Pro manicurist @nailsbyabigel Abigél Ungvári is here to guide us. Besides creating stunning nails daily for her clients, she always emphasizes proper nail care.
How Much Does Consistent Summer Hydration Matter for Nail Health and Beauty?
Keeping our nails and hands hydrated is key to their beauty. The best approach starts from within: drink plenty of water, and your skin will thank you. In summer, due to heat and strong UV rays, it’s especially important to use richer, thicker hand creams—my favorites contain vitamin E. This care keeps nails flexible and less prone to cracking or breaking.
Which Nail Shapes Do You Recommend for Summer?
Nail shape is a personal choice, but you can’t go wrong with an almond shape—it flatters almost everyone by visually elongating and slimming the fingers. Its popularity has grown recently, overtaking the previously favored square shapes.
I suggest choosing a shape that suits your lifestyle, but what better time than summer to experiment? Clients tend to be more adventurous now, and since many designs look better on longer nails, I often hear, “Let’s not shorten them this time.”
Should We Use Sunscreen or Nourishing Products on Our Nails?
Just like on our face and body, applying sunscreen on our hands helps prevent UV damage, including pigmentation spots. After gel or acrylic nails, salons always finish with nourishing cuticle oil. This is crucial as it neutralizes chemicals used during the process and nourishes nails by absorbing into the growth area.
Gardening, cleaning chemicals, and chlorinated pool water can all stress our hands. I always recommend clients keep a bottle of cuticle oil at home and use it regularly to prevent dryness. This also makes my job easier, since dry skin is more fragile and prone to cuts during manicures.
What Are the Benefits of Visiting a Skilled Manicurist or Pedicurist Regularly in Summer?
Taking care of hands and feet goes beyond looks—it’s about health. Trusting a professional ensures safe treatment of any issues. This is especially important in summer when more skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful effects.
Cracked heels, ingrown nails, or torn cuticles can open the door to infections that may be tough to fix later. Prevention is key. Keep nails maintained year-round! A pro considers your unique needs and skin condition to intervene before problems arise.
Of course, appearance matters too. A poorly done manicure isn’t the most attractive, and leftover skin on the nail makes regrowth more noticeable. Nail trends change fast, and we nail artists stay ready to bring any client’s vision to life.
Which Manicures Are the Most Popular This Summer, Based on Your Experience?
Chrome powders are huge this year—they create a striking metallic effect perfect for festival season. Try blending colors—I’m loving the orange-pink combo in the salon right now. It captures a true sunset, “Malibu sunrise” vibe. Add a palm tree detail, and you’ve got the ultimate vacation look.
Glitter ombré nails remain a salon staple—no day goes by without them. Use any glitter color for guaranteed wow factor. For a truly summery look, try turquoise glitter with milky white gel.
What Colors and Designs Do You Recommend for Those Wanting a Truly Unique Summer Manicure?
The biggest trend this summer is 3D decorations, especially floral patterns that bring a gorgeous tropical vibe to your nails. Achieve this effect with dense transparent gels and mix in pearls, stones, shells, and other sea-inspired charms. Add transfer foil or animal prints for extra flair. Don’t hesitate to use multiple colors—even a different one on each finger. Shine and sparkle are in—this isn’t the season for minimalist nails.
Opening photo: @nailsbyabigel
