You found our guide to Summer Nail Care!
The best summer nail care tips do more than enhance polish—they preserve nail health and add a luxurious moment of care for your hands. Be proactive and add a few steps to your routine to prevent the wear and tear that summer activities can cause on your nails. From rooftop soirées in SoHo to beach weekends in Montauk, well-maintained nails reflect elegance, attention, and inner balance.
Interested in nail health? Check out 10 At-Home Manicure Tips.
This list includes:
- How to keep hands moisturized
- SPF Protection for hands
- How to keep nails healthy
- Chlorine nail care
- Gel polish health
Let’s get to it!
Summer Nail Care Tips
1. Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Summer sun and saltwater dehydrate nails fast. Begin with internal hydration—lots of water water, herbal infusions, and mineral-rich electrolytes. Externally, apply a clean cuticle at least once daily. Jojoba, rosehip, and sea buckthorn oils absorb quickly and penetrate deeply. Hydrated nails resist splitting, peeling, and discoloration.
2. Use SPF on Hands and Cuticles
Hands age faster than any other area exposed to UV. Protect them with mineral-based SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours outdoors. Extend coverage to cuticles and nail beds. Choose formulas without oxybenzone or avobenzone. For luxury coverage, opt for hand-specific sunscreens with nourishing botanicals.
Check out this list of the best SPF hand creams!
3. Go Shorter for Strength
Heat, humidity, and outdoor activities increase the likelihood of snags. Keep nails shorter to minimize breakage. File regularly with a glass file to maintain smooth edges. Avoid metal files, which can fray the nail layers. A natural, rounded shape withstands more than long, squared tips.
4. Choose Breathable, Non-Toxic Polishes
Opt for polish that allows oxygen exchange while minimizing harsh chemicals. Brands like Sundays Studio offer breathable, 10-free formulas. Choose shades inspired by the season—peach sorbet, seafoam green, blush neutrals. Let nails breathe between polish changes.
Learn more about Sundays Studio’s collection of non-toxic polishes!
5. Avoid Prolonged Soaks and Chlorine
Water weakens keratin. Limit long baths or soaks, and wear gloves while doing dishes. At the pool, rinse hands after chlorine exposure. Chlorine strips natural oils and causes yellowing. Post-swim, apply a nail serum rich in ceramides and vitamins A and E.
6. Exfoliate Gently
Use a natural sugar or enzyme-based exfoliant on hands and around the nails once a week. Focus on removing dead skin around cuticles and knuckles. Exfoliation preps the skin to absorb moisture better and maintains a luminous appearance.
Check out this list of the best exfoliators for your hands or face!
7. Avoid Overuse of Gel or Acrylic
Summer is the ideal time to take a break from heavy enhancements. Allow nails to grow naturally. If gel is essential, opt for soak-off versions applied by professionals using LED (not UV) lights. Limit back-to-back applications and use gel removal wraps, not scraping tools.
Check out these Tips for Keeping Nails Healthy for Gel Polish Lovers
8. Maintain Cuticle Health
Healthy cuticles protect the nail matrix. Never cut them. Instead, gently push back with a wooden stick after a shower. Apply cuticle balm morning and night. Clean formulas with shea butter, calendula, and vitamin C preserve elasticity and prevent inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Summer nail care isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Small, consistent rituals protect nail integrity and reflect an ethos of clean beauty and conscious living. With the right tools, products, and pacing, your nails become an extension of your seasonal glow. Whether painted or bare, healthy nails carry elegance that outlasts trends.
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