Summer Foot care: How to Keep Your Feet and Toenails Healthy in the Heat
With sandal season in full swing, many of us start paying more attention to our feet - but healthy summer feet are about more than a fresh coat of polish. Whether you’re heading on holiday or just switching to open-toe shoes, here’s what you need to know to keep your toenails strong, smooth, and looking their best.
From avoiding common damage to knowing when it’s time to take a break from gel, these tips are all based on professional best practice - not outdated myths or viral trends.
Avoid Acrylic or Builder Gel on Toes
Acrylic and builder gel (often marketed as “BIAB toes”) might seem like a good idea for a flawless pedicure that lasts all summer - but they’re not recommended by most professional nail techs.
Here’s why these products are a poor choice for toenails:
They’re too rigid - Toenails naturally need some flexibility. Heavy, inflexible overlays like acrylic or builder gel can cause pressure, pain, and even long-term damage when toes swell in the heat or press against sandals and shoes.
They hide damage - Cracks, trauma, or infections can go unnoticed under a thick layer of gel or acrylic.
Risk of lifting and moisture build-up - If any lifting occurs, moisture and bacteria can get trapped underneath, increasing the chance of infection.
They’re difficult to remove safely - Many clients are tempted to pick at or force off heavy overlays, which can cause significant damage to the nail plate.
Pro Tip: If your toenails need a little extra strength, a thin layer of gel polish or base coat is fine - but anything more should be avoided. Toenails grow slower and don’t tolerate heavy products well.
Don’t Leave Gel Polish on Your Toes for Too Long
Gel polish can last longer on toes than fingers - often staying chip-free for weeks. But that doesn’t mean you should leave it on indefinitely.
Why you need to remove and reapply regularly:
Keratin Granulation - Leaving polish on too long (over 4 weeks) can dehydrate the nail plate, leading to white, chalky patches known as keratin granulation. This is a sign of surface damage and can weaken the nail.
Higher Risk of Infection - Damaged or dried-out nail plates are more susceptible to fungal infections, especially in warm, humid summer conditions.
Undetected Issues - If damage, trauma, or lifting occurs under gel polish, it may go unnoticed unless you’re regularly checking the nail plate.
Pigment Staining - Leaving pigmented polish on for too long increases the risk of nail discolouration.
What to do instead:
Stick to 3–4 week maximum wear time for gel polish on toes.
Allow occasional breaks between applications - even toes need recovery time.
Moisturise regularly with cuticle oil and hydrating foot creams.
Never pick off gel polish - always remove it properly using professional techniques.
Remember: nails don’t “breathe,” but they do need moisture, proper removal, and time for assessment.
Don’t Keep Toenails Too Long
Long toenails might look elegant in photos, but in real life, they’re a recipe for discomfort - and potential injury.
Toenails that extend too far past the tip of the toe are more likely to catch, crack, or break.
Shoes put constant pressure on the nails, especially in summer when feet may swell, and sandals can shift or rub.
Too-long toenails also increase the chance of bruising or lifting, particularly if you’re walking more or wearing open shoes.
Aim to keep toenails filed just past the free edge of the toe - not much longer than the skin. Use a gentle, straight-across file motion to avoid ingrown corners.
Regular Polish is a Great Summer Option
Don’t underestimate regular nail polish - it often lasts much longer on toes than it does on fingers. While it doesn’t have the same instant-dry finish as gel, it’s:
Less dehydrating
Easy to remove at home
Perfect for a quick switch-up before holidays or special occasions
Bonus tip: use a fast-dry topcoat and apply thin layers to avoid smudges. If you’re not confident with regular polish, a professional pedicure using high-quality polish can last 2–3 weeks easily on toes.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your feet in summer is about more than the right sandals - it’s about knowing what your nails need to stay healthy, strong, and beautiful. With the right routine and smart choices (like skipping builder gel toes and reapplying gel polish regularly), you can enjoy fresh, photo-ready feet all season long.
Want More Expert Advice?
I offer accredited training in manicures, pedicures, gel polish, builder gel, and more - perfect for aspiring nail techs who want to learn how to look after clients’ nails and their own.
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