Vacation season is here with sun, sand and rising temperatures. Whether you’re heading off on a beach holiday, enjoying a picnic, or simply lounging by the pool, stylish nails can add an extra touch of glamour to your look.
High temperatures, UV exposure, salt, water, chlorine, sand and even air conditioning can cause nails to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Moreover, the nail-beds tend to be more susceptible to dryness and flaking during hot weather.
This season is also when many of us indulge in more frequent polish changes or artificial nail applications, which can weaken nails if not properly maintained.
When you prioritise nail health, every manicure or pedicure looks more polished, lasts longer and supports overall hand and foot hygiene. It’s best to adopt a summer-specific nail care routine designed to deliver long-lasting protection and deep hydration for your nails and cuticles.
Opt for breathable polish
If you’re someone who constantly wears nail polish on your fingernails and toenails, it may be time for you to swap your regular nail polish for a breathable nail polish formula.
Breathable nail polish is a type of nail coating designed with a unique formulation that allows minute amounts of water and oxygen molecules to pass through the polish layer and onto your nails by using advanced polymer technology that creates tiny microscopic gaps in the polish.
Breathable nail polish is a better option than traditional formulas for those who can’t go without a manicure or pedicure.
It minimises nail dehydration, brittleness and yellowing, often acting as a one-step treatment without needing a base or top coat. While nails do not require oxygen to “breathe”, water and air permeability help maintain a healthier environment for the nail bed, potentially preventing issues like brittleness or fungal growth.
With these water-permeable polishes, your nails have the potential to stay more hydrated and moisturised, even with product on top.
Breathable polishes tend to contain fewer harsh chemicals when compared with their more traditional counterparts.
As oxygen can permeate through the breathable polish as it dries, you’re likely to experience a shorter wait time for your nails to dry completely.
Use cuticle oil daily
Cuticle oil is essentially any oil treatment used to restore the natural moisture of your cuticles and to keep the skin around your nails hydrated. Most cuticle oils contain a combination of different oils, such as jojoba oil, flaxseed oil and safflower oil.
Depending on the product you’re using, you can either dab your cuticles with a cotton ball or brush the oil on.
You’ll only need to use a few drops on each cuticle and then massage them in for a few minutes, because most oils work best in small amounts. It soothes irritation and promotes faster healing of any cuts, cracks, or hangnails.
Cuticle oil is also beneficial from an aesthetic standpoint, since it helps make your nails into a solid canvas for your nail polish or nail art.
Consistent application of cuticle oil can strengthen the nails by providing essential nutrients that support healthy nail growth
Cuticle oil keeps the nail plate flexible and hydrated, helping your manicure last longer.
Apply cuticle oil right after you shower and wash your face in the morning, as your skin is softened with water exposure and more likely to absorb the vitamins and antioxidants from your cuticle oil.
Apply daily, especially after sun exposure or swimming, and your nails will thank you.
To ensure your cuticles are fully hydrated and healthy, you can apply cuticle oil after washing your hands throughout the day, too. You can even keep a small bottle in your purse for on-the-go application anytime you’re feeling a little dry.
Cute short nails
Long nails are pretty but not always practical—especially during summer.
Long nails may look glamorous, but they can be more prone to breakage and damage in the summer months.
So, keep your nails short and well-groomed to prevent any damage. You can do this yourself or go to a salon to get it done. It will help maintain nail hygiene as well.
Short nails in the summer offer superior comfort, cleanliness and durability, making them ideal for active lifestyles while reducing the risk of splitting, breakage, and dirt accumulation. They are lower maintenance, allowing for quick, easy manicures using bold colours or pastels that complement summer fashion. They keep the nail plate protected, balanced, and less vulnerable during everyday movement.
Cute short nails are less likely to hold bacteria and can get stronger naturally. So, they’re not just good-looking but also good for your nail health.
Don’t forget to exfoliate
Exfoliating nails and cuticles in summer removes dead skin, boosts circulation, and prevents hangnails caused by heat and dryness, ensuring healthy, smooth nail beds.
This will also help to prevent ingrown nails and keep your cuticles looking healthy.
Use a gentle scrub or soft nail brush on cuticles, then apply oils to hydrate after sun/chlorine exposure.
Gently exfoliating can stimulate blood flow to the nail area, which can contribute to stronger and healthier nails. . Healthy, well-exfoliated nails provide a better base for nail polish, helping it last longer. Plus, it can create a smooth canvas for traditional nail polish application. Nail exfoliation can help loosen cuticles that have become attached to the nail plate and soften ridges in the nail, allowing for a smoother, shinier finish.
Banner image by Viktorya Sergeeva 🫂: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-doing-a-manicure-14267565/
