6 Tips for Keeping Your Mani and Pedi Fresh AF This Summer

Summer is when you want to go all out with your nails with bright hues, quirky nail art, and bedazzled, textured effects. Turns out, it’s also a season when chips, a dull finish, and cracked cuticles are a given, all thanks to the sun, surf, and sand. Since no one likes dropping coin on freshly polished tips only to have them look roughed up in a day or two, we asked the industry’s top celeb manicurists for their intel. Here, you’ll learn how to fix these beauty blunders before they wreck total mayhem on your mani and pedi.

1. Take the time to moisturize frequently. “We tend to abuse our hands and feet more in the summer, so pay special attention to mani/pedi essential care: cleaning, shaping, cuticle grooming, and moisturizing,” celebrity manicurist and founder of JINsoon Nail Lacquer and Spas, Jin Soon Choi, says. “Moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly to keep them fresh and healthy.”

2. Add a new top coat to your mani. “Applying a fresh top coat every 4 to 5 days will revive your mani (or pedi) plus give your nails extra strength to withstand the rigorous activities of summer,” celebrity manicurist and founder of Mani Bar, Pattie Yankee, says.

3. Use cuticle oil every day. “This will keep your nails supple and hydrated and prevent your polish from cracking,” says celebrity manicurist Casey Herman.

4. Make sure to moisturize your hands and feet after every shower. “Always ensure that you are moisturizing your feet and toes right after a shower, as water will dry out the skin and surrounding area of the nails, which can lead to chipping,” says celebrity manicurist Sabrina Gayle.

5. Never skip out on base or top coat. “Use a gel finish — the polish lasts longer and is stronger,” celebrity manicurist Naomi Yasuda says. “I prefer Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish ($7). Also, don’t skip the base and top coat. Sometimes people don’t use them for their pedi, but it’s very important so your polish lasts longer. Try OPI Natural Nail Base Coat ($10) and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat ($8), which dries in 60 seconds.”

6. Take better care of your heels. “It sounds crazy, but during the summer months, I suggest a pedicure every 2 to 3 weeks,” says celebrity nail artist and Smith & Cult Ambassador, Sarah Bland, says. “We all know polish can last a lot longer on your toes, but wearing sandals and walking barefoot can really take a toll on your feet.” In addition to getting regular pedicures, Bland recommends that if you choose to take your heel care into your own hands, you should steer clear of at-home callus shaving tools that look like cheese graters, as they can cause more harm than good.

Which nail trends are you loving this summer? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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