Let Phagans Rescue Your Ailing Nails

Summer heat, sun exposure, swimming, and outdoor activities can leave nails and cuticles feeling dry or brittle. You can help protect them by moisturizing regularly, using sunscreen on your hands, rinsing off chlorine after swimming, and wearing appropriate footwear or gloves during outdoor activities.

To care for your nails during summer:

• Apply hand and foot cream regularly.
• Use sunscreen on exposed hands and feet.
• Rinse and dry your hands, feet, and hair after swimming.
• Wear protective footwear or gloves during outdoor activities.
• Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
• Schedule a manicure or pedicure when your nails need extra care.

Here’s a closer look at common summer factors that may affect your nails.

Dry Weather

In Portland and Vancouver, summer weather can become noticeably drier. Dry weather and wind may leave your skin, cuticles, fingernails, and toenails feeling dry. Use hand and foot cream regularly, and drink water throughout the day to support your normal hydration needs.

Sun Exposure

Extended amounts of sun that we’re so grateful for during the summer season can also harm your skin and nails. In addition to sunburn, sun exposure can dry cuticles and harm your nail growth. Always use a sunscreen on your skin and hands to help protect them during the summer.

Chlorine

Hot, sunny weather means more time in the pool. But chemicals like chlorine in the pool can do fast damage to your easy, breezy, summer look by turning hair greenish, fading polish on your nails, and making previously healthy nails brittle, weak, and prone to breakage. To combat this damage, always wear base and top coats with your polish and wash and dry your hands and hair after a dip in the pool.

Outdoor Activity

Whether you are surfing, hiking, gardening, or simply barbecuing in the back yard, more time outdoors can equate to more exposure to the elements. As we’ve seen, wind, sun and dry weather can cause dry, brittle nails and flaky, callused feet. Be sure to moisturize and use sunscreen.

Diet

Sometimes in the summer we’re eating on the run and not getting the nutrients we need to keep our nails healthy. Be sure to drink lots of water, indulge in the bevy of fresh fruits and veggies available at the local farmers’ market, and take your vitamins. Your nails will thank you for it.

Give Your Nails Some Extra Care

The Phagans student salon offers current manicure and pedicure services performed by students under instructor supervision. Explore the nail service menu or schedule an appointment at the Happy Valley location.