There’s no denying that getting your nails done can be a relaxing, spa-worthy experience that leaves you feeling perfectly pampered. But when you find that your polish has already started to chip a few days or even hours after getting a manicure or leaving the nail salon, it’s frustrating to say the least. If you’ve ever had this experience (and, honestly, who hasn’t?), you’re probably wondering how to make your nail polish last longer. There are a few steps you can take to get the long lasting nails of your dreams!
Why nail polish may not last?
It’s hard to know how to make your nail polish last if you don’t know why it’s chipping or crumbling. According to our experts, there are several reasons, which depend on the type of varnish you use. With regular lacquer, a polish can chip because it was applied too thick, which can cause it to chip as soon as it is completely dry. Or there may be constant friction on the varnish, causing it to thin, and then you begin to see through the varnish.
What many people don’t realize is that prepping your nails is essential if you want your nail polish to last. If your nail is not properly cleaned before applying the varnish, there may be an oil residue on the nail which prevents the varnish from adhering properly. And if you’re doing your nails at home, you should never skip the previous and next steps, which include applying a base and top coat.
Step 1: Trim and file your nails properly.
It’s important to trim and file your nails to make sure the edges aren’t jagged or jagged. Keeping them short can also help your nail polish last longer. The longer your nails, the more likely they are to break during your daily activities, especially if you do a lot of work around the house, such as doing laundry or washing dishes.
Step 2: Clean your nails and remove sebum.
In addition to polishing and filing your nails, it is important to clean your cuticles and your nail thoroughly. If there are oils or cuticle growths on the nail plate, this will interfere with adhesion, and your polish will not hold as well on the nail. The best way to prepare is to gently push back your cuticles, then clean your nails with a premium isopropyl alcohol.
Step 3: Dry your nails thoroughly before applying polish.
After all this prep work, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before you start applying the polish. Our fingernails shrink and expand in water. Nail polish doesn’t stretch with your nails, so when your nails shrink after drying with nail polish already on top, you can see that crunch, which leads to chipping.
Step 4: Use the three-step system.
Many nail polishes come as a set of three products – base, polish and top coat. If so, it is important to use the complete system to achieve the desired results.
Step 5: Apply many thin coats of polish.
To prevent the varnish from wearing off, it is recommended to apply several coats of varnish, ideally three, making sure that they are not too thick. Make sure you’ve picked your pick from the list of the best nail polishes (including non-toxic polishes).
Step 6: Add drying drops.
No one wants to spend ten minutes without the use of their hands waiting for their nail polish to dry. This is where dry drops come in. Just put a drop or two on your nails, wait a little over a minute, and voila! You are ready to go.
