Noah Sinclair
There's nothing more frustrating than a chipped manicure, especially when it happens just a day or two after you've painted your nails. Luckily, there are several ways to make your nail varnish last longer. From preparation and application to finishing touches and removal, here are some tips and tricks to ensure your nails stay flawless for longer.
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What You'll Learn
Choose a high-performance nail colour, like nail lacquer
Choosing a high-performance nail colour is a great first step to achieving a long-lasting manicure. Opting for a high-quality nail lacquer, such as those offered by Barry M, can provide you with a vibrant and glossy finish that is designed for extended wear.
Barry M's range of nail varnishes includes the Gelly Hi Shine collection, which delivers a gel-like shine, and the quick-drying In a Flash Nail Paint for those who are short on time. Their All-in-One Basecoat, Topcoat & Nail Hardener is also a handy, multitasking product that can elevate your manicure game.
In addition to selecting a high-performance nail colour, it is important to prepare your nails adequately. This includes ensuring your nails are clean and dry before application, as any moisture on the nail plate can hinder the lacquer's adhesion. It is also recommended to use a base coat, applying it thinly and evenly in around three strokes: one down the centre of your nail and two on either side, avoiding the cuticle area.
Once your base coat is dry, you can move on to applying your chosen nail lacquer. Again, it is best to use thin and even strokes, sealing the tip of your nails with each coat and avoiding the cuticle and skin areas. This technique helps to prevent chipping and peeling, as the polish is less likely to come into contact with your skin, which can cause lifting.
By choosing a high-quality nail lacquer and following these preparation and application steps, you can achieve a salon-quality manicure that lasts longer and maintains its flawless finish.
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Avoid soaking nails before and after painting them
It might be tempting to begin your manicure with a hand soak, but it is recommended to avoid this step. Salon Perfect's educator and manicurist, Vicki Ornellas, advises against it. She recommends ditching any liquid-based products on the nail and cuticle to ensure a more secure finish. This keeps moisture from the nail plate, and the drier the nail plate, the better the lacquer will adhere.
Similarly, avoid soaking your fingernails for too long while wearing nail polish. When you are doing the dishes or cleaning, the chemicals in most cleaning products can cause your polish to lift or crack. Always wear gloves to protect your manicure.
Even when you are not wearing nail polish, try to wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes. This will protect your nails from harsh chemicals and moisture that can cause your nails to become dry and brittle, which will make them more prone to chipping once they are painted.
It is important to note that this advice is specifically for keeping nail varnish on longer. Soaking nails can be beneficial for nail health in other contexts, such as when removing nail varnish or as part of a nail care routine.
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Use a base coat to protect the nail's surface
Using a base coat is essential to protect the nail's surface and ensure your nail polish lasts longer. The base coat acts as a protective layer, providing a good adhesive surface for the nail polish to cling to. This helps to prevent chipping and peeling.
Before applying the base coat, it is important to clean and prep your nail beds and surfaces. This includes removing any excess oils, which can inhibit the adhesion of nail polish to the nail plate. You can use a cotton swab dipped in white vinegar to wipe each nail and ensure a clean slate for your manicure.
When applying the base coat, use thin, even strokes, and avoid flooding the cuticle area. Typically, three strokes work well: one down the centre of your nail and two on either side. Allow the base coat to dry completely before applying your nail polish.
Additionally, you can apply a thin layer of base coat to the tips of your nails after painting them. This helps to seal in the manicure and further protect the nail surface.
By using a base coat and following these application tips, you can create a strong foundation for your nail polish, prolonging the life of your manicure.
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Reapply a top coat every two to three days
A top coat is like a protective layer for your nail lacquer. It adds gloss and seals the edges of your manicure, protecting your nails from chips and scratches. However, it is not a set-it-and-forget-it type of application. For the best results and preservation of your manicure, reapply your top coat every two to three days. This will help prevent further chipping by bonding with the nail polish underneath.
It is important to note that the drier the nail plate, the better the lacquer will adhere. So, before reapplying your top coat, ensure your nails are clean and dry. You can use a hand mist or rub them with lemon to help mattify and cleanse the cuticle area. Also, be mindful of everyday activities that can damage your nails, such as typing, washing dishes, or opening packages. Wearing gloves when cleaning or doing dishes can help protect your manicure from harsh chemicals and moisture that can cause your polish to lift.
Additionally, treat your nail bed and hands to cuticle oil and moisturising hand creams regularly. This will keep your skin and nail health in check and protect your nails when cleaning to avoid unwanted chips.
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Wear gloves when cleaning to protect your manicure
Wearing gloves while cleaning is a great way to protect your manicure and keep your nail varnish looking fresh for longer. It is one of the easiest ways to avoid chips and cracks in your nail varnish.
It is important to wear gloves when doing chores that involve water, such as washing dishes or cleaning the house. This will protect your nails from harsh chemicals and moisture that can cause your nail varnish to lift and peel. Water and cleaning products can weaken your nail varnish, so it is best to keep your hands covered during these tasks.
It is also a good idea to wear gloves when doing other hands-on chores, such as weeding the garden or changing the oil in your car. This will protect your nails from dirt and other substances that could damage your manicure.
You can also take other steps to protect your nails from water and chemicals, such as reducing the number of times you wash your hands per day. This will help to prevent your nail varnish from chipping.
In addition to wearing gloves, you can also apply a thin layer of cuticle oil to your nails before putting on the gloves. This will provide extra protection and keep your nails hydrated, which will help to prevent chips and cracks.
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Frequently asked questions
Firstly, make sure your nails are clean and dry before you start. You can also wipe your nails with white vinegar to remove excess oils. Then, apply a thin base coat, followed by your nail varnish, and finish with a strong, chip-resistant top coat. Reapply your top coat every couple of days to make your manicure last longer.
Avoid getting nail varnish on your cuticles or skin as this will make it prone to chipping or peeling off. Leave a little gap between the varnish and your cuticle. You should also avoid soaking your nails, as this will cause them to expand and then your varnish will crack when they return to their original size. Wear gloves when washing up or cleaning to protect your nails from chemicals and moisture.
Yes, avoid shaking the nail varnish bottle as this can create air bubbles which will cause your varnish to chip. Roll the bottle between your palms instead. Also, try to avoid biting your nails or cuticles, and don't put your hands above your head while the varnish dries.
