If you are looking for an answer to the question: How long after a pedicure can I swim? The answer is if you want to be sure that your pedicure will stay in place, don’t go swimming for 10-12 hours.

You should avoid hot baths or intensive showers as well because your nail polish could chip easily.  

Nail polish is more prone to chipping than gel nails, for example; therefore, if you are a professional swimmer or you are going on a vacation, choose gel nails instead.

Also, chlorine can affect your nail polish if you expose your nails to chlorine just after you have painted your nails.

If you want to protect your nails, try to wear gloves when you are in contact with water- for example, when washing the dishes.

You can also put a hydrating base coat before applying polish so that your nails are not dry.

Will chlorine mess up my pedicure?

High levels of chlorine can mess up your pedicures, and your nail polish will wear away quickly.  

High levels of chlorine are most often found in public swimming pools; therefore, you should wait at least 12 h before going to the pool.

It is better for those who like to visit the pool more often to switch to gel nails. Gel nails are less likely to chip or peel off after being in contact with chlorine or salt, which is why they are considered more durable.

Pro tip: Darker colours are more durable than lighter ones during summer days.

Most women do pedicures during the summer, so it is good to know these tips before your next vacation.

Does chlorine turn white nails yellow?

Chlorine can sometimes turn white nails yellow or soften gel nails and make them lose their fresh colour.

It is not always the case, and it depends on the quality of your manicure/ pedicure, your natural nails and the topcoat.

The topcoat is an essential step because it will protect your nails, so don’t forget to add another layer every day or so.

Both the sand and the salt from the beach can also make your nails lose their original colour, but if you apply a topcoat regularly, you can prolong the life of your nails.

If you don’t want to worry about your nails during summer, opt for more darker colours such as deep blue or black.

You can easily ruin your white nails throughout the day; that is why you should leave lighter shades for special occasions.

Will the beach ruin my pedicure?

Sandy beaches have grainy textures that are not kind toward nail polishes. If you are surrounded by sand for 10 days, you will definetly need to correct your colour 2-3 times.

If you want to avoid this frustration, a better choice is to try gel nails. Gel nails are more durable, and you don’t have to waste time doing your nails while on vacation.

Your pedicure will definetly be ruined quicker than your nails because of the walk through the sand, and your nail polish will chip after 2 days.

Does nail polish come off in the shower?

Nail polish can lift while you are showering because your nails absorb water. Your nail polish will either lift or peel off entirely if you take a hot shower very often.

Even if you try to dry your nails with a hairdryer, the hot air can cause the same amount of damage as hot water.

Cold air/ Cold water is used to dry your nails, and it will keep your nails intact, therefore avoiding hot showers at all costs.

If you need to shower, do that before your manicure/pedicure or wait a couple of hours after it.

The last thing you can do is add extra protection in the form of a topcoat, and you will probably save your nails.

Conclusion: How long after a pedicure can I swim?

You should not go swimming for 10-12 hours after your pedicure if you want it to last.

This problem can be really frustrating, especially if you go swimming often, but unfortunately, water and nail polish don’t go together.

The chlorine in the swimming pools or saltwater in the oceans can cause your nail polish to chip or peel off.

Hot water has the same effect; therefore, try switching to cold water while your nail polish is on.

Nail polish can be really tricky during the summer, not just because of water but because of sand as well. 

This is the reason why many people choose gel nails during their vacation.

If you still want to stick to nail polish, the best advice is to apply the topcoat every once in a while.

We hope that this article has given you the information you need and that you are ready to decide.