How to Look After Your Hands, Nails & Gel Polish in the Heat

Summer brings sunshine, holidays, garden parties and plenty of time outdoors - but while you're protecting your skin with SPF, don't forget that your hands, nails and gel polish needs a little extra care too.

Heat, UV exposure, swimming pools, seawater and dehydration can all affect the health of your nails and the longevity of your gel polish. Here are our top tips to keep your hands looking and feeling their best all summer long.

Colours Shown: Friday Feeling, Drum Solo, White Gel Paint  

Store Your Gel Polish Correctly During Hot Weather

Summer heat doesn't just affect your nails - it can also affect your gel polish if it's not stored properly.

Gel polish should always be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Leaving bottles on a sunny windowsill, in a hot conservatory, or in your car can expose them to high temperatures, which may affect the consistency of the gel and reduce its performance over time.

To help keep your gel polish in its best condition:

• Store bottles in a cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight
• Avoid leaving gel polish in hot cars or taking it to the beach
• Always keep lids tightly closed to prevent air and light exposure
• If you've been travelling with your gel polish, allow it to return to room temperature before use

Taking a few simple precautions will help ensure your gel polish applies smoothly, cures correctly and continues to deliver the long-lasting results you expect.

How Heat Can Affect Your Gel Polish Application

While gel polish is designed to be durable, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can make it more susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Hot weather won't melt your manicure, but constant heat, sun exposure and frequent changes in temperature can cause your nails to expand and contract slightly, which may increase the risk of lifting if your manicure is already starting to grow out.

To help your gel polish stay looking flawless for longer:

• Avoid leaving your hands in very hot water for long periods
• Wear gloves when doing prolonged washing up
• Keep your nails and cuticles well moisturised, as hydrated nails are less likely to become brittle
• If you notice any lifting, avoid picking at it and book an infill or safely remove your gel polish to prevent further damage

A little extra care during the warmer months can help your manicure stay glossy, chip-free and beautiful for even longer. Consider using Hard Gel or Lexan Gel as an extra top coat for more durable nails.

Keep Your Hands Hydrated

Hot weather can quickly dry out your skin, leaving hands feeling rough and dehydrated. Apply a nourishing hand cream several times a day, especially after washing your hands or spending time in the sun.

Look for ingredients such as cocoa butter, glycerin or vitamin E to help lock in moisture and keep your skin soft.

Don't Forget Cuticle Oil

Healthy cuticles are the foundation of healthy nails.

Applying cuticle oil daily helps prevent dryness, hangnails and brittle nails. It also keeps the skin around your gel manicure looking fresh and can even help your gel polish stay looking its best for longer.

A small drop massaged into each nail before bed can make a noticeable difference.

Our Cuticle Oil Pen is also perfect for popping in your handbag or travelling for easy on the go hydration!

Stay Hydrated

Beautiful nails start from within.

Drinking plenty of water helps prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle, especially during hot weather when you're more likely to lose fluids through sweating.

Aim to drink water regularly throughout the day, particularly if you're spending time outdoors.

Protect Your Hands from UV Exposure

Your hands are exposed to the sun just as much as your face, yet they're often forgotten.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF to your hands daily, particularly before driving or spending time outside. UV rays contribute to premature ageing, pigmentation and loss of skin elasticity.

If you've recently had a fresh gel manicure, sunscreen can also help protect the skin around your nails from unnecessary sun exposure.

Colour Shown: Strut Your Stuff

Be Careful with Chlorine and Salt Water

Swimming is one of the best parts of summer, but chlorine and salt water can dry out your nails and skin.

After swimming:

• Rinse your hands with fresh water.
• Reapply hand cream.
• Massage in cuticle oil once your hands are dry.

This simple routine helps replace lost moisture and keeps your manicure looking fresh.

Avoid Using Your Nails as Tools

Whether you're opening cans at a barbecue, unpacking holiday shopping or scraping off stickers, your nails aren't designed to be tools.

Using them this way can cause lifting, cracks or chips in your gel polish and may even damage the natural nail underneath.

Instead, use the proper tool whenever possible.

Wear Gloves for Gardening and Cleaning

Summer often means more gardening and outdoor jobs.

Protect your manicure by wearing gloves when gardening, cleaning or using household chemicals. This helps prevent staining, dehydration and accidental lifting of your gel polish.

Colours Shown: Aqua Dream, Lime Adventure, Silver Chrome Powder

Resist Picking or Peeling Gel Polish

If your gel polish starts to lift, it can be tempting to peel it away - but this often removes layers of your natural nail along with it.

Instead, make sure to remove your gel polish properly with our remover products.

 

Healthy Nails Look Beautiful in Every Season

Looking after your hands and nails doesn't require lots of time - just a few simple daily habits can make a huge difference.

By keeping your hands moisturised, using cuticle oil, protecting your skin from the sun and treating your nails with care, like you do your skin, you'll enjoy healthy, beautiful nails and longer-lasting gel polish all summer long.

Whether you're heading to the beach, relaxing by the pool or enjoying a staycation, your hands deserve just as much attention as the rest of your skincare routine.