During summer, bare nails have become the easiest and most elegant way to showcase beautiful feet in open footwear. The modern wellness approach has shifted the focus from bright colors to quality: a healthy nail plate, a glossy natural finish, and hydrated foot skin. Judith Garcia, founder of the space Mani Cure, shares her top recommendations for achieving a flawless result at home.
Step 1: Cleansing and shaping the nail plate
Perfect pedicure starts with a well-maintained base, as it ensures a clean and neat outcome. The main idea is to work with what you already have: clean, properly trimmed nails with a natural shape that doesn’t make them vulnerable. It’s optimal to maintain short or medium length, always file nails in one direction, and avoid drastic shape changes to prevent breakage. “It’s ideal to combine trimming and filing. Scissors or clippers help control the length, while a file shapes and smooths the edges. It’s best to keep a straight shape to minimize the risk of ingrown nails,” explains Judith Garcia.
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It’s also important to pay attention to the cuticle. It doesn’t need to be completely cut off; it’s enough to moisturize and gently push it back with an orange stick. As the expert emphasizes, the cuticle serves as a natural barrier that protects the nail, so caring for it directly impacts the health of the nail plate.
Step 2: Exfoliation and hydration
This step makes the difference between simply “normal” and truly well-maintained feet. Foot skin requires a regular routine: a gentle scrub or peel once or twice a week helps maintain a smooth texture, especially on the heel area. Afterward, the most crucial daily gesture is hydration – it keeps the skin soft and supple.
A great life hack is to apply a rich cream or oil overnight. Judith Garcia fully supports this practice: “Nourishing oils keep the skin and cuticle in the best condition, and over time, make nails stronger and more flexible.” Thanks to this simple evening habit, feet visibly transform without complicated salon procedures.
Step 3: The perfect color (or its complete absence)
Dermatologist Ana Molina notes: “There’s nothing more elegant than healthy, clean nails. Why did we decide they must be painted under sandals?”
Expert Judith Garcia confirms that periods without decorative coating are part of a healthy routine. According to her, it’s not about the myth of nails “breathing,” but about balance and hydration: alternating polish with its absence helps restore the plate. For the regeneration of natural keratin, it’s worth using therapeutic serums or bases. However, this process takes time, as toenails fully renew over several months.
Step 4: Focus on basic habits
The obvious advantage of this summer trend is its incredible practicality in the long run. Since there’s no bright color on the nails, you won’t face the unsightly effect of regrowth or chipped polish that requires an urgent visit to the salon after the beach.
However, the daily minimum remains mandatory. Judith Garcia insists on three commandments for summer care:
- Moisturize nails and cuticles daily with special oils or balms.
- Avoid prolonged soaking or keeping feet in water for too long.
- Thoroughly dry feet and toes after relaxing on the beach or by the pool.
The expert summarizes: signs such as splitting, thinning, or increased sensitivity of the nail plate indicate that it’s time to revise your current routine – some element is causing harm instead of benefit.
Based on materials from: Vogue.fr