When your nails are not looking their best, the quickest and easiest way to fix them is with a nice manicure. It’s also an easy way to look put together in a pinch. But even the best manicures don’t last forever. After a few days, you’re back to square one— chipping polish and jagged edges. While the perfect solution varies from person to person, there are some general guidelines for making your nail polish last as long as possible.
- Basic Information:
It’s always a good idea to take care of your nails before you apply any manicures. Regardless of the thickness or length, you must have a clean and dry surface before polishing. If you have time, use an acetone-based nail polish remover to ensure every trace of residue is removed. However, if your nails are just in dire need of a touch-up, then the cotton ball soaked in acetone will suffice.
- Wipe your nails:
Before applying the polish, wipe down your cute nails with a nail polish remover towelette. Wipe it over your nails several times to eliminate oil and grime. It will help your manicure last longer because it will only get removed slowly when you wash your hands or pick up things like doorknobs.
- Apply the base coat:
Many people swear by applying a clear base coat to their nails. It’s typically an opaque polish, and it can provide extra protection from chips. However, many people think it’s not worth the spare time, especially when they complain about chipping after just a few days. But if you’re skipping the base coat, you may find that your manicure is more prone to chips later. So if this is the case for you and your nails are still looking good, go ahead and apply clear nail polish as the first step in your prep routine.
- Try a shorter length:
Longer nails are more prone to chips because they are thinner and have a greater surface area. You may have noticed that your ten-minute manicures tend to last longer than the ones you do while watching Scandal. Instead of long nails, try rocking a shorter length. It can be easy to go overboard on the size of your nails, but consider going for something like an almond shape or square shape for a longer-lasting manicure.
- Protect with products:
Some new products claim to help protect your manicure from chipping and peeling. Like most people, you don’t want to spend much money on nail care products and tend not to notice any difference between one product over another. Consider trying a few of these products and see which one fits best. Your nails will be thanking you.
- Use Glitter:
The classic manicure is all about adding some sparkle. If you want to change your look and feel, try using glitter polish as a base coat instead of your regular clear nail polish. It looks like any other nail polish and gives your nails a striking look.
Conclusion:
The key to having your manicure last longer is a good base coat, a protective layer, and a product to help keep it in place. Combined with the steps above, your manicure can last as long as you want. It’s not the prettiest, but it’s also not something you will have to worry about if you pop a bottle of lacquer remover in the bathroom vanity after you’ve finished with your nails.
