How to Make Your Nails Last Longer on Holiday

There's nothing worse than spending time and money getting your holiday nails absolutely perfect... only to spot lifting or damage halfway through your trip.

Whether you're heading abroad, enjoying a UK staycation or simply making the most of summer here in Devon, your normal routine tends to go completely out of the window on holiday.

Swimming. Sea water. Sun cream. Suitcases. Long days out. More time around water. And, of course, the temptation to use your nails to open something they were definitely not designed to open. 😂

The good news is that you don't need to spend your holiday worrying about your manicure.

A little planning before you travel – and a few sensible habits while you're away – can help you look after your nails without turning nail aftercare into another item on the itinerary.

Here's what I recommend to my clients before they head off on holiday. ☀️💅

Choose the right treatment before you go

Good holiday nails start before you've even packed your suitcase.

Gel, BIAB and extensions don't all do exactly the same job, so the right treatment depends on your natural nails, the length you want, your lifestyle and what you've got planned while you're away.

For example, if you're spending two weeks swimming, exploring and hauling luggage around, we might make different decisions about your length and shape than we would for a normal week at home.

The aim isn't simply to choose whichever treatment somebody online says “lasts longest”.

It's to choose something appropriate for your nails and your holiday.

If you're deciding between gel and BIAB, my guide to gel vs BIAB nails explains the differences.

Time your appointment carefully

If possible, book your nail appointment fairly close to your holiday rather than several weeks before you travel.

That way, you're heading away with less regrowth and a freshly maintained manicure.

But don't leave everything until the absolute last minute either.

If you already know you're going away, book ahead – summer appointments can disappear quickly, especially around school holidays and popular travel dates.

And if you're unsure when to book, tell me when you're travelling. I can help you work backwards from your departure date.

Proper nail preparation matters

Long-lasting nails don't start with the colour.

They start with proper preparation.

Before applying gel, BIAB or another enhancement system, the natural nail needs to be appropriately prepared.

This includes things such as:

• Preparing the nail plate correctly

• Removing unwanted cuticle from the nail plate

• Ensuring the nail is clean and dry

• Choosing suitable products

• Applying the product correctly

• Ensuring the product is properly cured

Poor preparation can contribute to lifting and premature wear.

This is one of the reasons why professional application matters.

A beautiful colour is only part of a good manicure. The preparation and application underneath it are just as important.

Be mindful of all that swimming

Pool day? Absolutely.

Sea swim? Go for it.

I'm definitely not suggesting you book holiday nails and then spend the entire holiday avoiding water. 😂

Just remember that holidays can mean much more prolonged and repeated water exposure than your hands normally experience at home.

Be sensible, dry your hands properly afterwards and avoid picking at any product if you notice an edge beginning to lift.

If something does start lifting, don't turn poolside into an emergency DIY nail salon. Leave it alone and deal with it properly when you can.

Don't pick at lifting while you're away

If you notice a tiny bit of lifting halfway through your holiday, I know exactly how tempting it is to start fiddling with it.

Please don't.

Picking or peeling product can make the lifted area larger and may take layers from your natural nail with it.

If you've ever wondered why lifting happens in the first place, my guide to why gel nails start lifting** explains some of the most common factors.

Pack your cuticle oil

Cuticle oil takes up approximately no room in your suitcase, so this is an easy one.

Use it regularly to condition the cuticle area and surrounding skin – particularly if you're spending lots of time around pools, sea water, sun and air conditioning.

Pop it in your toiletries bag or keep it beside your bed so you actually remember it exists.

Holiday skincare for your face: 14 products.

Holiday care for your nails: one tiny bottle.

We love an efficient queen. 💁🏻‍♀️

Don't forget sunscreen on your hands

Your manicure isn't a reason to neglect sun protection.

Don't forget your hands when you're applying sunscreen, particularly if you're spending lots of time outside.

If your hands feel greasy afterwards and you're about to start wrestling with bags, bottles or anything else slippery, just wash or wipe your palms as appropriate.

Protecting your skin is much more important than trying to keep your manicure completely untouched by sunscreen.

Your nails are not part of your travel toolkit

Suitcase zip stuck?

Bottle won't open?

Label needs scraping off?

Something in the hotel room requires inexplicable minor engineering?

Do not volunteer your thumbnail. 😂

Using your nails to prise, scrape and open things puts unnecessary physical stress through the product and your natural nail.

Find the appropriate tool – or nominate somebody else's hands.

You paid for those holiday nails. Protect your investment. 💅

Pack a small nail care kit

You don't need to take your entire salon with you.

