Many women spend hours pampering themselves in the salon. In addition to getting their hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes done, they also visit salons and nail studios to get a manicure. If you do not have time to go out and see a nail technician, there are also nail kits you can buy so that you’ll be able to give yourself a manicure at home.
A manicure involves the application of nail polish to make the nails look prettier and stylish. There are different kinds of nail polish, too, such as basic polish, gel, acrylic, dip powder, and paraffin. However, no matter what type of nail polish you use, there will come a time that they will fade or chip or that your nails would grow longer.
It’s kind of disappointing if you have to spend a healthy amount of money and time on getting a manicure, hoping that it will last for a full week or two, but you notice some cracking and chipping on your nails after just a few days. There can be different factors that contribute to a short-lived manicure. If you experience this often, no worries, as we’re here to help. Today, we are giving you tips on how to make your manicure last as long as possible.
1. Keep your nails short
To maintain your manicure and make it last longer, it’s better to keep your nails short. Yes, long nails are lovely, but they don’t hold up as well as shorter nails do. When you have shorter nails, they are less likely to chip, peel, and break. Therefore, when clipping and filing your nails, opt for shorter ones.
2. Choose the right topcoat
When selecting a topcoat, you need to ask yourself if you want matte or high shine. But aside from that, there are also other things you need to consider, such as looking for a formula that has protection, strengthening, and chip-resistance. It is also great if you can find a topcoat that has a hydrating component.
3. Pick the correct basecoat
Aside from the topcoat, you also need to pay attention to what’s inside. Make sure that you use a strong basecoat that is grippy, which can help extend the like of your manicure significantly and as well as improve its look.
4. Reapply the topcoat to your nails every two to three days
Keep in mind that the topcoat is like regular nail polish too. It is not a set-it-and-forget-it type of polish, and it also requires maintenance. Therefore, for best results and a longer-lasting manicure, reapply the topcoat every two to three days.
5. Fix chips as soon as possible
When you notice a chip on your nail polish, make sure that you fix it right away. It’s because when you let it sit, it might start to peel and destroy your whole manicure. By fixing the chop, you can prevent it from spreading and getting worse.
6. Make sure that your nails dry properly
If you want to preserve your manicure, you need to make sure that your nails dry properly. Most polishes are not completely dry even after an hour after applying it to your nails. Therefore, even if it may feel dry when you touch it, keep in mind that it is not really hardened and settled, even after using a nail polish dryer. With this, treat your nails carefully while they are still wet to make your manicure last longer.
7. Keep your hands and cuticles well-moisturized
When your nails and cuticles have less moisture, they are more likely to break and tear. Therefore, one of the best things that you can do to make your manicure last longer is to moisturize. Try searching for the best hand cream or lotion that you can use to keep your hands and cuticles well-moisturized.
8. Avoid shaking the bottle of nail polish
Most people shake the bottle of nail polish to get even color. However, when you do this, you will also create air bubbles. Once you apply the polish, the air bubbles can cause your manicure to chip faster than it should. Therefore, instead of shaking the bottle, it’s better to roll it between your palms fast but smoothly.
9. Wipe your bare nails with vinegar
When you wipe your bare nails with vinegar, it will help remove excess oil. In addition, it can also be used as a natural cleanser before your manicure session. Use a cotton swab to wipe each nail with vinegar. After that, let your nails air dry before applying the basecoat, polish, and topcoat.
10. Choose your nail polish color wisely
Many people love deep, vibrant, and dark hues when it comes to nail polish. However, these colors are unfortunately the first to show breakage, chipping, and nail growth. If you want to make your manicure last longer or look good for a longer period, choose colors that are more mellow, such as neutrals or pastels. A French manicure is also a good choice.
These are some of the best tips we can give on how to make your manicure last as long as possible. By following these tips, you can avoid the disappointment of seeing your manicure break and chip immediately. We hope these tips will help you in achieving gorgeous nails that would stay beautiful for weeks.