Summer is a great time to show off fresh nails and sandals, but it can also be the season of nail disasters. Sun exposure, sweat, chlorinated pools, and dry heat can turn your once-healthy nails into a brittle, yellowing mess. The good news is that you don’t need a salon appointment or fancy treatments to bring your nails back to life. A little natural TLC goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your nails strong, clean, and naturally beautiful all summer.
Why Do Nails Suffer in Summer?
Nails, like skin and hair, react to seasonal changes. The compounding effect of heat, UV light, salty seawater, and excessive hand washing tends to dry out your nails and cuticles, removing natural oils. It usually results in:
- Yellowing: Due to excess use of nail polish, poor oxygen supply, or fungal infections, generally exacerbated by sweaty socks and shoes.
- Peeling: When nails become dehydrated, they begin to flake.
- Brittleness: UV rays and water soften the keratin in nails, causing them to be more easily broken.
Tips To Take Care Of Nails In Summer
1. Stay Hydrated
If you desire healthy nails, begin by keeping them (and you) hydrated. It is common for dry nails to crack and peel. Therefore, drink water all day and apply natural oils, such as coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil to your nails and cuticles before sleeping.
DIY Tip: Mix a few drops of vitamin E oil with coconut oil and massage it into your nails every night. It’s nourishing and also promotes nail growth.
2. Skip the Nail Polish
We all love a pop of colour on our nails, but constantly layering polish, especially dark shades, can stain nails yellow. If you’re always covering up discolouration, it might be time to give your nails a breather.
Go polish-free for a few days every week to let your nails breathe. When you do wear polish, always use a base coat* to create a barrier and opt for non-toxic, breathable nail paints if possible.
3. Wear Gloves for Chores
Hot weather often means more hand-washing, doing the dishes after pool parties, or tending to your garden. Harsh soaps and constant wetting-drying cycles can make nails peel and split.
Always wear gloves while cleaning or gardening. If your nails are already damaged, avoid hand sanitisers with high alcohol content as they dry out your skin and nails even more.
Also Read: Natural Nail Care: Role Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids In Promoting Nail Health
4. Lemon and Baking Soda for Yellow Nails
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and works wonders to gently fade yellow stains. Baking soda helps scrub off buildup.
How to use: Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp baking soda to make a paste. Apply it to your nails, leave it on for 5–10 minutes, and wash it off. Do this once every week (not more than) to avoid drying out.
5. Nail-Friendly Diet for Strength
Your nail health reflects your diet. Lack of iron, biotin, and protein can leave them brittle. Eat more of:
- Eggs and lentils (biotin)
- Leafy greens (iron)
- Nuts and seeds (omega-3 and zinc)
- Gelatin or collagen powders (for stronger keratin structure)
- Adding a biotin supplement can also help if your diet is lacking.
6. Keep Nails Trimmed and Filed
Long nails might be wonderful, but during summer, they're more prone to hold dirt and sweat, causing fungal infections. Thus, keep your nails short, clean, and well-filed to prevent breakage. Additionally, never file nails back and forth like a saw. Use a gentle one-way motion to avoid tiny tears.
7. Treat Cuticles with Kindness
Cuticles protect the nail root, so don’t cut or push them too aggressively. Instead, keep them moisturised using olive oil or shea butter, and gently push them back with a wooden stick after a shower when they’re soft.
Bottomline
Summer is the perfect time to go natural, let your nails recover, and focus on health over aesthetics. With a little mindful care and some pantry staples, you can keep your nails looking healthy, fresh, and Instagram-ready, even in the sweltering heat.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]