A small holiday nail-care kit is enough.

I'd recommend packing:

• Cuticle oil

• A suitable nail file

• Hand cream

• Your usual nail-care products

If a nail catches slightly, gently file the edge rather than biting, tearing or pulling it.

And if you experience significant lifting, breakage or discomfort, don't attempt a DIY repair with household glue.

Get professional advice instead. This is for sensible minor maintenance – not DIY gel removal or emergency nail reconstruction beside the pool.

Think about what you're actually doing on holiday

Not all holidays look the same.

A week lying beside a pool is very different from seven days of surfing, hiking, theme parks, water sports and dragging suitcases between three different cities.

You don't need to choose your entire holiday around protecting your nails.

Do the opposite.

Tell me what kind of holiday you're going on, and we can choose a length, shape and treatment that makes sense for what you're actually planning to do.

Your manicure should fit around your holiday – your holiday shouldn't have to fit around your manicure.

Look after your hands and natural nails too

Holiday nail care isn't only about keeping the product looking nice.

Your hands and the skin around your nails are dealing with sun, water, travel and a different routine too.

Use sunscreen appropriately, moisturise your hands when they feel dry and use cuticle oil regularly.

And if something feels painful or doesn't look right, don't ignore it simply because you're away.

So, What Are the Best Holiday Nails?

There's no single answer.

For some clients, a BIAB manicure with a simple colour will be perfect.

For others, gel polish offers exactly what they need.

And if you're looking for length, structure or a particular design, another enhancement system may be more appropriate.

The key is matching the treatment to your natural nails, your lifestyle and your holiday plans.

That's much more useful than simply asking, "Which nails last the longest?"

My Top 7 Holiday Nail Tips

If you don't want to remember everything in this article, remember these:

💅 1. Choose the right treatment

Your nail system should suit your nails and lifestyle.

✨ 2. Have your nails professionally prepared

Good preparation is fundamental to good retention.

💖 3. Don't pick or peel

If something lifts, contact your nail technician.

🧴 4. Use cuticle oil

Keep your nails and surrounding skin conditioned.

☀️ 5. Look after your hands

Sun, water and holiday activities can all affect your nails.

🛠️ 6. Don't use your nails as tools

Your nails aren't screwdrivers!

📅 7. Plan your appointment

Book early and give yourself some breathing room before travelling.

Holiday nails in Paignton and Torbay

I'm based at Southern Strands in Paignton, welcoming clients from across Torbay, including Torquay and Brixham, as well as the surrounding South Devon area.

Summer means one thing at the nail desk:

Everybody suddenly has a holiday. 😂☀️

If you're booking your nails before you travel, tell me where you're going, how long you're away and what you've got planned.

We can think about the treatment, length and design together – whether you want bright holiday nails, something neutral that goes with everything or enough chrome to reflect sunlight into the next postcode.

And if you're still choosing the actual design, have a look at my summer nail trends in Torbay for inspiration.

Ready for Your Holiday Nails?

If you've got a holiday coming up, don't wait until you're standing at the airport wondering whether you remembered to book your nails.

Book your appointment with The Nail Fairy in Torbay and let's get your holiday nails sorted.

💅 Beautiful

✨ Practical

💖 Personalised

Because your holiday manicure should be ready for the memories you're about to make - not become another thing you have to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I get my nails done before a holiday?

Ideally, plan your appointment around your travel date rather than leaving it until the last minute. Booking a few days before travelling gives you time to identify and address any issues before you go.

Are BIAB nails good for holidays?

BIAB can be a good option for clients who want additional structure and support for their natural nails. However, whether BIAB is appropriate depends on the individual client's nails, lifestyle and desired result.

Can I swim with gel or BIAB nails?

Yes, you can swim while wearing properly applied gel or BIAB nails. However, frequent or prolonged exposure to water can contribute to wear, so good aftercare and drying your hands thoroughly are important.

Does sun cream damage gel nails?

Sunscreen does not automatically damage gel nails, but holiday conditions involve a combination of sun, water, skincare products and increased activity. Good hand and nail hygiene can help keep your manicure looking its best.

What should I do if my nail starts lifting on holiday?

Don't pick or peel the product away. If possible, contact your nail technician for advice. If you experience pain, swelling or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate professional advice rather than attempting a DIY repair.

What are the best nails for a beach holiday?

The best option depends on your natural nails and what you'll be doing. A well-maintained BIAB or gel manicure can be suitable for many clients, while shorter lengths may be more practical for particularly active holidays.