The summer season is all about wearing sandals, flip flops, and other open-toed footwear to keep our feet cool as the temperature soars. But before you step out in style, it is important to get your feet up to scratch.

A pedicure is a perfect way to pamper and prettify your feet, but it can be a challenge to maintain it in peak condition for the whole season. Here are some tips and tricks to help you enjoy a summer-proof pedicure:.

1. Hydrate Your Feet

Summer heat can dry out your feet, leading to cracks, calluses, and rough skin. Keeping your feet hydrated is a must for maintaining a pedicure.

You can invest in a good foot cream, apply coconut oil or petroleum jelly, or even use a thick layer of your regular body lotion before putting on your socks at bedtime. This prevents moisture loss and softens any roughness.

2. Regular Exfoliation

Exfoliating your feet a couple of times a week is an excellent way to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells. It promotes cell renewal, unclogs pores, and leaves your feet soft and smooth.

You can use a foot scrub, pumice stone, or a foot file to slough away any rough patches. Some natural remedies like a mixture of sea salt and coconut oil or brown sugar and olive oil can work wonders too.

3. Say No to Hot Water

A hot shower or a soak in hot water may feel heavenly after a long day, but it is not great for your feet, especially a polished pedicure. Hot water can cause polish to weaken and chip off.

Moreover, it can also cause your skin to dry out and become tough. Instead, opt for warm water and soak your feet for a shorter time.

4. Protect Your Pedicure

While summer is all about soaking up the sun, it is important to remember that UV rays can fade your pedicure and cause discoloration. You can use a topcoat with UV protection to avoid this.

Also, when you are out and about, it is recommended to wear flip flops or sandals that don’t touch your newly painted toes, which may cause smudging or scraping.

5. Avoid Barefoot Walking

Walking barefoot may sound liberating, but it is not ideal for maintaining a perfect pedicure in the summer. Walking barefoot in public spaces like a pool, beach, or spa can expose your feet to bacteria, fungi, and other infections.

Also, barefoot walking can cause your feet to get dirty, which may require frequent washing and tend to dry out your skin. So always wear flip flops or sandals while you are out, and don’t forget to sanitize your feet after coming home.

6. Be Mindful of Your Diet

What you eat affects the health of your skin, hair, and nails, including your pedicure. A diet rich in nutrients like vitamins, zinc, and iron can promote healthy nail growth, strengthen the keratin, and prevent the nails from becoming brittle.

Drinking plenty of water is also essential for keeping your feet hydrated and preventing cracks or dryness.

7. Trim and File Your Nails Carefully

Trimming and filing your nails is a crucial step in a pedicure. However, doing it wrongly can lead to ingrown nails, infections, or uneven nail edges.

Always use sharp nail clippers or scissors and cut straight across the nail, leaving a little bit of your nail to trim and file away later. If you have any ingrown nails, seek professional help to avoid further complications.

8. Get Professional Pedicures

While doing a DIY pedicure is fun and cost-effective, there are some things that only a professional can do.

Especially if you want to enjoy a summer-proof pedicure, it is recommended to visit a salon or spa to get a high-quality pedicure that lasts longer. A professional can assess the condition of your feet, provide excellent care, and use the right tools and polish for a flawless pedicure.

9. Store Your Nail Polish Properly

If you don’t store your nail polish properly, it can dry out, become clumpy, and lose its color. It is essential to keep your nail polish in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Always make sure the cap is tightly on, and shake the bottle before use to distribute the pigment evenly.

10. Change Your Polish Regularly

After a few weeks, your pedicure may start to fade, chip off, or lose its shine. Changing your polish regularly not only refreshes your look but also avoids the buildup of bacteria or dirt under the polish, which can lead to infections.

You can also experiment with new colors or patterns that suit your mood or occasion.