Summer is a great time to have a bright seasonal manicure. Your perfect summer manicure will quickly turn into a mess if it comes in contact with chlorine or saltwater when you dive into the pool or ocean. Keep reading to learn seven simple tips to help you maintain your summer manicure while on vacation. Protect your nails from the ocean and chlorine You can prevent your nail polish from discoloring and chipping while you are swimming.
1. Gel Manicure
Gel nails will not chip, even if they are exposed to chlorine or saltwater for a long time. Gel manicures may eventually chip or peel off your nails. However, a new set of gel nails will not be irreversibly damaged if you spend a few minutes in the sea or jacuzzi.
Next time you go to your nail salon ask for a regular manicure, but instead request that they use gel polish. You will have nails that are smooth, durable, and resistant to chips for two weeks.
2. Use a Nail strengthener
Nail strengtheners are clear polishes that are formulated with special ingredients to keep your nails strong and hard. If your nails are naturally thin, or you have nail beds that were weakened by acrylics, nail strengthening products can prevent the nail polish from chipping.
After you apply your regular manicure, simply top it off with one to two coats of nail strengthener to seal the polish in and keep it from peeling when exposed to moisture.
3. Apply Glitter Polish
Apply a glitter topcoat to your nails before heading to the pool or beach if you want to sparkle.
Glitter polish is stronger than standard nail polish. It’s less likely that it will chip or peel when immersed in chlorinated waters, the ocean, etc. Glitter nail polish is also more forgiving than polishes with a matte finish. If it does happen to chip, it is much less visible.
4. Keep your layers thin
When applying a manicure for the pool, one of the most common mistakes is to use several layers of nail polish in order to keep your nails from chipping.
If you expose your nails to harsh water, they will be more susceptible to peeling and chipping if you apply too many layers of nail polish. To prevent your manicure from peeling away as soon you step into water, apply one to two thin coats instead of thick ones.
5. Reapplying Clear Polish
To prevent your manicure from peeling off or chipping in the ocean, apply a fresh layer of clear polish on your nails the morning you plan to go to the pool or beach.
Applying clear nail polish every morning will help to keep your manicure looking fresh and seal in the polish. It will also prevent your nails from chipping. Apply a thin layer of polish to avoid it becoming too thick.
6. Dip Your Nails in Ice Water
While it might be unpleasant to submerge your hands in ice cold water, plunging your fingertips into a bowl of ice water can be an effective method of keeping your manicure chip and peel-proof.
Immediately after you apply your nail color and top coat, dip your fingertips into a large bowl of water that either has ice floating in it or has been frozen to the point of almost freezing without actually solidifying. Keep your fingertips submerged for approximately five minutes in the ice water. Your nails will emerge completely dry and will have extra strength and staying power to ward against chipping and peeling in the ocean or chlorinated water.
7. Let Each Layer Dry
A chip-proof manicure requires that each polish layer be completely dry before the next one is applied. If you don’t allow each layer to dry thoroughly before you apply the second coat, your polish may end up peeling in large, unsightly layers.
It is not necessary to apply each layer of polish for 15 minutes. After your polish has been applied and exposed to the air for two minutes, its solvents will begin to evaporate. Once this occurs, your nails will have a glassy look and you are free to add the next coat of polish.
This summer you can still impress your friends by having the perfect polish on your nails after a beach party or pool party. Learn everything you need about Protect your nails from the ocean and chlorine To ensure a harsh, long-lasting water-resistant shine all summer.