Diagnosis Manicure Your Summer Nails Sorted

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Diagnosis Manicure: Your Summer Nails Sorted

We've enlisted the best nail experts to help with all your summer nail needs.

Kirsty Brailsford

Kirsty Brailsford

Senior Beauty Writer

Published 02/06/2010

Your summer holiday's looming and your nails are on the critical list. Here's how to suss your perfect summer nail look.

It's an emergency! The countdown to your summer holiday is underway and your nails need attention. Relax. Whatever your situation, we've got all you'll need to nail a good look this summer.


The nail files

Case #1: The family holiday

The diagnosis: You're seriously short on time.

You've scheduled a family trip with the kids and time is precious.


The prescription: The ten-minute manicure.

Utilise spare seconds with a pit-stop manicure. Sally Hansen nail technician, Jessica Hoffman, reveals six basic steps to a quick manicure:


Step one: Remove nail varnish.
Step two: File nails into a soft square shape.
Step three: Apply cucticle remover and wait for one minute.
Step four: Push dry cucticle skin back.
Step five: Buff nail plate gently.
Step six: Apply nail strengthener.


If there's time Vanesa Guallar, 17 make up artist, advises choosing a fast-working nail polish with great coverage: "You won't need a second coat and it will dry very quickly," she explains.


No7 Ultimate File and Buffer


The kit:


Case #2: The weekend away

The diagnosis: Your nails need to pull through the entire weekend.

You've planned a romantic weekend and need your mani/pedi to go the distance.


The prescription: Life prolonging products.

Make your nail colour last longer with Vanesa's insider tip: "Apply a very thin layer of top coat every three or four days to protect the nail varnish."


Thea Green, nails inc. founder, agrees: "Use a top and base coat to ensure that your nails look beautiful for as long as possible." This adds extra days to your mani/pedi, and leaves you with a super-glossy finish.


Get the most from your manicure with a versatile nail colour that'll suit any outfit.


nails inc. Caviar Base & Top Coat


The kit:


Case #3: The adventure holiday

The diagnosis: You're in serious danger... of breaking a nail.

Your holiday will be activity-packed and you can't afford a nail emergency.


The prescription: Strength-boosting procedures.

Adventure holidays can spell disaster for nails, so Jessica says take precautionary action to prevent nail dramas. "Take the length of your nails shorter than you normally would," she advises. "Apply something for protection and shine. Pack an emergency kit of nail clippers, nail file and cuticle oil."


"You might not have time for manicures but base coat is a must." Thea adds. "Apply before your holiday to help nourish and hydrate nails and encourage healthy nail growth."


Remember, artificial nails need attention too. "An adventure holiday is no place to have a break." Jessica warns. Apply cuticle oil throughout your holiday to maintain moisture levels in the nail underneath. "A healthy nail will adhere to the acrylic better and longer than a dehydrated nail," she explains.


Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener


The kit:




Case #4: The beach holiday with the girls

The diagnosis: You need a style injection.

You need to be looking red hot right down to your fingernails.


The prescription: Optimise your bed rest.

You've done the bikini diet and you're looking fab. Now put your sun lounger time to good use by practicing the latest nail trends.


When it comes to nail colour there's never been so much choice. Vanesa explains that, while neon colours are bang on-trend, nude shades are also hot right now. "Soft or bright colours, you can't go wrong, so experiment and have fun with your nails" she says.


Thea agrees; "You can be super daring and adventurous with colour," she says. "Be sure to pack your bright summer nail polish shades."


Thea explains that the beach is a great place to try out the latest trends. "Nail art is one of the hottest trends this season!" She enthuses. "Use your spare time to experiment with designs such as polka dots and reverse French."


17 Candy Collection Nail Polish in Mint Choc Chip


The kit:


Read more like this:
Nail Bar

Related categories:
Nail Polish Removers
Cuticle Care
No7 Nails
Nail Strengtheners & Protectors
17 Nails
Nail Files & Buffers
Nail Clippers & Scissors
Urban Decay
Chanel Nails
Nail Polish


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