5 ways to care for your nails this summer

If I asked you to name some beauty routines that are essential during summertime, I bet nail care wouldn’t even cross your mind.

For some reason, it doesn’t seem as important or relevant as shaving your legs or stocking up your cupboard with everything SPF, but proper nail care is something you should definitely think about in the summer months.

So here are five ways you can look after your nails this summer (and why it’s a big deal if you don’t):

#1: KEEP THEM NOURISHED

Did you know that UV rays can dehydrate your nails? Yep, it’s true. A lack of moisture can lead to you having dry brittle nails that flake all over the place. But it’s not only the sun that can wreak havoc on your nails. All that swimming – pool/ocean/other – can also have a damaging effect.

Up your moisturise levels by using oils and hand creams that nourish your skin and nail beds. TheSea Siren Hand & Foot Spacontains all the goods to sort your hands and feet out, hydration-wise (plus, the bottles are only 100mL, so they’re perfect to chuck in your travel carry-on).

It’s also a good idea to avoid acetone and harsh nail polish removers as they can dry out your nails. Instead, looking for gentle and nourishing nail polish removers, like the Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover.

#2: KEEP THEM PROTECTED

You take the time to slather on products that protect the skin on your face and body from the sun’s harmful rays, so why not do the same for your nails? Not only do UV rays dry your nails out, but any overexposure to them can be harmful to your health.

Luckily for you, there are a few good topcoats that feature UV protection for your nails, and you can wear them either on their own or over your favourite nail colour. Oh, and an added bonus? Topcoats with UV filters and inhibitors will stop the sun from discolouring your manicure. So many wins.

Try:

INTENSAE YÜYI 2-in-1 base and top coat
CND Air Dry Top Coat
Avon Nail Experts UV Gloss Guard Top Coat
Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat
Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat

#3: GIVE THEM STRENGTH

With all that sun, sand and surf taking its toll on your nails, it’s clever to fight off any side-effects by giving your nails extra strength. Plus, if you think about how summer foot sweat can contribute to weak, brittle nails, you’ll want to nip it in the bud, stat.

You can try a nail strengthener, like Revitanail Nail Strenghtener or Mavala Nail Shield Two-Phase Nail Strengthener, to protect your nails from chipping and breakage and build their strength, or you can work from the inside out.

Supplements are brilliant for building up nail strength from the beginning (as in, before your nails have even started growing). Blackmores Nail Hair and Skin and BioSource Hair Skin & Nails ($13.99, 1300 88 44 11) both contain nutrients that’ll increase nail thickness and strength, and reduce any chipping or flaking.

#4: MAINTAIN THE LENGTH

Fun fact: warmer weather means your nails grow quicker, so it’s important to pay attention to the length – especially your toenails. Let’s say your big toenail is reallllly long, and you’re wandering around in your sandals and you stub your toe right at the nail. The nail length and the injury could leave you open to an infection. Add public pools, sweaty feet and warm weather (the perfect breeding ground for bacteria) into the mix, and it won’t be pretty.

The QVS Toenail Clipper is excellent for cutting and trimming hard, tough toenails (just be sure to cut straight across to avoid ingrown nails), and the UBU Nail Scissors will help keep your fingernails groomed. Finish both sets of nails off with a good filing using a Models Prefer Emery Board.