Nails Your Way

Making Nail Polish Last Longer

How the hands are used daily is the greatest factor that contributes to the wear of polish. People that use computers or have their hands in water often will have polish retention problems. It also depends on the basic characteristics of the fingernails. For example, some people have weak, soft nails, while others have strong, sturdy nails. Polish will chip easier off weak, brittle nails.

Preparation is one of the most important steps in a manicure. Polish only sticks to a clean nail plate. A nail dehydrator cleanser should always be applied before applying nail polish.

There are different types of manicures available today, such as the water, warm oil and warm lotion manicures. With water manicures, the nails absorb the water quickly and swell, which can stress polish and cause it to crack and peel. With lavender and grape-seed oil soak manicures, the warm oil and warm lotion improves the nail plates condition and helps the polish last longer.

Don't skip the application of a base coat. A base coat keeps the polish from chipping. Do not skip this important step. The base coat also keeps darker polish shades from staining the nail plate. Apply two coats of color polish. Always apply polish in several thin coats, the thicker the polish layers, the longer it will take to dry and the more likely it is to chip or smudge.

Don't shake the polish bottle. Instead, roll it between your palms. For square bottles just turn them end over end several times. Shaking can cause air bubbles, which can cause polish to peel.

Edge the nail. The best way to prevent chipping is to "edge" the nail with the polish brush. To do this you add a horizontal brush stroke across the top of the nail free edge as if you are making a French manicure polish stroke. This acts as an extra sealant. Allow the polish to dry for several minutes before applying the next coat. Darker shades usually take longer to dry than sheer colors.

Apply a topcoat often. To keep nails looking fresh, apply a new topcoat every couple of days. Daily life is tough on your nails-water is your nails' biggest enemy. Water and chemicals will lead to faded and chipped nails. You should keep your hands out of water for prolonged periods. If you want your manicures to last a long time, invest in indoor and outdoor work gloves and remember to wear them.

Be sure to apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the hands and cuticles daily to prevent the nails from splitting. It is best to use a moisturizing lotion containing vitamin E and a good penetrating cuticle oil such as peach, eucalyptus, lavender, grape-seed or myrrh on your hands and cuticles before bed every night.

Lastly, don't leave polish on too long. Once nail polish begins to chip, it can peel away a superficial layer of the nail. Always remove nail polish after five days using non-acetone polish remover and then re-apply fresh polish.

Read Jeanne's Latest Monthly Article In Chapel Hill News & Views.

Nails Your Way
Jeanne Grace Curtis
5900 Orchard Road
Douglasville GA 30135-4726

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770-949-3113