Manicurists Insist on These Essential Winter Pedicure Tips

As the luster of the holiday season wears off and frigid winter temperatures settle in, beauty routines tend to shift—and foot care is often the first thing to fall off the list. In theory, pedicures are a year-round service. In reality, appointments often become less regular once boots, socks and closed-toe shoes take over.

“Most people don’t really pay attention to their feet because they’re always in socks and closed shoes,” says Marcela Correa, a licensed medical nail technician and the founder of Medi Pedi NYC. The thing is, if you want nice feet for summer, you have to keep up with the maintenance during winter.

Between cold air, decreased humidity and the dry air of indoor heat, feet are especially prone to dryness, cracking and rough skin this time of year. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep them feeling and looking great. Ahead, two salon founders and nail experts weigh in on winter pedicure maintenance, including the tips and tools that will get you through the season.

Maintaining a consistent pedicure schedule throughout winter is essential for the health of your nails and feet. According to Amy Ling Lin, founder of New York–based salon sundays studio, sticking to a biweekly or every-three-weeks schedule is ideal. “Winter pedicures are not just about aesthetics,” she says. “They help support healthy circulation, prevent dryness and address callus buildup that can worsen in colder weather.”

During winter, skin tends to become especially dry, particularly in areas with fewer sebaceous glands. But dryness and cracking are just the start. Correa notes that neglecting routine steps, such as trimming toenails, can lead to more painful or serious issues, including nail fungus.

While you can stick with a traditional pedicure for standard maintenance, winter is a good time to give your feet some extra TLC. “This is the time to fix things calmly, without the pressure of wearing open-toe shoes or sandals every day,” says Correa.

Instead of opting for your regular pedicure, consider a more tailored service to address concerns like calluses and dead skin, which tend to worsen this time of year. For example, a medical pedicure merges podiatry with nail care, using a waterless method to eliminate dead skin and professional tools to trim, file, shape and buff nails. “They’re tailored to the specific needs of your feet rather than merely focusing on appearance and provide a comprehensive at-home plan following your service,” says Correa.

Spa add-ons are another option worth considering. These often include nourishing foot baths, deeply hydrating products or paraffin treatments to exfoliate and soften rough skin while stimulating blood flow.

At-home pedicure care is especially important during winter. Not only does it extend the life of your last service, but it also supports overall foot health. According to the experts, hydration and exfoliation are the two most important steps.

“A pumice stone or Pumi bar helps manage callus buildup,” says Lin, while Correa notes that foot files with disposable exfoliating stickers are another effective option that can be more sanitary. Quality foot creams are also key. “Look for products with ingredients to target issues like dryness and cracking, such as Gehwol’s Soft Feet, which has urea for a deeper exfoliation,” says Correa. This can help minimize dead skin buildup and reduce how often you need to file.

While you may not need to trim your toenails immediately after a pedicure, they still require regular upkeep at home. The pros suggest investing in a good cuticle oil to hydrate the nails and soften the surrounding skin.

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