We have all been there. You just get out of the salon and have a killer manicure, and after only a couple of days, it already looks ragged and worn out. Fortunately there is a way to ensure that your manicure will last longer and look great at the same time.
Never Soak
I know, they do it at the salon and it feels great. This is true, but what you don’t know is that this is actually bad for your manicure. Fingernails are very porous and will absorb liquids. This will cause the nails to temporarily puff up and expand.
After you apply polish, and allow the nails to dry, the water will evaporate out of your nails and they will constrict back to their normal shape.
This change in shape after the application of polish will cause your new manicure to chip and crack. So, even though it feels nice, don’t soak!
Never Dry Push
Over grown, dry cuticles may be unattractive, but you should never push them back. By doing this you are causing damage to the base of your manicure. It is also impossible to push dry cuticles back evenly, which causes them to separate and split as well.
This will give you problems later, when you want to change your polish. The best thing to do is wait until you are ready to change polish. Then rub in a soothing softening cream and gently push them back after they have been properly moisturized.
Always Make it Clean
Oil, dirt and water are the manicure’s worst enemy. They will surface under the polish and cause bumps, ridges and cracks to form. You must always make sure your nails are clean and dry before you apply polish. Make sure you washthoroughly with soap and water and apply polish remover to dehydrate the nail before polish application.
Always Shape
The key to a long lasting manicure is well shaped nails. The best shape for strength and durability is rounding tips and slightly squared off sides.
Also, file instead of clip. Filing, in one direction only, is healthier for nails than clipping.
Base then Lacquer
A base coat will smooth out roughness and give the polish something to stick to. Next apply a coat of polish. The best are the non-quick drying.
Quick drying polish evaporates too fast and leaves polish soft.
They dry smoother and stronger. Also, metallic polishes last longer than non-metallic.
Apply Right
One narrow swipe down the middle, then one to each side is the best technique. Apply thin, even coats and allow them to dry for at least two minutes before applying a second coat.
This allows each coat to harden fully. If your coats are too thick they will not harden completely and allow dents and chips.
Maintenance
Apply a topcoat each day to prevent chipping and cracking. Also, don’t allow nails to dry out. Apply oil at bedtime and cream at least twice during the day. Remember, don’t soak, just hydrate.