Image by fcassera from Pixabay

The holiday pre-departure checklist is overwhelming, organising the house, pets, wardrobes, itineraries, medications, beauty essentials… etc etc the list goes on and on. When it comes to nail holiday essentials, follow our curated guide below, along with top tips for nail care during travel. Think of it as a capsule nail edit of hardworking must-haves to keep nails and hands healthy plus insta-ready during your holiday.

The curated packing list:

A quality nail file

The most important emergency item - a small split or snag can quickly become a broken nail when travelling. Opt for a compact, travel-friendly file for everyday use.

Cuticle Oil

Planes, air-conditioning, swimming, sun, cold and frequent hand washing can all contribute to dry-feeling skin and cuticles. Massage around the nail contour daily as needed with a portable and convenient pen.

Hand Cream

Hands on holiday need lots of TLC. Keep a small tube on standby, particularly after frequent hand washing and sanitiser use. Don’t forget to apply SPF 50 frequently to the hand area, prone to sun damage.

Mini manicure options

Light, mini and waste-efficient beauty products are made for travelling – select 2 or 3 of your favourite colours, depending on your destination and season of course. Think sheer nude, classic red or pale pink. Don’t forget a mini base and mini top coat to give every manicure lasting power. Reapply the fast-drying top coat every 2 days to revive shine and for maximum manicure hold. Note: every mini nail polish delivers 10 manicures.

Travel-friendly nail polish remover

For effortless polish removal on the go, take pre-soaked cotton pads with each one designed to remove polish gently, efficiently and without mess. A portable correcting pen will keep your manicure flawless between travel spots.

Top tips for nail care while travelling:

• Manicure shortly before departure – Begin the journey afresh with neatly shaped nails and conditioned cuticles, making holiday maintenance easier.
• Keep nails slightly shorter – If you're travelling with luggage, swimming, hiking or constantly opening bags, shorter nails can be more practical and less prone to accidents.
• Never pick a chipped manicure - Peeling polish off can remove superficial layers of the nail plate with it.
• Hydrate on the plane - Cabin air is notoriously dry. Make hand cream and cuticle oil part of your in-flight beauty routine.
• Rinse and moisturise after swimming - After spending time in chlorinated or salt water, rinse hands with fresh water, dry thoroughly and moisturise.
• Repair snags immediately - The tiny file in your capsule kit can prevent a small snag becoming a major break.
• Give nails attention before bed - Hand cream + cuticle oil takes a minute and makes an easy holiday ritual.