Summer: a high-risk season for nails
While summer is synonymous with holidays and relaxation, it’s also the season when your nails are most at risk. High temperatures, UV exposure, salt, water, chlorine, sand... every dehydrating factor is present! And it’s no small concern—dehydration can impact the keratin layers that make up your nail structure. Here are the warning signs to look out for:
- Dry, brittle nails that have lost their flexibility.
- Drying cuticles that start lifting and can no longer act as a protective barrier.
- Ridged, dull nails, a sign that your nail growth cycle has been disrupted.
To avoid coming back from your break with weakened, lifeless nails, 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.
What to pack to look after your nails on holiday?
To make sure you’ve got everything covered when you pack your suitcase, we’ve put together a checklist of nail care essentials and manicure accessories to keep in your beauty bag for flawless nails all summer long—and beyond.
Essential sun protection
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable summer staple, but a few application reminders never go amiss:
- Safe tanning: protect yourself from harmful UV rays by choosing a high SPF 50+. Make sure your sunscreen shields against both UVA (responsible for sunburn and skin cancers) and UVB (which penetrate clouds and accelerate skin ageing).
- Protect hands and feet: we often focus on the face and exposed body parts, forgetting hands and feet—which are constantly uncovered in summer. Start with these! Consider a hand-specific sunscreen to effectively shield your nails from UV damage.
- Eco-friendly tanning: choose a biodegradable formula, free from chemicals harmful to marine ecosystems.
Hydrating care anytime, anywhere
To combat summer-induced nail dehydration, you can rely on Manucurist’s hydrating treatments to keep your nails strong and your hands looking beautiful. Whether used daily or on-demand, these products deliver proven results you can see. Here's a three-step routine to follow:
- In the morning: Complete Serum & Green Oil: Massage a few drops of Complete Serum into natural nails and cuticles. This ultra-refreshing gel-textured serum hydrates and softens the nail plate and surrounding skin. It penetrates deeply to regenerate the nail and boost growth. When paired with Green Oil—a deeply nourishing complex of 6 botanical oils—this duo creates an intensely hydrating cocktail ideal for dry and fragile nails.
- During the day: Perfecting Concentrate: Looking for a portable nail treatment that’s beach- and walk-ready? This nourishing and strengthening concentrate comes in a handy pen format with brush tip, allowing for precise and quick application anytime. A perfect on-the-go treatment that keeps nails hydrated and healthy throughout the day.
- In the evening: Rose Balm: After a day in the sun, there’s nothing better than a refreshing shower followed by a beauty ritual. Apply this 100% natural, ultra-hydrating and soothing balm to nails and cuticles—on fingers or toes—to repair areas weakened by heat and UV rays.
A complete nail prep set
Just as important as hydration and protection, regular nail maintenance is essential—even (especially!) on holiday. Nail files, cuticle pushers and emollients are your best friends for keeping nails in good shape and ensuring better hold for classic or Gel Polish.
- Nail file for natural nails is your go-to tool for gently fixing chips. Nails tend to grow faster in the sun, so this white file helps you easily shorten them. Use the fine grit (180 side, logo side) for fingernails and the coarser grit (100 side) for toenails. For top filing tips, check out our dedicated article.
- Cuticles play a key role in protecting the nail matrix. So it's vital to care for them, especially when nails are exposed. Don’t forget to pack an emollient to soften cuticles and a cuticle pusher (or orange wood stick) to gently push them back.
- Before applying your polish, don’t forget to sweep a nail priming sponge file across your nails. Its fine grain slightly opens the nail surface to improve polish adherence for optimal wear.
Nail polishes to suit every mood
If there’s ever a time to show off your beautifully polished nails, it’s summer! So go ahead—embrace bold trends and bright colours with Manucurist’s full range of nail polishes.
Active™ treatment polishes offer care and colour in one, making them the perfect holiday companion! No need for base or top coat—these hybrid make-up meets treatment polishes are applied directly to bare nails in one or two coats, depending on the effect you want. Infused with strengthening actives, they deeply nourish your nails while delivering a natural beautifying effect. Choose from Active Glow™ for radiant nails, Active Smooth for a CC Polish-style smoothing finish, Active Plump for a plumping effect, Active Shine, or Active Bright for a luminous highlight effect. Which Active™ polish will you choose this summer?
- Green™ polish offers a classic long-wear manicure (up to 7 days) that’s easy to apply and air-dries—no lamp needed. Its vegan formula is up to 83% bio-sourced and free from controversial ingredients often found in traditional polishes. With over 90 shades to choose from in the Green™ colour collection, you’re free to play with as many colours as you like.
- Green Flash™ polish brings you a new kind of semi-permanent manicure. Green Flash™ is the first patented Gel Polish that strengthens and protects nails. This vegan formula is up to 84% bio-sourced and free from HEMA. It offers a flawless manicure for up to 12 days and removes in just one minute with a gentle, acetone-free remover. Perfect for rocking the summer 2025 colour trends!
In the end, the hardest part of summer might just be picking your next nail colour. By following our nail care tips and maintaining a balanced diet, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your summer with strong nails and a glowing manicure all the way to the new season 😎🏖️👙
