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Sorting through all the stunning nail polish colors at your favorite salon and picking the perfect shade is one of the best parts of getting a pedicure.
After all, the right color can help you stand out or make a more subdued statement, depending on the vibe you're going for. With the hottest season of the year in full swing, Parade was curious to know the toenail colors everyone is requesting this summer, so we consulted a nail tech to share some of the hottest polish trends.
We chatted with celebrity manicurist and Star Touch Agency co-owner, Julie Kandalec, who has worked with Selena Gomez, Pink, Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt and other stars. Kandalec helped us round up a list of the hottest nail polish colors that are adorning toes as the mercury continues to rise.
While we were at it, we also asked the nail pro to share her tips for making sure your pedicure lasts longer in the summer heat and picked her brain on how to do your own salon-worthy pedicure at home.
Whether you're someone who likes to switch up your polish color at every appointment and need some inspiration or you're simply curious about where polish trends are going this summer, here's everything you need to know.
Related: 12 Best Nail Strengtheners That Actually Work, Tested by Celebrity Manicurists
How To Make a Pedicure Last Longer in Summer Heat
Summer can be brutal on your beauty routine, but Kandalec says there's one surefire way to keep your pedicure looking fresh in the summer heat: opt for gel polish.
"Regular polish might last for weeks in the fall and winter, but in the summer humidity, the dry time slows way down, and you're much more prone to annoying smudging," she tells Parade.
Gel polish, on the other hand, is known for being much more durable than traditional polish.
Related: What Is a Japanese Manicure? The Natural Nail Treatment That Strengthens Weak Nails
What To Look for in a Nail Polish Formula for Toenails
When it comes to the nail polish you use for a pedicure, Kandalec says it's far more important to pay attention to the shape of the brush inside the bottle than the formula of the product.
"Toenails can be much smaller. A brush like the ones in a Dior or Essie bottle is more curved, so it's really easy to just brush it on in one quick swipe, meaning you won't have to put yourself into as many yoga poses as you're trying to polish your toes," she explains.
Related: The #1 Thing a Nail Technician Wishes Clients Asked More Often
How To Do a Pedicure at Home Like a Pro
Scheduling a regular pedicure appointment is a great way to treat yourself. But if you're looking to save a bit of money, you can still get a great quality pedicure in the comfort of your own home.
For starters, Kandalec recommends investing in a pedicure kit, like Olive and June's Posey Pedi Set.
"It's a cute pink organizer that you can keep all your pedi tools in. It also comes with a pedi stool that helps you angle your foot so it's easier to prep and polish plus stay organized," she says.
From there, here are some step-by-step instructions for perfecting the at-home pedicure:
- Start with dry feet then remove regular nail polish with acetone-based polish remover. For gel polish, gently file off the top coat then soak the gel polish off using a little cotton soaked in 100% pure acetone, and wrapped tightly in thin aluminum foil. Gently nudge the gel polish off after soaking for 20 minutes.
- Trim toenails to the length and shape you want. Kandalec recommends using a straight-edged toenail clipper.
- File the free edge with a fine grit nail file.
- Use a cuticle softener like the Olive and June Cuticle Remover orCND's Cuticle Away (both favorites of Kandalec).
- Push your cuticles back gently with a metal cuticle pusher or an orange wood stick.
- Wipe away excess cuticle softener and buff the surface with a fine grit padded buffer to smooth and exfoliate dry cuticles.
- Trim excess cuticles with a sharp and clean cuticle nipper.
- When applying regular polish, soak your feet in a pedicure bath with epsom salts. For gel polish, Kandalec recommends applying a base coat, the gel color and a top coat, then soaking and scrubbing feet after.
- Use a foot file (Kandalec loves Dr. Scholl's Hard Skin Remover Nano Glass Foot File) around your heels and ball of foot. If the file is dual-sided, start with the coarse side, then finish with the finer side.
- Use a pedicure exfoliant and rinse.
- Massage with a deeply hydrating foot cream, avoiding the toenail area for now.
- Cleanse the nail plate, apply a base coat, color and a top coat.
- Wait five minutes, and apply quick drying drips if desired.
Related: A Celebrity Manicurist Says This Daily Habit Actually Weakens Nails Over Time
9 Trending Summer Toenail Colors, According to a Celebrity Nail Artist
Here are the most-requested pedicure colors this summer, according to a professional manicurist.
1. Red
Red is always a look-at-me color that helps you stand out from the crowd, especially during the summer months.
"A classic red pedi is always in style, no matter the season," Kandalec says.
2. Solid cherry blossom pink
Kandalec says solid cherry blossom pink is one of her "favorite colors for summer.
"It's crisp yet not as stark as opaque white," she says.
3. Bright fuchsia
Neons and bold colors are always hot for the summer months when you're looking to make a bold statement.
Kandalec describes this bright pink as a "classic pedi color that will never leave our minds."
4. Denim blue
Denim isn't just for jeans.
"Denim blue is a cool girl choice when you want to be the trendiest girl in the room. This summer, denim and dusky blues are having a major moment," Kandalec says.
5. Blackberry
Just because it's summer doesn't mean you necessarily have to opt for light nail polish shades.
"Blackberry is a chic color for someone who usually wears black the rest of the year," Kandalec says.
6. Mint
Pastels are always on trend for summer.
"Mint is reminiscent of the ocean. Who doesn't want to think of a dip in the ocean when they look at their toes?" Kandalec says.
Related: How To Get the Perfect Princess Nails, According to a Professional Nail Technician
7. Light coral
Coral is a "playful and youthful" color that Kandalec is seeing everywhere on toes this season.
"Light coral on your toes is giving beach day with zero grown-up energy," she says.
8. Lilac
You'll look pretty in purple with this summery pastel.
"It's elevated, romantic and looks beautiful with a multitude of colors," Kandalec says.
Related: 11 Pedicure Trends That Everyone Will Be Requesting This Summer, According to Nail Techs
9. Opaque nude
For a clean look that goes with everything, Kandalac recommends trying an opaque nude.
"Not everyone likes a sheer or French pedicure on their toes, but they still want them to feel 'dressed.' A full coverage nude like this one fits the bill perfectly," she says.
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Sources:
- Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist and co-owner of Star Touch Agency. She's worked with Selena Gomez, Pink, Jessica Chastain, Emily Blunt and other stars.
