Making Your Manicure Last
ask an expert: nail polishcanada
(Dec.17.10)
My nail polish chips almost immediately after a manicure. What can I do to make it last longer?
Elizabeth U. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and Leeanne Colley, owner of Tips Nail Bar in Toronto, answered:
Nails have become the hottest new fashion accessory. When they're freshly polished, they can enhance your look. It’s a necessary part of any good-grooming regimen. Regular manicures can help strengthen and protect the natural nail. Why risk appearing unpolished?
Unfortunately, polish doesn't always last as long as we’d like. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get past the first week without chipping your mani?
Here are a few tips to help you save your nails and make your manicure last:
Start Clean
Make sure you're starting off with clean nails. Get rid of any nail polish you might have on with an acetone remover. This will quickly remove polish and residue. Skipping this step makes it more difficult for polish to adhere properly to the nail.
Lose the water
Natural nails are porous and expand when soaked in water. It can typically take up to 12 hours for nails to return to their natural size. Applying lacquer to nails after soaking increases the chances of chipping. Try using a drop of aloe gel or cuticle oil on each cuticle. Give it a few minutes to absorb, then gently push the cuticles back using an orangewood stick or a stainless steel pusher, then wipe the nails using a lint-free pad with acetone. When getting a professional manicure, ask them to skip the water!
Base Coat
A good base coat not only prevents staining, it also bonds your nail polish to your nails. You can also use a nail strengthener as a base coat if your nails are weak.
Polish
Apply nail polish with two thin coats over your nail. Thick coats of polish can result in chipping and peeling. Try to leave time for the first coat of polish to dry slightly before applying the second. Wrapping polish over the edge of the nail prevents shrinkage and will give you longer wear. If you have a slight chip, try using an emery board to smooth the nail and hide it.
Top Coat
A top coat gives shine, while keeping polish sealed and in its place. You can also refresh your manicure every few days with a layer of top coat.
Cuticle Oil
Apply cuticle oil daily. This will add flexibility to the natural nails and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle.
Leeanne Colley has been a highly acclaimed award-winning nail technician for 15 years and is the owner of Tips Nail Bar in Toronto. For more information, please visit www.tipsnailbar.ca.
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