The Ultimate Guide To Healthy Nails In Heat And Humidity

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 13:59 IST

Heat and humidity can cause bring dry cuticles, brittle edges, unwanted peeling, and nail chipping. An expert shares an ultimate nailcare guide for this season.

Summer may be synonymous with sunshine, swimsuits, and those stylish manicures, but the season can also be surprisingly harsh on your nails. Between dips in chlorinated pools, hours under the sun, increased humidity, and the friction from sandals or sweaty sneakers, your nails are constantly under stress. The result? Dry cuticles, brittle edges, unwanted peeling, and chips that ruin your fresh polish before the week is out.

But don’t let that steal your summer sparkle, with the right care, your nails can stay just as vibrant and healthy as your beach wardrobe. Mr. Hitesh Singla, Marketing Head at KAI India, shares a few best and easiest ways to give your nails the love they need. Just a little consistency, a few smart habits, and some pampering can go a long way in making sure your nails stay strong, shiny, and summer-ready.

1. Hydrate Inside and Out: Summer heat dehydrates and makes nails dry and brittle. Drink plenty of water and keep them short to prevent nails from cracking or peeling. Trim regularly and apply cuticle oil or hand cream regularly to lock in hydration, especially after washing your hands.

2. Trim and File Nails Regularly: Nails tend to grow faster in the summer, so keeping them trimmed is a must. Use a clean, sharp nail clipper every week to keep them at a comfy length. Clip straight across to avoid breaks or ingrown nails, then smooth the edges with an inbuilt nail file.

3. Shield Nails From UV Damage: Just like your skin, nails and cuticles can get sun-damaged too. Prolonged sun exposure may cause discolouration, dryness or weakening of the nail plate. Apply SPF/hand cream over your nails and cuticles before going outdoors.

4. Say No to Sweaty Feet: Toenails need as much attention as fingernails. Summer heat leads to sweaty feet, and this fosters an environment for toenail fungus. To keep things fresh, opt for open-toed shoes or airy sandals whenever you can. Ditch damp socks as soon as they get sweaty and never hang out in wet shoes for too long. Also, make sure to trim toenails regularly to prevent ingrown nails.

5. Regulate Your Diet: Your nails are more than just a pretty surface. Just like skin and hair, your nails also thrive on the right nutrition to stay strong and healthy in the long run. Load up on biotin-rich foods like eggs and nuts, zinc from greens and beans, and omega-3 from walnuts and salmon. Plus, munching on seasonal fruits like berries, watermelon, and cucumbers helps hydrate you inside-out by giving your nails the glow-up they deserve.

6. Give Your Nails A Break: Bright colours and gel nail paints are summer favourites, right? But constantly covering your nails with polish can dry them out and weaken their strength. Give your pretty nails a breather by taking breaks between polish applications to let them recover.

7. Kick The Nail-Biting Habit: Nail-biting is like a one-way ticket to damaged nails and a breeding ground for germs. If you are struggling, try a bitter-tasting nail polish to keep your habit in check. Choose a nail clipper with a grim remover. Your nails and hands will thank you.

8. Clean Your Nail Tools: Dirty nail clippers and files can spread bacteria and fungi, so give your tools a good clean after each use. Wash them with soap and warm water, then wipe them with disinfectant to kill any germs. Keeping your gear clean doesn’t just protect your nails; it keeps your whole routine feeling fresh and on point.

Taking care of your nails isn’t optional; it’s a necessity. From boosting your confidence to keeping things clean, nail care is a small habit that makes a big difference.

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Delhi, India, India

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