Whether you do your nails at home or get a professional manicure, there are ways to make your polish last longer. Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry about your nails for awhile?
Prep your nails by running nail polish remover over them, even if you don’t have any polish on. This removes any excess oils on your nails. If you have oils, then the polish won’t stick as well, which can lead to chipping.
If you don’t have polish remover, try running a paper towel soaked in white vinegar across your nails. This will also help remove excess oils.
Before applying polish always buff out your nails. Even the smallest of dents or bumps can cause cracking of your polish.
While it is always a good idea to apply a base coat before painting your nails, you want to start by applying a coat just on the top half of your nails. This better protects the top of your nails, which is where chipping usually starts. You can also invest in a rubberized base coat which really helps your polish last.
Nail polish will spread better when it isn’t cold, so roll the bottle between your hands before using it. This gets some heat going and warms up the polish.
If you get a spa manicure you probably notice that the manicurist will apply several thin coats. If you are doing polish at home invest the time to follow this rule. Allow yourself enough time so you don’t feel rushed and tempted to just put on one thick coat. It just won’t last as well.
Don’t let the polish dry completely before applying your finishing top coat. The top coat works better if your polish is still a little wet. Make sure to run the top coat along the top of the nail and just underneath it to get a good seal around the tips of the nails.
Avoid washing your hands in really hot water for at least 12 hours following your manicure. You can also apply some top coat every few days to keep the polish protected.