Summer is a time to show off your skin, and that includes your nails! But with all the beach trips, pool parties, and outdoor activities, your nails are exposed to a lot of wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to take care of them, so they can look their best all summer long. In this article, I’ll share some DIY nail care tips to help you get your nails summer-ready!Understanding the Anatomy of Nails

Before we dive into the nail care tips, let’s first understand the anatomy of nails. Nails are made up of layers of a protein called keratin. The visible part of the nail is called the nail plate, while the skin around the nail is called the nail fold. The white half-moon shape at the base of the nail is called the lunula. The nail bed sits underneath the nail plate and is responsible for the growth of new nails.

Common Nail Problems During Summer

During the summer, nails can face a lot of problems due to exposure to water, sun, and sand. Some common nail problems during summer include:

• Dry, brittle nails
• Yellowing of nails due to prolonged exposure to the sun
• Fungal infections due to exposure to damp and humid conditions
• Cracked and split nails due to exposure to saltwater and chlorine

DIY Nail Care Tips for Healthy Summer Nails

Here are some DIY nail care tips to help you maintain healthy nails during summer:

1. Keep Your Nails Hydrated

Just like your skin, your nails need hydration too! Apply cuticle oil or a moisturizing hand cream to your nails and cuticles daily to keep them hydrated. This will prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle.

2. Trim Your Nails Regularly

Trim your nails regularly to prevent them from breaking or splitting. Use a nail clipper to trim your nails straight across, and then file them into your desired shape. Avoid using metal files as they can damage your nails.

3. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails, such as acetone-based nail polish removers. Instead, opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover or try removing your nail polish with coconut oil. Harsh chemicals can strip your nails of their natural oils, making them dry and brittle.

4. Use Sunscreen on Your Nails

Your nails can also get sunburned! Apply sunscreen to your nails and cuticles before heading out in the sun. This will prevent them from yellowing and becoming brittle due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

Prepping Your Nails for Summer Nail Art

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun and colorful nail art! But before you start, it’s important to prep your nails properly. Here are some tips to get your nails ready for summer nail art:

1. Buff Your Nails

Use a nail buffer to buff your nails gently. This will smooth out any ridges on your nails, making them easier to paint. Be careful not to over-buff your nails, as this can weaken them.

2. Apply a Base Coat

Before applying any nail polish, apply a base coat to your nails. This will protect your nails from staining and help your nail polish last longer.

3. Use Quick-Drying Nail Polish

Opt for quick-drying nail polish during the summer, as it will dry faster and prevent smudging. You can also try a gel nail polish, which lasts longer than regular nail polish.

Trending Summer Nail Art Ideas

Now that your nails are prepped and ready, it’s time to try out some trendy summer nail art ideas! Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Gradient Nails

Create a gradient effect on your nails using different shades of the same color. Start by applying the lightest shade to your nails, and then gradually apply darker shades towards the tips of your nails.

2. Floral Nails

Add some flower power to your nails with some floral nail art! You can use nail stamps or freehand draw flowers on your nails using different colors.

3. Neon Nails

Go bold with some neon nails! Neon colors are perfect for summer and will make your nails stand out. You can try a neon ombre effect or paint each nail a different neon color.

Choosing the Right Nail Polish for Summer

Choosing the right nail polish for summer is important to ensure your nails stay healthy and look great. Here are some tips to help you choose the right nail polish for summer:

1. Look for Breathable Nail Polish

Look for nail polish that is breathable and allows air and moisture to pass through. This will prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle.

2. Opt for Water-Resistant Nail Polish

Opt for water-resistant nail polish during the summer, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time in the water. Water-resistant nail polish will prevent your nails from getting soft and peeling.

3. Choose Bright Colors

Summer is all about bright and bold colors! Opt for shades like coral, pink, and turquoise to add some fun to your nails.

Nail Polish Storage and Maintenance Tips

Proper storage and maintenance of your nail polish is important to ensure it lasts longer and doesn’t dry out. Here are some tips to help you store and maintain your nail polish:

1. Store Your Nail Polish in a Cool, Dark Place

Store your nail polish in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause your nail polish to dry out and become thick.

2. Shake Your Nail Polish Before Use

Shake your nail polish well before using it to ensure the color is evenly distributed.

3. Clean Your Nail Polish Brushes

Clean your nail polish brushes regularly with nail polish remover to prevent them from becoming hard and unusable.

Nails and Sun Exposure – Protecting Your Nails During Summer

Protecting your nails from the sun during summer is important to prevent them from yellowing and becoming brittle. Here are some tips to protect your nails during summer:

1. Wear Gloves

Wear gloves when doing outdoor activities like gardening or washing dishes. This will prevent your nails from being exposed to harsh chemicals and sunlight.

2. Apply Sunscreen to Your Nails

Apply sunscreen to your nails and cuticles before heading out in the sun. This will prevent them from yellowing and becoming brittle due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

3. Keep Your Nails Short

Keeping your nails short during summer will prevent them from breaking or splitting due to exposure to water and sand.

Flaunt Your Summer-Ready Nails!

With these DIY nail care tips, your nails will be summer-ready in no time! Remember to keep them hydrated, trimmed, and protected from the sun. Experiment with some fun and colorful nail art ideas, and choose the right nail polish for summer. With proper care and maintenance, your nails will look healthy and beautiful all summer long. So go ahead and flaunt those summer-ready nails!

CTA: Try out these DIY nail care tips and show off your summer-ready nails!