Insist on this step at your next pedicure appointment to protect your delicate toes

September 27, 2026 — 5:00amGetting toes into shape for their first summer outing requires attention to detail. Indulge in a pedicure with a brief to keep toenails short and softly squared, with cuticles pushed back rather than clipped.If DIY painting, start with a base coat followed by two layers of polish and top coat.Getty ImagesExfoliate feet once a week with a lactic acid-based product to keep them supple; this will also help prevent rough heels. At night, apply cuticle oil to toes (and fingers) to keep your cuticles from drying out. And use an SPF 50+ moisturiser on feet when exposing them to the sun.Once prepped, start with a base coat followed by two layers of polish (be sure to leave a small gap around the cuticle for neatness) then apply a top coat weekly to keep nails looking polished. Allow a few hours for drying, as toes take longer than fingers to set. A regular polish should last three weeks, while gel or Builder in a Bottle can last up to six.Our pick of fashion-forward colours this season? Fresh sky or cornflower blue. Or opt for a fine-line French manicure, the perfect accompaniment to ubiquitous thongs.From our partners