Making nail paint stay longer is a top concern for many people, whether getting ready for a particular event or simply wanting to keep their nails looking beautiful for a few more days. A shiny, chip-free manicure is ideal for your overall appearance.
However, following a Day or two of application, nail paint frequently begins to crack and fade, mainly when used for routine tasks like typing on a keyboard or cleaning dishes. Thankfully, you can do a few things to extend the life of your nail paints without sacrificing their aesthetic appeal. Here are some tips for keeping your nails flawless for as long as possible.
1. Start with Clean Nails
It is crucial to start with clean nails before using any nail paint. Premature chipping may result from any oils, grime, or polish residue that hinders the new nail paints ability to adhere. To get your nails ready for the ideal polish, follow these steps:
- Eliminate Old Nail Paint: Any remaining polish can be removed using a non-acetone nail polish remover. This is crucial because any traces of the previous polish could prevent the new one from sticking.
- Wash and buff: Wash your hands well to remove oil or grime on the nail surface. Smooth down any ridges on your nails with a light buff to improve paint application.
- Push Back Cuticles: Use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles gently. As a result, the nail plate appears longer, and the nail paint can be applied evenly.
2. Apply a Base Coat
One of the easiest yet most efficient methods to extend the life of your nail paint is to apply a base coat. It produces a smooth base that improves the nail paints adherence. Additionally, base layers prevent discolouration or stains by bridging your nails and the colour polish. This is how to utilize it:
- Apply Equally: Apply a thin, uniform base coat to your nails. To avoid chipping or peeling along the sides, coat the entire nail, including the edges.
- Allow it to dry: Before adding the colour, give the base coat a few minutes to dry completely. This guarantees a smooth application and good nail adhesion.
3. Apply Thin Layers of Nail Paints
Using too much nail paint at once is one of the most frequent blunders. In addition to taking longer to dry, thick coats of nail paint are more prone to smear, resulting in an uneven finish and quicker chipping. Apply thin layers of nail paints to get results that last:
- Initial Layer: Apply a little coat of colour first. Cover the entire nail using a single, fluid brush stroke from base to tip.
- Let It Dry: Before applying the second coat, completely dry the prior one. This guarantees a stronger bond between layers and helps prevent streaking.
- Second Layer: Apply a second, thin layer to obtain a more even finish and accentuate the colour. Thick layers might increase the polish’s susceptibility to chipping and cracking, so don’t apply more than two or three coats.
4. Don’t Forget the Edges
Although it’s simple to concentrate on the nail’s surface and overlook its edges, your nails’ edges are the most susceptible to damage and chipping. When applying nail paint, always be sure to cover the tips and edges of your nails to avoid this:
- Seal the edges: Run the brush around the free edge of your nails after applying the colour and base coat. Doing this, the polish is sealed, and a protective layer is formed, which may lessen chipping.
- Advice on Preventing Wear: Wear is more likely to occur on the tips of your nails, mainly if you use your hands often during the Day. Painting the entire nail, including the tips, will result in a more resilient and long-lasting manicure.
5. Apply a Top Coat
Applying a top coat is one of the most significant ways to ensure your nail paints lasts longer and stays fresh. In addition to adding a glossy appearance, the top coat gives an additional layer of defence against fading, chipping, and scratches. Here’s how to use it correctly:
- Selecting the Proper Top Coat: Ensure that your top coat is made especially for long-lasting wear. While some top coats concentrate on preventing chipping, others are designed to produce a gel-like sheen.
- Use Generously: Apply a thick top coat to each nail once the colour has dried. Coat the entire nail, including the tips, to get a complete seal.
- Give It Time to Dry: To prevent your nails from smudging, give the top coat time to completely dry.
6. Avoid Water Immediately After Application
One of the easiest ways to ruin a manicure is to get your nails wet too soon after painting. Water can erode the polish, making it more prone to chipping or smudging. Give your nails enough time to dry entirely before soaking them in water after applying your base coat, colour, and top coat.
- Hold off for at least half an hour: Before doing the dishes, showering, or washing your hands, wait at least half an hour. This allows adequate time for the polish to dry and solidify adequately.
- Put on Gloves: To protect your nails from water and harsh chemicals that could fade the paint, wear rubber gloves when cleaning or at home tasks.
7. Keep Nails Moisturized
To prolong the life of your nail paints, it’s critical to maintain moist cuticles and nails because dry nails are more likely to break and split. Regularly hydrating your nails can also help maintain their health and strength.
- Use a Nail Oil: To nourish your nails, apply a nutritious nail oil or cuticle cream daily. It also keeps your cuticles healthy and keeps them from drying out and cracking.
- Hand Lotion: After washing your hands, practice applying hand lotion, paying particular attention to your cuticles and nails. This keeps your nails looking new and helps seal in moisture.
8. Be Gentle on Your Nails
It would help if you carefully used your hands to prevent premature chipping. Cleaning, opening, and typing are aggressive activities that can wear down your nails. Here are some tips to keep your manicure safe:
- Do Not Bite Your Nails: Biting your nails can weaken them and cause your lacquer to chip. To keep your manicure looking better for longer, attempt to break this tendency if you have one.
- Take Care When Using Your Nails: Use pens or other tools to open objects rather than your nails. This lessens the needless strain on your nails.
9. Touch Up Chips Promptly
Chips and smudges can occur even with the best of care. Fixing any chips as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse is essential to maintaining the fresh appearance of your manicure.
- Use a tiny brush or nail paint pen: For last-minute adjustments, keep a manicure touch-up pen or a tiny bottle of nail paints in the same shade on hand. Just apply a small amount of polish to the chipped region and let it dry.
- Seal with Top Cover: Lightly cover the chipped area with a top coat after touching it up for extra protection and lustre.
10. Remove and Reapply Regularly
Despite the temptation to keep your nail paint on as long as possible, damage can be avoided with frequent removal and reapplication. If nail paint is left on for a long time, the nail may become weaker and discoloured.
- Remove Gently: Remove your nail polish gently to prevent harming the nail. Steer clear of harsh nail scrubs and use a non-acetone remover.
- Reapply the fresh coat: Give your nails a rest after removing the previous polish before applying a new layer. This will keep them robust and healthy, extending the life of the nail paint.
To read more blog: Advanced Nail Art Course in Chandigarh
Final Thoughts
You can prolong the appearance of glossy, new nails with proper care and attention. You’ll get manicures that last longer and don’t chip if you follow the above instructions, which include using a base coat, applying thin layers of nail paints, and shielding your nails from water and harsh chemicals.
Remember that regular upkeep and a little planning will help guarantee that your nail paint remains perfect for several days. These techniques will help your nail polish last longer, whether you’re getting ready for an occasion or want to keep your nails looking their best.