SUMMER & NAILS: 7 Surprising Facts You Need To Know
Summer isn’t just about beach waves and glowing skin—it also affects your nails in fascinating ways. Whether you’re a nail technician, beauty enthusiast, or someone who just loves a good mani-pedi, these summer nail facts explain why your nails behave differently in the heat—and how to care for them properly.
- 💅 Nails Grow Faster in Summer—Thanks to Heat & Blood Flow
Warm weather increases your circulation and metabolic rate, which stimulates nail matrix activity (aka the base where nails grow). That’s why you might find yourself trimming, shaping, or refilling your nails more often than in winter.
Pro Tip: Faster growth means more frequent maintenance, but also quicker recovery from nail damage!
2.🔥 Gel Polish Can Burn More—Here’s Why
Ever felt that sudden “heat spike” when curing gels in summer? You’re not imagining it. In hot weather, your body is already warmer and your nail beds become more heat-sensitive. When the gel starts polymerizing under the UV/LED lamp, the chemical reaction feels more intense—sometimes even painful.
Avoid the Burn: Take out the hand from the lamp for few seconds whenever it starts burning or ask your tech to initially cut led power to avoid the “flash cure burn.”
- 🏖️ Sand, Salt, and Suitcases = More Lifting & Breakage
Summer fun can be rough on nails:
- Sand acts like a natural exfoliant, but it can sneak under the nail or wear down sealant.
- Saltwater or chlorinated pools dehydrate the nails and loosen product adhesion.
- Carrying luggage or beach gear can cause mechanical stress, leading to lifting, cracks, or full breakage.
Keep It Together: Avoid soaking your nails for too long, and use extra care when handling luggage.
- 💧 Dehydration Weakens Nails
You sweat more in summer, and if you’re not drinking enough water, your nails can suffer. Lack of hydration leads to brittle, peeling nails and dry cuticles.
Hydrate Inside & Out: Drink plenty of water, and apply cuticle oil daily to protect and lock in moisture.
- 🌬️ Air-Conditioned Spaces Can Dry Nails, Too
If you’re spending a lot of time in cold, air-conditioned rooms, that artificial dry air can zap moisture from your skin and nails. The result? Peeling polish, rough cuticles, and increased breakage.
Balance the Chill: Use a hand cream with SPF and reapply after washing your hands or coming in from the sun.
- ☀️ Sunlight Boosts Vitamin D—Good for Nail Strength
Exposure to sunlight increases Vitamin D production, which helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is essential for strong, healthy nails. Just don’t overdo the sunbathing—burned cuticles are not a vibe.
Smart Sun: Soak up short, safe bursts of sunlight (10–15 minutes) and always wear SPF on your hands.
- 🦶 Toenails Need Extra Care in Flip-Flop Season
Your toes are more exposed during summer, which means more risk of fungal infections, trauma, and UV sun rays’ damage. Open shoes can also dry out nails, and walking barefoot can lead to cracks or dirt buildup.
Love Your Toes: Exfoliate, moisturize, and hydrate regularly—give your feet regular pedicures, especially in summer
✨ Final Takeaway ✨