it again. It doesn’t just improve how your hands look—it improves how they feel in your daily life.

In February, that comfort matters.

Prevention: Strengthening Nails and Shielding Hands So They Last Into Spring

Restoration gives your hands what they lost, but prevention gives them what they need to keep thriving. In February, preventative care is essential because harsh weather and frequent temperature swings continually sap moisture and weaken nails over time. Prevention isn’t just maintenance—it’s resilience.

A Forbici Manicure does exactly this. It begins with expert exfoliation and cuticle care that improves texture and promotes healthy growth. Following this, a nourishing creamy masque and seasoned massage encourage circulation and soften the skin, helping to prevent future cracking. Adding a Paraffin Treatment as part of this process reinforces moisture retention and forms a protective barrier that helps guard against cold, dry air and environmental stresses.

This isn’t just “getting your nails done.” It’s preemptive comfort: a soothing experience that not only looks good in the moment but helps your nails and hands feel tougher, more hydrated, and better supported through the last stretch of winter.

Prevention—especially when delivered with intention and expert care—feels like nourishment for your body and a reset for your mood. It’s the kind of thoughtful routine that keeps you feeling polished, grounded, and ready for spring.

Winter Nail Trends That Pair with February Style

Chicago’s February fashion is built around layers, structure, and texture. Nail trends this season reflect that same balance of comfort and polish.

Popular finishes include:

• Soft neutrals such as taupe, blush, and mushroom gray

• Subtle chrome and satin metallics

• Deep jewel tones like emerald, navy, and burgundy

• High-gloss sheer pinks and milky whites

Preferred shapes for winter durability and elegance include:

• Soft almond

• Medium oval

• Short square-round

  
  

These styles work seamlessly with coats, knits, boots, and tailored winter pieces, creating a cohesive, elevated look.

February: The Bridge Month

February serves as the bridge between winter endurance and spring renewal. While temperatures remain low, mindset shifts begin. Towards the end of February into March, clients often gravitate toward:

• Soft pastels blended with neutral bases

• Minimal floral accents

• Lighter finishes with winter depth

• Clean, fresh silhouettes

  
  

It is the perfect time to refresh your look gradually—maintaining seasonal relevance while preparing for warmer months.

At-Home Nail Care for Chicago Winters

Between appointments, small habits make a major difference.

Daily cuticle oil application is essential for preventing cracking and dryness. Wearing gloves outdoors protects hands from moisture loss. Keeping hand cream accessible at work, in your bag, and at home supports long-term hydration. We recommend the following products you can pick up in the salon:

• CND Rescue RXX Daily Keratin Treatment

• BonBlissity Signature Sugar Cube Candy Scrub

• Cuccio Cuticle Oil in Pomegranate & Fig or Vanilla Bean & Sugar 
  

Avoid using nails as tools, always file instead of peeling polish, and stay hydrated. Winter dehydration affects nails just as much as skin.

These practices help preserve the results of your professional service and support healthy growth heading into spring.

Preparing Now Means Healthier Nails Later

Waiting until March to address winter damage often leads to unnecessary breakage and weakness. February is when strong spring nails are built.

By investing in professional nail care now, you are:

• Repairing seasonal damage

• Strengthening natural growth

• Maintaining moisture balance

• Enhancing daily confidence

• Creating a smoother transition into spring

  
  

At Forbici Salon and Spa, our manicure services are designed to support both your schedule and your style.

Book Your February Refresh

By February, winter has taken a quiet toll on most hands—dryness, weakened nails, and ongoing discomfort become part of daily life. This is the point in the season when thoughtful, professional care matters most.

A manicure and paraffin treatment at Forbici is more than routine maintenance. It’s a seasonal reset that restores hydration, strengthens natural nails, and brings your hands back to a place of comfort and confidence. You feel the difference in small moments—buttoning your coat, holding your phone, reaching for your coffee—when your hands feel smooth, healthy, and well cared for.

Scheduling your appointment now helps protect your nails through the final stretch of winter while setting the foundation for stronger, more beautiful hands in spring.

Book your February visit and give your hands the care they’ve been asking for.

Cold outside.

Confident inside.

Always polished.